A more reserved and more deeply pitched nose exhibits notably more earth and forest floor character that add breadth to the notes of dark cherry and currant scents. There is fine detail and a subtle minerality to the medium weight flavors that also possess a sleek mouth feel, all wrapped in a complex if once again an ever-so-slightly dry finale. I would once more suggest that this would be best drunk on the younger side for its fruit.

Starts out fleshy, sporting cherry, strawberry and spice flavors on an elegant profile. Firms up on the finish, where this loses some steam. Best from 2016 through 2024.

Juicy, sporting cherry, raspberry and currant flavors, shaded by smoke and eucalyptus accents. The oak stands out on the finish, which is spicy and long. The most approachable of the three Morot. Best from 2015 through 2022. 150 cases imported.

The 2011 Beaune 1er Cru Toussaints exhibits some herbaceous characters on the simple nose: rather bucolic and lacking the breeding of some of Morot’s fellow 2011 premier crus. The palate is medium-bodied with a grippy entry, but it does not follow through and the finish feels pinched and rather dour. Geoffrey Choppin has overseen better Beaune premier crus than this in 2011. Drink now-2017. Albert Morot was a negociant for its first seven decades until they acquired a parcel of vines in 1890. The gloriously named Geoffrey Choppin de Janvry has been responsible for the wines since 2000, when his aunt (great-granddaughter of Albert Morot), Francoise Choppin, retired. Henceforth, they have concentrated on domaine-bottled wines. Traditionally they held back on the level of new oak, although this has crept up in recent vintages as well as longer elevage. Fruit is handpicked, bunches totally de-stemmed, and bottling done without fining or filtration. This was a solid set of 2011s with the exception of an under-performing Beaune Toussaints. Otherwise, the wines exhibited judicious winemaking, clean, fresh fruit, and poised finishes. While they did not elicit superlatives this time, I suspect that more benevolent vintages such as 2009 or 2010 may be worth investigating. For now, these 2011s represent fine Pinot Noirs that deserves another 12 to 18 months in bottle. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083 and through Berry Brothers & Rudd (UK)

The 2009 Beaune Toussaints is one of the sexiest, juiciest of these 2009s from Morot. Freshly cut flowers, raspberries, spices and licorice jump from the glass. The Toussaints boasts striking inner perfume and fabulous balance. With a little air the wine can be enjoyed today, but it would be a shame not to give this another 1-2 years in bottle to shed some of its tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York City; tel. (212) 239-1275