Burgundy

Chablis producers have defined the style of chardonnay in this famous region, and this has all the purity and steely freshness with classic aromas of crushed oyster shell and lime, plus plenty of ripe stone fruits, fresh acidity, minerality and an oyster shell finish. Brilliant on its own, but perfect with Good Friday fish pie, goats cheese salad and shellfish.

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Made from grapes grown in the well-regarded vineyards of Les Clous and Murgers de Monthélie, our 2018 Meursault is a charming blend of ripe stone-fruit and smoky, toasty oak. The nose displays notes of apricot and vanilla spice, while the palate is rich and full, with a buttery texture and refreshing citrus finish. Its generous style makes it the perfect accompaniment to a roast poulet de Bresse. 

{***}{region}Meursault{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Our 2018 Puligny-Montrachet is an archetypal expression of this most elegant of white Burgundies; fruit is sourced from ten different parcels throughout the appellation. Fermentation and ageing are entirely in oak, 20% of which is new. The wine offers an harmonious blend of white stone-fruit, fresh salinity and subtle, spicy oak flavours. It’s a perfect partner for langoustines, crab or chanterelles.

{***}{region}Puligny- Montrachet{region}
{color} White{color}          
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
    {ratings}        {***}

Our 2019 Pouilly-Fuissé has once again been made for us by the talented Olivier Merlin. From several vineyards across the villages of Vergisson, Chaintré and Fuissé, the wine offers notes of ripe, succulent stone-fruit, white flowers and a cleansing, saline finish. A wine which is at once generous and fresh, it is the perfect partner for fish and seafood dishes, but would also work well with cheese and white meats.

{***}{region}Pouilly-Fuissé{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings}
    {ratings}        {***}

Benjamin Leroux has produced this classic Burgundian Pinot Noir for us. Exclusively from Côte d’Or fruit and made in Benjamin’s Beaune cellar, it’s aged in a mix of barrels and large wooden foudres. The nose is expressive and enticing, with powerful red berry aromas and a delicate floral lift. The palate combines ripe tannins – indicative of the warm 2019 vintage – with fresh acidity and finesse. A versatile food pairing, try it with charcuterie and cheese.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{***}

Made with fruit from 65-year-old, organically farmed vines, our 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin is charming, fleet-footed and delicate. Using two-thirds whole bunches and just 15% new oak, brothers David and Nicolas Rossignol have produced a vibrant and energetic wine with a beguiling floral perfume, sweet crushed strawberry fruit and a refreshing finish. Try it with lighter red meat dishes  or salmon.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 
{ratings}{***}

The Pinson family has almost five hectares here and consequently this is something of a flagship wine. With 10% of the cuvée fermented in new oak, there is more spice here, but the class of the wine ensures it is not dominant. There is a ball of rich, ripe fruit on the front of the palate, with some spicy reduction too. Thick and layered, this has Grand Cru density and concentration, with intensity, warmth and a cleansing, chewy, stony finish. Drink 2022-2030.

{***}
{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{***}

This comes from the five hectares immediately in front of the château, a park until it was planted in 1986. Brian did not use any SO2 until after the malolactic fermentation, and the wine is only aged in minimum 500-litre barrels. It’s classically Puligny in style, with flinty reduction and a pure, floral, citrus profile. Drink 2021-2026.

{***}{region} Burgundy{region}
{color} White {color}                                                              
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{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}2018{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}  {***}

The Clos de France is just over a hectare in total, of which the Merlins have a quarter. This is a very special wine for Olivier, with a very individual character which makes it one of the outstanding vineyards of Pouilly. There is lots of noble reduction on the nose, while the palate has a thick texture, power, grip and zesty mandarin flavours. Incredible length with flinty reduction. Outstanding. Drink 2023-2030.

{***}{region} Pouilly-Fuissé {region}
{color} White {color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

This small parcel provides a maximum 10 barrels per year. Olivier loves the site’s old vines and steep slope. The nose is spicy and rich with an orange fruit character, while the palate is dynamic and tense, but with power and weight. A very complete wine. Drink 2022-2027.

