Exhibiting aromas of dark berries, cherry pits, dark cocoa and spices, the 2020 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras is medium to full-bodied, tangy and concentrated, its deep core of fruit framed by chalky tannins. Structured and tightly wound, it will demand patience.

The 2016 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras was quite ripe and showy on the nose, more Vosne-Romanée in style than Nuits-Saint-Georges, comparatively opulent with red plum, blueberry and cranberry fruit. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, rounded in the mouth with desiccated orange peel and a touch of Moroccan spice and cinnamon on the finish. Fine, though not my favorite from Clavelier this vintage.

The 2015 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras comes from slightly sandier soils that Bruno Claveliers' other soils, the vines here between 75- and 85-years-old, the millerandage reducing yields to around 20 hectoliters per hectare in 2015. It has a more concentrated and more powerful bouquet compared to either the Vosne-Romanée or Chambolle-Musigny premier crus, more floral with violet aromas developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit that is counterbalanced with a keen line of acidity that maintains freshness from start to finish. This is vivacious and harmonious, demonstrating one of the appellation's more underrated premier crus in a very positive light. It will require 4-5 years in bottle for the tannins to soften, but it will be worth the wait.

The 2014 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras has the most opulent and potentially most seductive of Bruno Clavelier's 2014s, just a subtle peppermint scent developing with time. The palate is smooth and silky, very Vosne-Romanée-like in style, caressing the mouth with a very pure finish with a dash of white pepper sprinkled over the top. This exploits this great premier cru with style and panache, and should be one of Bruno's finest offerings once in bottle.

The 2013 Nuits St Georges Aux Cras comes from 80- to 85-year-old vines and has a broody blackberry and raspberry bouquet, stony and reserved. The palate is succulent on the entry, sweet and playful with candied orange peel governing the harmonious finish. This has a lovely exotic streak, which is an absolute delight. Check this out.