The Hautes-Côtes de Nuits sits above and behind the famous Côte de Nuits villages — higher in altitude, cooler in temperature, and producing Pinot Noir of a distinctly different character to its more celebrated neighbours. In the hands of Michel Gros, one of Vosne-Romanée’s most respected producers, it becomes something genuinely special. This 2022 is a beautifully expressive wine — the cooler hillside sites give it a lovely freshness and a more delicate, perfumed style than the richer, more structured wines of the Côte itself. The nose is elegant and lifted, with wild strawberry, fresh red cherry, and a subtle violet note that is quintessentially Pinot Noir at altitude. On the palate it’s round and silky, with supple tannins, a bright natural acidity, and a long, refined finish with a lovely earthy complexity. The ideal introduction to Michel Gros — and a Burgundy that rewards those who look beyond the famous village names.