At close to 50 years the vines that inform Chauvenet's 2008 Nuits-St.-Georges Les Chaignots are the oldest sources for any of his crus. Smoky black tea star anise black pepper plum and cassis in the nose are joined on a concentrated and conspicuously tannic palate by resin and caramel from new wood. This appears to be the exception to my general observation about Chaignots yielding elegant and minerally wines especially in 2008 as it can hardly be said to display notable refinement. Still it offers considerable complexity and a welcome juicy exuberance in its long finish. I would plan on cellaring it for at least 3-4 years and anticipate more than a dozen years active live. --- David Schildknecht