2018 Burgundy: Confounded Expectations (Jan 2020)

The 2018 Mâcon Pierreclos "Lieu Secret" comes from a parcel called La Chavigne and apparently, after much persuasion, includes fruit from the neighbors’ vines. It is vinified in 25% new oak with eight months of lees-stirring. The rounded, generous, tropical-tinged bouquet features pineapple, melon and satsuma aromas; the oak is very discreet here. The palate is slightly viscous, richer than the estate’s other 2018s, with a saline tang on the finish. Powerful and compelling.