The 2018 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Le Prieuré is fleshier and richer than its 2017 counterpart, offering up aromas of cherries and raspberries complemented by hints of peonies and cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, its ample core of fruit is underpinned by lively acids and fine, powdery tannins.

At the heart of the Verdet family domaine is the south-facing 4.3-hectare Le Prieuré, located in the Hautes-Côtes near the village of Arcenant. Aurélien's father received organic certification for this plot in 1971, something his son has perpetuated on taking over the domaine in 2005. The young Verdet worked with David Duband, and there are stylistic parallels in their wines: whole clusters, minimal sulfur and long macerations. These two vintages of his emblematic bottling showed superbly—floral and perfumed, with melting tannins and succulent acids—and they both come warmly recommended. I look forward to visiting Verdet before too long, as he clearly numbers among the Hautes-Côtes's most promising emerging talents.