Rateau, Jean-Claude 2022 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. Tasted from a 12 year-old barrel (no new oak in the cellar!) in February 2023, the wine showed beautiful ripeness and concentration, but with the nice balancing acidity one always finds at Rateau.  Will retaste on arrival, but this should be a real crowd-pleaser this fall and winter, enjoy until 2035...