Burgundy

The Wine Merchant’s White Burgundy opens with aromas of hawthorn and white flowers, alongside notes of white stone fruit and lemon zest. On the palate, it is well balanced with a touch of cream, toasty hazelnut and a persistent, mineral finish. Well-structured but refreshing, it is ample and charming.

{***}{region} Burgundy {region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Our 2017 Chablis comes from two separate vineyards in the village of Chichée, renowned for its classically steely character. The small but excellent 2017 vintage has given a wine with a harmonious balance between ripe orchard fruits and crisp, refreshing mineral notes. Fermented and raised completely in tank, this is a benchmark expression of Chablis, one which is equally at home as an aperitif or with seafood or a goats cheese salad.

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

This is a blend of five different parcels, split 50-50 between the left and right sides of the river Serein. Raised entirely in stainless steel to preserve freshness, the nose offers smoky minerals and a touch of citrus fruit. The palate has plenty of tension, with just the right amount of mid-palate stuffing. Proper Chablis. Drink 2019-2024.

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}

drink-now

{maturity-text} {vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

Mont-de-Milieu is the Pinson family’s largest holding of the Premiers Crus and consequently something of a flagship wine. The nose shows a little of its oak élevage at present, along with subtle wafts of noble reduction. There is a wonderful concentration of fruit, beautifully intertwined with cool, marine notes. A harmonious wine with great finesse and elegance. Drink 2020-2026.

{***}
{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

As befits the well-exposed Grand Cru site, the fruit profile here is towards the stone fruit end of the spectrum. Spicy, rich, and with a hint of oak, there is outstanding concentration, a chalky minerality and a satisfying, long finish of pain d’épices. Drink 2021-2030.

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Pinson's La Forêt is classically Chablis on the nose, displaying citrus fruits and marine, iodine aromas. The palate is very lemony and crystalline, quite ethereal, precise and energetic, with sizzling power. There is almost an electric feel to the wine, as though a current is running through it. Wonderful.

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}     
[]The Wine Advocate:: 88/100                                                                                                   
{ratings}{***}

Vibrant pale lemon in colour, this wine sees between 10 and 15% new oak during the élevage, which serves to add a touch of complexity and breadth to the vibrant citrus fruit. There is excellent concentration and a focused, mineral purity which shines through. Drink now to 2022.

{***}{region} Mâcon{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

The fruit is mostly from 75- to 80-year-old vines in the village of Fuissé. These south-facing plots are chalky but also reach high temperatures in the summer. The wine is broad-shouldered and powerful, yet with spine-tingling acidity. Packed with ripe peach, apricot and a flinty mineral feel, this is weighty without being clumsy. Drink 2020-2024.

{***}{region} Pouilly-Fuissé {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

From 85-year-old vines; a high proportion of old selection of golden aligoté contributes a richness and power to this wine, leaving a mineral finish. It is great young—as is typical of the variety—displaying notes of citrus and exotic fruits, but with a few years it evolves more complex aromas of stone fruit and flowers. A year of aging in vats helps to preserve the freshness of the fruit.

{***}{region}  Burgundy {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}

The yield here was just 28hl/ha on average and the resultant concentration is noticeable. The fruit profile is more citrus-driven than one often expects from this wine, with a hint of grapefruit and lime. Saline and a touch austere at present, this will fill out in time. Drink 2019-2023.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Two-thirds comes from below Puligny and the rest from below Meursault. This is a refreshing 12.5 percent alcohol wine with very pretty floral notes yet still some flesh on the bones. It’s light on its feet yet very persistent. 

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}

Notes of citrus oil, peaches and green apples introduce the 2017 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Le Sentier du Clou, a fleshy but precise wine with a textural attack and a chalky, medium to full-bodied mid-palate. Colin notes that this is a precocious site that's fully ripe only at around 13% alcohol.

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

The 2017 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly unfurls in the glass with aromas of crisp green apple, lemon oil, freshly baked bread and white flowers. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and layered with a pure, precise profile. Colin notes that this is a warm terroir that seldom suffers from botrytis and is favored by cooler vintages but which has suffered in the warmer climate. - The Wine Advocate

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate::90/100{ratings}        {***}

The most easterly of St Aubin’s vineyards, this is immediately behind Le Montrachet, lying southwest below Les Murgers des Dents de Chien. The soils are heavier, and there was no frost in 2016. There are a lot of old vines in the 1.7-hectare plot and this is an exceptional example of the village indeed. The top notes are flinty and energetic, while the palate unfurls with a weight to match the promise of the bouquet. This offers real value for the quality. Drink 2019-2024.

