Visit to Domaine des Croix – Tasting the 2021s from Cask

I’ve always had a soft spot for David Croix’s wines, although global warming has made it difficult to make the vivid, lively wines that I prefer from him.

In 2021, the cooler, somewhat difficult conditions gave David the opportunity to shine as the fabulous winemaker he is.

Due to the Covid epidemic and other planning issues,I haven’t been to Domaine des Croix since I tasted the 2017 vintage. Now, however, I’m back, to taste the 2021s.

The 2021 vintage from Domaine des Croix

David Croix has made beautiful and refined 2021s with a lovely, balanced, refined feeling. The energy is there, yet also an effortlessness coupled with magnificent airiness.

Most of the cuvees have been made without sulphur, and this has no doubt given them additional openness and distinction, characteristics that are so important in otherwise potentially dense Beaune wines.

These wines have it all, and they practically scream “Drink Beaune!”

The 2021s from Domaine des Croix

The nature of the ’21 vintage really suits the terroirs of Domaine des Croix – Beaune, Savigny-les-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, and Corton – so let’s jump on board and taste.

Domaine des Croix Savigny-les-Beaune 2021

Savigny-les-Beaune sets the scene with a vivid and lively wine. The village has lovely acidity that gives it a “vin de soif” feeling, although it still is a serious offering. While not a hedonistic bomb, this will certainly give you pleasure.

(Drink From 2023) – Good – (87p) – tasted 21/10/2022 –

Domaine des Croix Beaune 2021

The Beaune village is equally forward, with the fresh acidity of 2021 giving it a lovely kick. It’s a good vintage for Beaune all around, as ’21 offers fine drinkability and vivacity. Lovely juice.

(Drink From 2023) – Very Good – (87-88p) – tasted 21/10/2022 –

Domaine des Croix Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Peuillets 2021

The Savigny Peuillets is also a lovely wine with a fresh, vivid note; some hints of gooseberries add to the vividness. A little sulphur had been used during the vinification – sometimes this is necessary to keep the wine on track, so to speak – and this does affect the effortless liveliness seen in some of the other wines. When tasted among a set of unsulphured wines, one really notices this. It diminishes the hedonistic joy and emotional qualities of the wine. Lets see if the racking can eradicate some of the sulpher effect.

(Drink From 2029) – Very Good – (89p) – tasted 21/10/2022 –

Domaine des Croix is a tour de force of different Beaune cuvees. There’s a wide selection from the very good Cent Vignes, via Tuvilains and Bressandes, and ending with Pertuisots and Greves.

Domaine des Croix Beaune Cent Vignes 2021 village

The Beaune Cent Vignes is one of the entry-level wines at des Croix. To call it light-footed would be wrong, but it does have an airy feeling and a certain lightness. It’s open and forward with the lovely acidity that suits all the Beaune cuvees well. A good entry-level Beaune? A good Beaune, period.

(Drink From 2029) – Very Good – (90p) – tasted 21/10/2022 –

Domaine des Croix Beaune Tuvilains 2021

The Beaune Tuvilains is livelier and more energetic, with some delightful floral notes – the roses in the bouquet and on the palate are delightful, with effortless style. This is appealing to the hedonistic drinker for its emotional qualities. There are 85-year-old vines in the oldest part of the plot.

(Drink From 2029) – Fine – (91-92p) – tasted 21/10/2022 –

Latest Tasting Notes for this producer

• Domaine des Croix, Beaune Les Cents Vignes 2015 January 12, 2018
• Domaine des Croix, Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Peuillets 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Beaune Pertuisots 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Corton Greves 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Corton La Vigne au Saint 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Beaune Greves 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Beaune Bressandes 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Aloxe Corton Les Boutières 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Beaune Village 2015 July 11, 2017
• Domaine des Croix, Beaune Les Greves 2009 April 18, 2012

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