(91 - 93) The 2016 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras was more backward on the nose compared to the domaine’s other 2016s, partly because it underwent a late malolactic, according to Maxime Chuerlin. The palate is medium-bodied with candied red berry fruit on the entry mixed with cassis and ink. I appreciate the grainy structure here, but it is more backward and sultry than Maxime’s other barrel samples at the moment. That said, it is clearly well defined and harmonious on the finish, and it should develop with style once in bottle.- NM