{***}{region} St Aubin {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Six parcels of vines blended together. A lovely balance of fruit and the light framing of oak. An edge of green pith, leading to a citrussy point; vibrant and delicious. Almost tannic feel with the phenolics on the finish, suggesting much more development to come as it rounds out.

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
    [] Neal Martin:: 91/100{ratings}        {***}

Located at the foot of the north side of the Roche de Vergisson, this is a cool site which has come into its own in recent warm vintages. Young vines give plenty of energy and fruit, while the finish is fresh and crystalline. Half the wine had no sulphur added before bottling. Drink 2019-2023.

{***}{region}  St Véran {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

This superb cuvée is made from a handful of parcels around Vinzelles – including vines in the appellation’s most prestigious vineyard, Les Quarts. In keeping with the Bret Bros’ “house style” it’s taut and mineral, with a sense of latent energy, and is bound to age well. It is aged for nine months in used oak.

{***}
{region} Burgundy{region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

From vines aged over 80 years old and located in the mid-slope sweet spot of this beautiful vineyard, this is delightfully balanced. The perfect weight of fresh fruit sits alongside vibrant energy and purity that gives a spine-tingling finish. An outstanding wine with poise, grace and verve. Drink 2020-2027.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}         
{ratings}  {***}

From vines aged over 80 years in the mid-slope sweet spot, the grapes were harvested at a concentrated 35hl/ha. Sparkling pale lemon in colour, this is very energetic with wonderful layered complexity and a lingering, mineral finish. Drink 2020-2026.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]The Wine Advocate:: 92/100
{ratings}  {***}

The wines are gloriously intense, pure and balanced. The minerality can be shocking to those expecting a “fat Meursault,” but the freshness that accompanies these layered and complex wines is exactly what makes them so profound. In fact, the house style recalls another of Meursault’s rock stars – Jean-Marc Roulot. The same mineral, austerity in youth; the same layered complexity; the same unmistakable terroir signature in each wine. The 2016s have a lot of offer - concentration, breadth and tension. It is a very fine vintage, even if quantities are minuscule.

{***}{region} Meursault  {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

With only around 15 to 20 percent of the crop lost to frost, Jean-Philippe is delighted with this cuvée . A relatively sunny site with vines planted in 1928, there are classic Meursault aromas of fresh butter and stone fruit. There’s a floral note too, thanks to the lovely sunny clay soil. The cooler 2016 vintage certainly suits this site. Drink 2021-2027.

{***}{region} Meursault {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Raised 50/50 in 600ltr and 228ltr barrels, with 15% new oak. Pale lemon in colour, the initial nose has much promise, with a lovely touch of noble reduction. A blend of Casse Têtes and Petits Charrons, the palate has an enjoyable chewiness and a touch of peach fruit. There is lovely weight here, nice volume and texture in the mouth, but with tension and nervy freshness. Drink 2019-2024.

{***}{region} Meursault {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Lovely, lively, fresh, juicy wine; this is superb in 2015. It has its characteristic notes of lime blossom, a lovely layer of flesh on the bones, but it is the lively follow-through that impresses most. The bouquet needs time to develop further. Drink 2018-2024.

After three miserable harvests (in size) and with the 2016 catastrophe to come, Patrick Javillier is very happy with 2015 which at last constituted a “normal” crop. He began picking on 28th August, deliberately very early, as the degrees were already there (around 13) but still with an excellent acid balance. His wines are suave, juicy and yet appealingly fresh in 2015.

{***}
{region}Meursault{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{***}

This has exceptional provenance for a village wine. Two-thirds comes from the Chalumeaux vineyard, which was entirely Premier Cru until 1975, when the top section was declassified after the previous owner applied topsoil to increase productivity. Since then, Étienne’s regime has repaired much of the damage and the quality is almost restored to its earlier level. Two more parcels, Levron and Baudrières-Nosroy complete the blend. A village wine of considerable finesse. Drink 2019-2025.

{***}{region}Puligny-Montrachet{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Trezin always makes for a mineral Puligny, and this is no exception, taut and fine, zippy even, with a lick of limestone. Joseph says that it always makes a wine like this, bursting with brightness, but that if picked later to try to get more flesh, the acidity can go and it becomes heavy. Like this, it is floral fresh, a nice light touch with bright length. Chewable mineral and a feel of polished stones on the end.

