Laurent Ponsot Clos St Denis Cuvée du Merisier Grand Cru 2021 Premier Cru the 2018 Cornas les Ruchets

the 2018 Cornas les Ruchets leads off with hints of mint

bark and black truffle on the nose

The intense and tautly muscular middle weight plus flavors are even more refined if perhaps not quite as mineral-driven while delivering superb length on the balanced but markedly austere finish where a touch of cherry pit emerges

Lady May is generally 70% to 90% Cabernet Sauvignon

supple tannins and an ethereal sense of symmetry that makes it stand out from the pack

Laurent Ponsot Clos St Denis Cuvée du Merisier Grand Cru 2021 Premier Cru the 2018 Cornas les Ruchets91 points Burghound, Allen Meadows Here the wood influence isn't subtle and includes notes of oak toast and menthol on the layered aromas of spiced plum and violet. The wonderfully refined and highly energetic middleweight flavors exude a subtle bead of minerality on the youthfully austere if mildly tangy finish. Even so, this is definitely classy and stylish even if it's not like to challenge the best that Ponsot has made.