2018 Michel Mallard Ladoix 1er Joyeuses

As we enter the 1er cru level of the reds, we start with the most charming, delicate, and “feminine” in character. Michel says that (not to boast) this is the Chambolle of the range. It provocatively takes its name, “the joyful ones”, from its role as the place that young couples would steal away to make out, as it sits at the foot of the former rock quarry there and provided good cover for lovers. Fun story, right? ;0 I am sucker for such airy, delicate detail, and look forward to this one big time.

“The 2018 Ladoix Les Joyeuses 1er Cru includes 50% whole cluster. This has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry and raspberry preserve, plus touches of wilted rose petal and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, focused and delineated, conveying a sense of precision on the finish. This is a well-crafted Ladoix that should give 15 years of drinking pleasure.” 90-92 Neil Martin

“A much more floral-suffused nose reveals super-fresh and airy essence of red raspberry, lilac and a lovely array of spice elements. The delicious tension-filled flavors exude a subtle minerality on the linear, focused and youthfully austere finale that is firm enough to suggest up to a decade of cellaring would be beneficial. (90-92)/2026+” Allan Meadows ———-> “particularly outstanding for their respective appellations and especially merit your attention”.