The 2018 Arnoux-Lachaux Les Grands Suchots Numero Efface Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru marks a new era of innovation at the domaine under Charles Lachaux, who took over winemaking in 2015. The estate, formerly known as Domaine Robert Arnoux, has seen exponential quality increases under Charles's leadership, with a focus on improving old vineyards and the winery. 【This wine comes from exceptionally old vines, some aiming for their centenary, and is a serious, cellar-worthy wine】. The name 'Les Grands Suchots Numero Efface' refers to the Arnoux-Lachaux section at the top of the vineyard, a usage sanctioned based on historical precedent. Charles Lachaux has implemented innovations like higher and denser canopies, a vertical press for delicate extraction, and a significant reduction in new oak, with some wines now entirely whole-cluster fermented. This 2018 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Grands Suchots offers a powerful nose perfumed with cherry and raspberry fruit, being both assertive and refined. It presents a deep and kaleidoscopically complex bouquet of wild berries, peonies, cinnamon, Indian spices, and blood orange. The palate is medium to full-bodied, deep, and complete, with striking concentration without weight, exquisitely powdery structuring tannins, and a long, perfumed finish. Critics describe it as incredibly delicate and fine-boned, with a darker fruit profile and great persistence. 🍴 While Charles Lachaux believes there will be less food pairing for Burgundy wines in the future, this rich and complex red Burgundy would generally pair well with roasted game, duck, or fine cheeses. 🥂 This is a decidedly youthful wine, built for the cellar, with a drinking window suggested from 2024 to 2040. It's a magical wine in the making, and readers shouldn't hesitate to acquire a few bottles.