2012 Nuits Saint-Georges Chaboeufs 1er Cru

Two thousand thirteen was the fourth consecutive year in which yields were down at least 30%, said Alain Meunier, who produced an average of 30 hectoliters per hectare in 2012. The fruit in 2012 was ripe, though, with potential alcohol levels ranging from 12.2% to 13.3%, and only a minimal sorting was needed to eliminate some dried grapes. Meunier vinified his crus with about 20% whole clusters, using stems for the first time since 2009. He said it was hard to compare 2012 to an earlier vintage but mentioned "a blend of 2009 and 2010, with the richness of 2009 but a bit more energy." Incidentally, Meunier calls 2011 "a great classic vintage for pinot noir in Burgundy." (Importers include Scott Paul Selections, www.scottpaul.com and JAO Wine Imports, www.jaowineimports.com)