Rateau, Jean-Claude 2024 Beaune 1er Cru "Les Coucherias

(Pre-Arrival) Beaune 1er Cru "Les Coucherias" is  a steep parcel high on the slope, on the site of an old quarry and much of the sub-soil is limestone tailings, permitting root penetration and drainage, with a topsoil of mixed clay and limestone "marnes blanches." In biodynamic agriculture since 1979, the vineyard is a south-facing semi-circle—a very warm spot giving a full, ripe wine. The 2024 "Coucherias" is a superb wine showing elegant aromas of almond, lemon confit and white fruits with subtle spice and mineral notes. The palate is beautifully balanced by firm acidity, very sapid and pure with a perfect finish of stone, pear, lemon and herbal flavors.  This is a beautiful white Burgundy that is superb now but will be even better after a few years in the cellar.