The 2015 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts was showing just a touch of reduction, not as much as the Chassagne En Virondot, nevertheless you could still discern a sense of vigour and energy here, and it seems to gain intensity in the glass. The palate is fresh and lively on the entry, quite an effervescent Les Referts with a sorbet-like finish that leaves the tongue tingling long after the wine has departed. Given the energy locked into this barrel sample, I can see this landing towards the top of my banded score.

The 2014 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru les Referts comes from purchased grapes, though the vines are managed by the domaine. It has an austere, quite reserved bouquet with cold granite/fumé aromas. The palate is straightforward and balanced, though personally this year I prefer the complexity and charm of the Chassagnes, as the finish feels a little monochrome.

The 2013 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru les Referts has a more conservative bouquet with hints of hazelnut and smoke (no surprise given its proximity to Meursault.) The palate is vibrant on the entry with citrus peel, a touch of ginger and orange rind. There is very good weight here, although perhaps the Pucelles ’13 demonstrates a little more terroir and mineralite at this early juncture. Still, this is a decent Puligny premier cru.