PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Joseph Drouhin is one of Burgundy’s most respected houses, in Beaune since 1880, with a reputation for precision, purity, and balanced, age-worthy wines. Its estate wines have long been farmed organically and biodynamically, and its winemaking is led by Véronique Drouhin, who said of the 2022 vintage: “Formidable! And it’s good too, maybe like 1959 — generous but good.”
Aux Cras is a Beaune Premier Cru on the top of the hill, northwest of the town, facing east and south-east, on clay-limestone soil. The name comes from the medieval term “crai,” describing stony, limestone ground, and the Romans had already planted vines on this hillside. The Wine Advocate notes that the 2022 Les Cras is “purchased in grapes from a parcel Drouhin farm,” and for years the grapes went into Drouhin’s Côte de Beaune blend, until growing interest in Beaune led the team to bottle Les Cras separately. It’s said to be “one of my father’s favourites,” according to Véronique Drouhin. The vines are very old, some dating to the 1960s.
The wine is aged 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, and bottled at 13% ABV. The 2022 was a hot summer, with rain at the end of June and dry weather until rain at the end of August “unlocked the fruit,” producing ripe, intense, balanced reds.
James Suckling scored it 93: “Beautiful floral aromas of violets and rose petals lead to bright, vivid red and black cherries backed by light tannins, a medium body and good acidity. This is good to drink now for its fresh fruitiness, but also has the limestone soil’s aspects of strength and stamina in the background.” Jasper Morris scored it 92 as a barrel sample (range 89–92): “A dense crimson purple. The bouquet has a dark raspberry fruit with some plums. Fine depth of fruit but just a little severe on the palate. I am wondering if the sample is as fresh as it might be? Finishes a little raw.” The Wine Advocate scored it 92 as a barrel sample (range 90–92): “Offering up aromas of plums, cherries, sweet berries and licorice, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and lively, with a seamless, enveloping profile that’s underpinned by a bright mineral spine.”
Drouhin’s own tasting note, by Véronique Boss-Drouhin: “Beautiful ruby red colour. The nose displays aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry combined with some notes of vanilla. With age and in some vintages, touches of leather will mingle with truffle and spices. On the palate, the tannins are refined and create a seductive harmony. The aftertaste reveals delicate touches of wood.” The house suggests optimal drinking from 8 to 15 years, with potential for 20.
It’s a classic, firm, age-worthy Beaune Premier Cru from a top house, less expensive than the Clos des Mouches or the Grèves. Serve at about 61-62°F, with roast poultry, veal, game birds, mushroom dishes, and soft cheeses.
Joseph Drouhin 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Cras Rouge is produced by Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, Burgundy, France, from 100% Pinot Noir from grapes purchased from a parcel in the Aux Cras Premier Cru vineyard that Drouhin farms (northwest of Beaune, hilltop, east/south-east facing, clay and limestone; very old vines dating to the 1960s). Aged 14-16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. 13% ABV, 750ml.
James Suckling — 93 Points:
“Beautiful floral aromas of violets and rose petals lead to bright, vivid red and black cherries backed by light tannins, a medium body and good acidity. This is good to drink now for its fresh fruitiness, but also has the limestone soil’s aspects of strength and stamina in the background.”
Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy — 92 Points (barrel sample, range 89–92):
“A dense crimson purple. The bouquet has a dark raspberry fruit with some plums. Fine depth of fruit but just a little severe on the palate. I am wondering if the sample is as fresh as it might be? Finishes a little raw.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 92 Points (barrel sample, range 90–92):
“The 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Les Cras is purchased in grapes from a parcel Drouhin farm. Offering up aromas of plums, cherries, sweet berries and licorice, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and lively, with a seamless, enveloping profile that’s underpinned by a bright mineral spine.”
Joseph Drouhin (tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin):
“Beautiful ruby red colour. The nose displays aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry combined with some notes of vanilla. With age and in some vintages, touches of leather will mingle with truffle and spices. On the palate, the tannins are refined and create a seductive harmony. The aftertaste reveals delicate touches of wood.”
Nose
Beautiful ruby. Violets and rose petals, with red and black cherry, plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, licorice, and vanilla.
Palate
Medium- to full-bodied, fleshy, and lively, with fresh red and dark fruit, light tannin, good acidity, and a bright mineral spine.
Finish
Seamless and long, with delicate oak, and a limestone strength in the background.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Beaune 1er Cru “Aux Cras,” Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France |
| Variety | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Producer | Joseph Drouhin (Beaune) |
| Vineyard | Aux Cras — hilltop, east/south-east facing, clay and limestone; very old vines (1960s); purchased grapes from a parcel Drouhin farms |
| Aging | 14–16 months in French oak (25% new) |
| ABV | 13% |
| Critics | James Suckling 93 · Jasper Morris 92 (barrel sample, 89–92) · Wine Advocate 92 (barrel sample, 90–92) |
| Cellaring | Optimal 8–15 years; potential 20 years |
| Serving Temperature | 61–62°F |
| Style / Identity | A floral, fresh, mineral, age-worthy Beaune Premier Cru from old vines |
| Aromas & Flavors | Violet, rose petal, red and black cherry, plum, licorice, vanilla |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve at about 61-62°F; decant briefly if opened young.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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