(BH92-94♥ points) As complex as the Pruliers is, the Les Cailles ratchets it up yet another notch with its spicy and pure blend of cassis, plum, violet and distinct iron-infused earth. There is excellent richness to the cool and equally pure medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent focus on the explosively long finish. The tannins are dense but quite fine and this offers outstanding upside development potential.

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Cailles 2011 offers quite prominent and luscious (for the vintage) fruit on the nose with generous oak, however it is deftly integrated with the succulent, tart red cherry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. Again, I find that the oak is a little conspicuous, though underneath there is plenty of candied red fruit interlaced with orange peel and tangerine on the feminine, lithe finish. Give this two or three years in bottle and you will have a pretty Nuits Saint Georges. - Neal Martin