{***}{region} Puligny-Montrachet {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100
[] Neal Martin:: 92/100{ratings}{***}

A pale light primrose, this has a beautifully fine, refined nose, with quintessential Puligny class, and then a lush volume of glossy yellow fruit. Vibrant, long and fresh, this is really excellent for village Puligny. Drink 2018-2022.

{***}{region}Puligny-Montrachet{region}
{color}White{color}                                          {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}

Coming from 4 parcels, of which Meix Goudard is the biggest, which is on the level of the premier Crus (under les Macherelles), Blanchots - on the rock next to Criots, and Journoblots, which is under Criots. All are well-placed and make up 1.35 ha in total, so this is Joseph's biggest cuvée. He says he tries to pick it at 12.5% maximum, to retain freshness, and he succeeds - it is ripe, but the energetic freshness is retained. Pale gold with green/yellow reflections. Ripe sunny fruit nose is supported by comfortable oak and excellent acidity.

{***}{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

It is easy to underestimate this wine. In its youth it can be explosive with luscious, expansive aromatics, just as now; but the palate tells a different story, which is tight, locked and uncommunicative – but that just sets things up for the future. This is a very special terroir, tucked under the wall of the Clos itself, and its wines are made to age. Drink 2020-2030.

{***}{region}  Burgundy {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100{ratings}{***}

The 50-year-old vines that go into this cuvée sit at each end of the Vosne-Romanée appellation. Harvested at just 25hl/ha, there is an added layer of concentration this year, while maintaining the sensual, floral elegance I associate with this mini-Vosne. Beautiful. Drink 2019-2024.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

The village of Monthélie, nestled between Volnay and Meursault, is one of the prettiest vinicultural landscapes. It can be spotted at a distance with its beautiful slope covered with vines. The 2015 vintage shows aromas of dark raspberry, earth and a hint of violet precedes the rich, round and supple middle weight flavors that possess a fleshy, even juicy mouth feel before tightening up on the mildly rustic finish. Can be enjoyed upon release but should be capable of reward a few years of bottle age too.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}       {***}

This Premier Cru sits just underneath Clos de la Roche, and there is certainly more than a passing resemblance to its prestigious neighbour. The fruit is juicy and vibrant, but the quality of the tannins is what makes this wine stand out. Stony and vibrant, this has great, mineral precision. Drink 2024-2034.

{***}
{region}Morey-St Denis{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{***}

Ripe purple, with a dense concentration of dark cherry fruit, there is something a touch firmer behind, with more structure, as befits a Premier Cru. The bones are covered by delicious, unctuous fruit. This is a wine with great persistence. Drink 2020-2028.

{***}
{region} Auxey-Duresses{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}

This is a powerful, concentrated cuvée expressive of the vineyard’s deep, red clay soils. The palate centres on ripe red fruit – its whole-bunch character less pronounced than, say, Savigny-Les Planchots. There was no new oak in 2016 and only three barrels were made.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

The Grèves end of Beaune suffered less from frost, so volumes here are not too small. This very elegant style of Grèves comes from three plots: higher, lower and mid-slope. There is wonderful initial concentration of juicy red berry fruit, before silky, supple tannins and a vibrant acidity kick in to add complexity. Lovely. Drink 2022-2029.

{***}
{region}Beaune{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{***}

Only six barrels were made from 1.2 hectares, which works out as only 10hl/ha. The little wine that was made went into 10 percent new oak and was bottled early. There is a gentle freshness and some delicate, light, red fruit. W hat it lacks in body it makes up for in a pleasant, frothy personality. Very pleasant and undemanding. Drink 2020-2024.

{***}{region} Beaune{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

Situated alongside Drouhin’s Clos des Mouches, this is mid-purple, with very intense, concentrated fruit and a mineral crunchiness. It’s the most structured of the three Beaunes. Note the quality of the oak integration and its very long finish.

{***}{region} Beaune{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}

In the same deal as the village Chassagne, Caroline buys back the vineyard owner’s share of the fruit, having worked and harvested the vines herself. Once again just one barrel was made with a yield of 15hl/ha. There is dense red cherry fruit here, and more complexity than the village wine, thanks to a chalky, stony structure which prolongs the finish. Concentrated and serious, this is a match for many Côte de Nuits reds. Drink 2020-2025.

