Domaine de Bellene Beaune Les Teurons 1er Cru 2020

Be sure to give this wine a carafing if serving over the near term as it grows considerably with air in the glass – one might guess some whole bunch/stem inclusion given the appealingly spicy-herbal, tonic-medicinal character on offer. Whatever the case, I love the gentle firmness on the palate and the succulent acids; there’s a real chalky-limestone/wet stone profile, like the liquor from an oyster, mingling with tart-firm red berry fruit, poised and stately. Unlike many from the warm 2020 vintage, this wine seems to be evolving slowly and has much in reserve – I’d cellar another 3-4 years minimum before re-engaging. This is classy and sophisticated red Burgundy. Tasted January 2026. Score – 94. (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com)