2018 Domaine Nicole Lamarche La Grande Rue Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits, France 750ml

 Interestingly, this is actually quite similar to the nose of the Grands Ech but it's arguably even spicier and quite cool in the context of the 2018 vintage along with a top note of menthol. The pliant medium-bodied flavors possess a decidedly sleek mouthfeel though the tension really builds from the mid-palate to the firm, dusty and very serious finish that offers outstanding length. Patience strongly advised as this is definitely resolutely structured. In a word, excellent.