The 2022 Faiveley Beaune Clos de l'Écu Premier Cru Pinot Noir is a notable offering from Domaine Faiveley, hailing from the esteemed Burgundy region of France. This wine is a product of the Beaune sub-appellation, specifically from the Clos de l'Écu vineyard, which is known for its stony soils on the north side of the Montagne de Beaune. The wine exhibits the typical characteristics of a premier cru Pinot Noir, with a focus on elegance and complexity.
James Suckling's review, scored at 94 points, highlights the wine's "fragrant and elegant" nature, with "effusive red berry and summer flower aromas." Stuart Pigott, writing for jamessuckling.com, further praises the wine's "excellent underlying power on the mid-palate" and the "fine tannins building beautifully at the long finish." This review emphasizes the wine's balance of grace and strength, making it a standout in its category.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also offers high praise, with a score of 93 points. William Kelley describes the wine as "bright" and "tensile," noting its medium to full-bodied profile. The tasting notes include raspberries, sweet spices, orange zest, and licorice, painting a picture of a complex and layered wine. Kelley attributes these characteristics to the stony soils of the vineyard, which contribute to the wine's unique profile.
Both reviews concur that this wine is a well-crafted example of a premier cru Pinot Noir from Burgundy. The combination of red berry and floral aromas with the intricate spice and zest notes provides a multi-dimensional tasting experience. The fine tannins and balanced structure indicate a wine that can be enjoyed now but also has the potential for aging.
In summary, the 2022 Faiveley Beaune Clos de l'Écu Premier Cru Pinot Noir is a refined and powerful wine, praised for its elegance and complexity. With excellent reviews from both James Suckling and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, it stands out as a noteworthy choice for Pinot Noir enthusiasts and collectors alike.