Domaine Michel Lafarge Beaune 1er Cru Grèves

I thought this was sound but just too old. Loads of brown sugar and a whiff of volatility; there's very little fruit left and this was helped enormously by mixing in even a tiny bit of the 2019 Lafarge Beaune-Greves drunk alongside (and a 50/50 mix was much better than either wine alone). Very similar to the handful of other 1978s I've had - I think I just like my burgundy younger and maybe a smidge less ripe than this.

Good fill, good cork. At first very volatile, with lots of brown sugar notes (chaptalization?). Never quite loses that character, but improves significantly with an hour of air, fleshing out to show ripe black fruit and classic mushroom/black tea mature notes. Palate mostly resolved, savory, tangy and volatile. Not bad, but seems past its prime.

Souper chez les Lafarge : Un nez floral spectaculaire, avec des petites fraises, c'est comme un grand Rayas! Quelques notes de café aussi. Bouche soyeuse, aérienne, c'est léger, avec une finesse émouvante. La finale un brin sucrée évoque presque un vieux grenache. Plusieurs font aussi un parallèle avec un vieux Barolo. Le plus grand Beaune 1er cru que j'ai pris. 94 pts

A glorious aged Burgundy. Straight from the producer so in top condition. Peacock's tail of a nose with tertiary fruit and a mushroomy, forest floor note. Silky mouthfeel, more smooth fruit and earth with a spicy kick on the finish. Beautiful wine.