{***}
{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{***}

The reds with purple and deep robes, exalt their fruity and floral bouquets. On the palate the tannins are dense and of great maturity. It will however be necessary to be patient before being able to appreciate, the full potential of this exceptional vintage in red. It is similar to 2005 and ageing theses wine at least ten years.

{***}{region} Volnay{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{***}

As the vines are younger, the fruit from Les Champans is de-stemmed. The wine has good density of colour with an elegant nose, between cherry and raspberry. On the palate, raspberry notes come to the fore, with good, structural balance, superb texture and a fine, floral aftertaste.

{***}{region} Volnay {region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 91/100{ratings}{***}

The estate has two parcels in this excellent Premeir Cru, totalling 0.54 hectares planted from 1976 to 1986. This is a noble, perfumed and high-class wine with great density and tightly-wound power. The quality of tannins is remarkable, like spun silk. Drink 2022-2032.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{***}

Having made Clos des Epeneaux at Comte Armand, Ben had always harboured an ambition to make Pommard’s other great wine, so was delighted to take the opportunity; this comes from a plot in the lower part of Les Rugiens-Hauts. There is a real concentration of fruit here, Grand Cru weight and a wonderfully elegant tannic structure which underlines the class of this site.

{***}{region} Pommard{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 90/100{ratings}{***}

Just half a crop, entirely destemmed and with minimal new wood. Good mid purple colour, with balanced fruit across the palate and Pommard’s firm edge of tannins - yet the fruit sings out behind. Attractive, integrated acidity, this just needs time to make a most attractive bottle.
Drink 2019-2024.

{***}{region} Pommard{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 90/100{ratings}{***}

No stems were included in Les Pézerolles which shows a fine, bright purple colour. Really clear, pure, red fruit, with plenty of volume, this is a gentler style of Pommard, with no discernible tannins, good fruit and harmonious all the way through. Étienne de Montille began picking whites on 10th and reds on 13th September, relatively early. Despite the hail (worst in Pommard than Beaune, Volnay less) yields were slightly improved compared to 2013. The fruit was clean with small berries, and beautiful clusters, so they were able to continue with their usual programme of whole-bunch vinification in most instances. The details are given for each wine. They will be long lived wines.

{***}{region}Pommard{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 92/100{ratings}        {***}

Dense, dark purple with an outstanding bouquet of dark fruit, this wine is very concentrated. There is a superb depth of fruit throughout and yet it is very well balanced, even silky behind. An amazingly intense example of this vineyard.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}{***}

The vine comes from a great gene pool. It is regular and has many millerandage berries. The wine has the typical structure of Nuits-Saint-Georges, but the tannins are elegant and reflect the near Vosne-Romanée. The Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras is tasty and dynamic, always with a good balance. The flesh, very present, with notes of juicy black fruit (blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants) is enriched with floral nuances (elder, heather) and spicy. Always tonic wine is driven by a saline minerality and a fresh finish (licorice, menthol).

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}{***}

Aromas of smoky plums and raspberries introduce the 2017 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge, a medium-bodied, ample wine with juicy acids and melting tannins. It's an easygoing, uncomplicated effort that will drink well young. - The Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}      {***}

The Gevrey-Chambertin is becoming somewhat totemic for Ben, produced mostly in a beautiful 35hl foudre which Ben feels gives the wine more elegance, finesse and precision than traditional 228-litre barrels. With gorgeous, sweet red cherry fruit, a charming softness and supple tannins, it is hard to disagree with his assessment. Drink 2020-2025.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{***}

This is becoming one of Benjamin’s most important cuvées. Glowing red-purple, the wine has a fine, firm, fruit-driven nose and some more savoury touches. There is good acidity as well, but it is its lovely, long, fine aftertaste that denotes pure pleasure. Drink 2020-2026.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}

{***}

The scale of Eric’s distress is underlined by these numbers: normally he would make around 70 barrels of this; in 2016 he has 11. From vines over 40 years old and from an astonishing 23 different plots (including La Justice, Etelois, Créot etc), this has a lot of class and plenty of dimension. No new oak this year; Eric likes its more aromatic side to show. Drink 2019-2022.

{***}{region} Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

Eric and Jean-Luc save their oldest vineyards for Mes Favorites, another kaleidoscope of 30 parcels, with nothing younger than 70 years old. There are some serious vineyards too: Champerrier, Aux Corvées, Combe de Lavaux and so on. This takes 20 months in barrel but, again, none of it new. This is lovely, worth the heartache. A bold, robust and classic Gevrey. Drink 2020-2025.

