L'Arlot's 2006 Nuits-St.-Georges Les Petits Plets (second wine of their Forets St.-Georges) displays a similar sweetness of fruit (here plum and dark cherry) and direct appeal to that of the corresponding Petit Arlot bottling. Nutmeg and vanilla enhance the sense of sweetness, while smoky black tea and chalky notes supply counterpoint. The tannins here are remarkably refined for a second wine, and the finish long as well as – even while overtly sweet and rich – subtly dynamic. This should be worth following for at least 4-6 years.
Director Olivier Leriche is one of those who share my impression that Nuits-St.-Georges was especially favored in 2006, and not merely for having been spared hail. That said, he reports having had to be rigorously selective, cautious with fermentative extraction, and having retained stems and whole bunches less often and then in lower percentages than he had in 2005. As usual in this cellar, malo-lactic transformation did not even wait on the warmth of Spring, by which time the wines were given a first racking. They show a remarkable degree of youthful charm considering the frequent tendency of young wines at this estate to elevate cut and structure over youthful sensual appeal. (A comparison with a couple of the estate's 2001s and 2002s revealed the similarity of 2006 here to the latter.)
Numerous agents and U.S. importers including: Chambers & Chambers, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 642-5500, Classic Wine Imports, Norwood, MA, tel. (781) 352-1100, and a Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300