The 2021 Joseph Faiveley Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Saint-Georges is a profound 100% Pinot Noir from arguably the most important Premier Cru vineyard in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. Les Saint-Georges has historically been regarded as the appellation's benchmark climat and is frequently discussed as a vineyard with Grand Cru-level pedigree. Faiveley's own holding is exceptionally small at approximately 0.20 hectares, with vines planted in 1933 and 1974, making the domaine one of the smallest proprietors in the vineyard. The 2021 bottling combines estate and long-standing contracted fruit. Grapes are harvested by hand, followed by a short cold pre-fermentation maceration and approximately 18–20 days of cuvaison, before ageing for around 14–16 months in French oak.
The cooler 2021 vintage has produced a particularly refined expression of Les Saint-Georges. Strawberry, raspberry, dark cherry and blackberry are layered with violet, forest floor, rosemary, bay leaf, subtle smoke and earthy spice. There is real concentration underneath, but the wine is remarkably elegant, with fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins and a persistent mineral finish. Critical reception is excellent: 95 Points James Suckling, 94 Points Vinous, 94 Points Tim Atkin, 91–94 Points Jasper Morris MW, 91–93 Points Wine Advocate and 89–92 Points Burghound. Jasper Morris found considerably more finesse than might normally be expected from Les Saint-Georges, while Tim Atkin specifically remarked on the wine's Grand Cru pedigree.