{***}{region} Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}
[] Antonio Galloni:: 89-92/100{ratings}

{***}

Almost purple in color, this is subtle and silky, with elegant redcurrant and red cherry fruit with a hint of spices. There is surprising intensity behind but it's the elegance that wins through. Quivy owns 1 hectare in Les Journeaux which has old vines planted in 1933 and 1947.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{***}

Almost purple in color, this is subtle and silky, with elegant redcurrant and red cherry fruit with a hint of spices. There is surprising intensity behind but it's the elegance that wins through.

{***}{region} Gevrey-Chambertin {region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}

Vinification is performed with a low-temperature fermentation in a combination of wood and stainless steel tanks. The wine is then matured for 21 months in oak barrels of which 80% is new. Notes of sous-bois with cherry, cassis and five spice. Chizzled frame with a rich texture.

{***}{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}{***}

The cool air from Combe de Lavaux always produces an elegant wine with good acidity. Very stylish, with a lifted perfume and notes of griottine cherries, it is perfectly balanced on the finish. Bruno Clavelier has been farming his vines biodynamically for several years. He began picking on 1st September, reporting good ripeness of the fruit and noble tannins. The wines have a gourmand quality to them yet remain very precise, reflecting their terroirs. It is another small crop this year which is similar to 2010 but with variations between vineyards.

{***}{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]Allen Meadows:: 90-92/100   
{ratings}{***}

Great purity and focus. Floral, raspberry, cherry and licorice aromas and flavors combine with the firm, finely wrought structure. Well-balanced and persistent, leaving a lingering aftertaste of violet and black currant. Best from 2012 through 2028. - Wine Spectator

{***}
{region}Chambolle-Musigny{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}

{ratings}   
[]Stephen Tanzer :: 93/100

[]Wine Spectator :: 93/100   

[]Allen Meadows :: 92/100   

{ratings}

{***}

From the village part of the vineyard, with southerly exposure, this is quite a pale pink-purple colour, with a beautifully stylish nose; some minerality as well as Chambolle suavity. There is pretty red fruit, with lots of detail. The wine has good acidity, while the fruit comes bouncing back at the finish. Patrice Rion compares 2014 to a mix of 1979 and 1989 for the aromatics and delighted to have been able to pick a more or less normal-sized crop. He began on 12th September with healthy grapes, reinforced by his system of two sorting tables, one before and one after de-stemming. The amount of new oak has been reduced here, now just 30 percent on most cuvées.

{***}{region}Chambolle-Musigny{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Burghound:: 91/100        
 [] Jancis Robinson:: 16.5/20{ratings}        {***}

Reduction masks everything except a hint of spice. Otherwise there is a beguiling vivacity to the rich, elegant and impressively refined middle weight flavors that display impeccable balance on the mineral-driven and utterly delicious finish. This is a stunner of a Beaux Monts that possesses a classy mouthfeel on the chiseled backend though once again at least some patience is advised as the mid-palate is quite tightly wound. *Outstanding* - Allen Meadows

{***}
{region}Vosne Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 91-93 /100

[] Allen Meadows :: 91-94 /100

{ratings}

{***}

Made from the domaine’s “younger” vines (around 40 to 50 years old), this is a beautifully elegant and succulent expression of Vosne-Romanée. It dances delicately across the palate with red cherry and strawberry flavours, and just a touch of floral perfume. Drink 2022-2030.

{***}
{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}        
[]Jancis Robinson:: 17/20    
{ratings}{***}    

{***}

Bright color, still with some purple, while developing a more serene tint. The nose is backward at first and a bit muddled, but it really feels as though it will come through. This vintage, they did get right! Some aspects of evolution around the edges, but the core remains energetic and vibrant. Fresh red fruits to finish. A very good result.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}1998{vintage}   {***}

Part of the crop. yielded notably by under 25 year-old vines. is aimed at producing La Forge de Tart Premier Cru, the second wine of the Clos de Tart estate. The viticulture, the winemaking process and the maturing are rigorously the same for both wines. You can thus find the same organoleptic features as in a Clos de Tart Grand Cru, however the second wine is less structured which makes it ready to drink earlier.

{***}
{region} Burgundy {region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}{***}

A glowing rich, deep purple wine with a lovely exuberant nose, this has a superb suave texture with plenty of fully ripe tannins behind the sumptuous weight of dark red and bramble fruit. Long and deep with a fine finish.

{***}{region} Burgundy {region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 86/100{ratings}{***}