Monthélie 1er Cru "Les Vignes Rondes" 2008, Prunier-Bonheur

After trying a bottle of the Beaune 2001 at Le Montrachet I visited the domaine and was impressed by the range of well made wines. There is always good concentration and fruit ripeness. This 2008 from the slightly rustic village on Monthélie is further proof of good wine making skills and no doubt hard work dans les vignes. Initial nose of cherries, plums, violets. Cedar, thyme and a resonant touch of rosemary. A ripe plum flavour. Good fruit but drying out a touch. Lovely but not complex. The ripeness makes me think the slightly warmer temperatures in the Côte de  Beaune resulted in significantly better wines than those from the Côte de Nuits. Scores 23/30 for a Monthélie premier cru.