Review: Forey Nuits-Saint-Georges 2017

Domaine Forey's 2017 Nuits-Saint-Georges village offering beautifully captures the approachable charm and surprising depth that characterized this often overlooked vintage in Burgundy. From this small, meticulous family estate, Régis Forey has crafted a wine that exemplifies the distinctive character of Nuits-Saint-Georges while embracing the accessible nature of the 2017 growing season.

In the glass, the wine presents a translucent ruby core with garnet reflections at the rim—a classic Burgundian color profile suggesting proper ripening without excessive extraction. The moderate color intensity aligns perfectly with the vintage's reputation for elegance over power.

The nose opens with a captivating blend of red and dark fruits—ripe cherries, black raspberries, and wild strawberries—complemented by more savory elements of earth, dried autumn leaves, and subtle leather. With aeration, the aromatic complexity deepens to reveal delicate floral notes of violet and rose petal alongside hints of forest floor and a touch of iron-tinged minerality that speaks to the wine's Nuits-Saint-Georges origin. The well-integrated oak influence provides subtle spice notes without dominating the wine's innate character.

On the palate, the 2017 vintage reveals itself through a harmonious balance between fruit accessibility and structural integrity. Medium-bodied with remarkable purity and precision, the wine delivers concentrated red fruit flavors framed by fine-grained tannins that provide just enough grip to support aging without overwhelming the palate. The acidity is vibrant and well-integrated, lending freshness and energy that carries through to the finish.

What truly distinguishes this bottling is how it captures the essence of Nuits-Saint-Georges—that characteristic combination of dark fruit, earth, and subtle rusticity—while embracing the more approachable nature of the 2017 vintage. The finish is persistent yet refined, gradually transitioning from fruit to more complex savory and mineral notes that linger elegantly.

While already showing beautifully with an hour's decant, this 2017 Nuits-Saint-Georges has the balance and structure to continue developing gracefully over the next 7-10 years, gradually revealing more complex tertiary aromas and flavors as it matures.

For those seeking an authentic expression of Nuits-Saint-Georges that balances the appellation's characteristic structure with surprising accessibility, Forey's 2017 village offering provides tremendous value and a compelling introduction to both the producer's style and the distinct personality of this historic Côte de Nuits commune.