Wine Spectator 94 points A lush, velvety red, this sports black cherry, blackberry, plum, earth and subtle dark chocolate flavors. Firm, yet harmonious and succulent, ending with a long, refined finish.Wine Advocate 89 points The 2016 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Boudots is the last vintage that comprises all the vines since half the vineyard was pulled up, as the oldest vines—the most venerable older than Etienne Grivot's father—are no longer productive. It has a perfumed nose, rose petals and violet infusing the red and black fruit, understated at first but gradually unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very tensile, but I felt this was just missing some matière and depth toward the conservative finish. I wanted it to give me more. Burghound 91 points Here the wood treatment isn't subtle though neither is it sufficient to overshadow the wonderfully fresh and layered nose of blue pinot fruit, cassis, earth and broad range of spice elements. The mouthfeel of the broad-shouldered flavors is equally seductive and even sleeker but despite the generous mid-palate there is solid muscle and a firm core of tannins supporting the powerful and driving finish. As big as this is, it still manages to remain refined and well-balanced. Lovely stuff but once again, extended patience will be required if you wish to experience this at its peak.Vinous 91 points Full red-ruby. Pure, subtly perfumed aromas of blackberry, spices and licorice. Dense but youthfully linear, showing lovely finesse of texture to its tight-grained flavors of dark fruits, spices and saline minerality lifted by violet. With its compact kernel of fruit, this is neither sweet nor easygoing today, but its precision and definition call to mind a 2014, or even a 2010. Finishes classically dry and firmly tannic, with very persistent flavors of black fruits, spices and bitter chocolate. This very promising wine will need time in bottle to harmonize and expand.