{***}{region} St Véran {region}
{color} White {color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

The fruit for this cuvée comes from one of the community-sponsored vineyards for young vignerons planted in 1999. Dominique’s 0.33 hectares are part of a plot known as La Petite Montagne en Chaume des Narvaux, which sits just above Goutte d’Or. It’s always energetic and creamy, with a flinty edge. Drink 2021-2025.

{***}{region}Meursault{region}
{color}White{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

The nose shows more pungent crushed-stone minerality than the Meursault Genevrières-Dessous. Stylish, broad and horizontal, conveying a sense of brooding energy even if it's in a slightly oxidative phase today. Very dry, salty wine with a vibrant aftertaste that builds inexorably. In a distinctly less fruity and more Perrières -like wet stone style than the Dessous, which Leroux says is more typical Genevrières. - Vinous

 

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

{ratings}

[] Vinous:: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

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 2017 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru La Chatenière exhibits aromas of lime and lemon zest, crushed rock and white flowers, followed by a bright and incisive medium to full body, with a nicely concentrated core of crunchy fruit and a long, penetrating finish. This is a very promising Chatenière.

{***}{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:: 92/100 

[] Allen Meadows:: 91/100 

{ratings} {***}

Les Frionnes is a premier cru from 40-year-old vines, located at 300 metres of altitude on the steep hills of Saint-Aubin. This is one of the coolest climats in the appellation. The wine is matured in Burgundy barrels, with ¼ new oak. The wine exudes aromas of white flowers and flint. With a little of bottle aging, the palate is glycerine and silky with incredible tension.

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

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}{***}

Domaine Boisson-Vadot, run by father and son team of Bernard and Pierre Boisson, is one of the rising stars in Meursault. The philosophy of the Domaine revolves around careful, hands-on vineyard management to coax the greatest potential of each vintage out of the various plots, and low-impact winemaking in the cellars that allows the unique terroir of each vineyard to surface. New oak is very minimal, no more than 30% for the top cuvées, and much more restraint in  the village wines and in Bourgogne Blanc.

Pierre Boisson produces a village Meursault from his grandmother’s vineyards (50 year old vines in the lieu-dits of Criots and Perchots) that is hailed an model wine for the appellation. 

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru La Garenne mingles aromas of green orchard fruit and white flowers with nuances of patisserie, followed by a medium to full-bodied, racy and precise palate that combines texture with cut, as do so many of Colin's wines this year.

{***}{region} Puligny-Montrachet {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 91/100
{ratings}{***}

A more elegant nose offers up notes of acacia blossom, pear, apple and hints of citrus zest and matchstick. The rich and round flavors aren't as voluminous but they're sleeker while retaining a seductive mouthfeel and particularly so on the attractively dry and vibrant mineral-inflected finale. This is a lovely Puligny villages that should develop well over the mid-term. - Burghound

{***}{region} Puligny-Montrachet {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100
[] Burghound:: 90/100{ratings}{***}

Provenance is everything. This is from a section of the Chalumeaux Premier Cru vineyard which had to be declassified in 1975 when the previous owner illegally imported some fertile topsoil. Time has healed much of the damage and there isn’t another hillside Puligny vineyard classified as village. Parcels from Levron and Baudrières-Nosroy complete the blend. A fine, generous and complex style. Drink 2022-2029.

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

Some 80% of de Montille's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Village consists of declassified premier cru Les Chalumeaux, which may account for why it's so good this year. Revealing notes of citrus oil, white flowers, fresh pastry and beeswax, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and succulent, combining charming fruit with mineral nuance to persuasive effect. (89 - 91 points, The Wine Advocate, 13th February 2020)

{***}{region}Puligny-Montrachet{region}
{color}White{color}                                            

                   {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

This parcel of very old vines rarely produces large volumes and sadly provided less fruit this year than in 2016. The nose is very floral, with honeysuckle notes and a noble reduction which runs through the palate. It is delicate and elegant, but with a racy intensity that underpins the fruit and gives a salivating finish. 

{***}{region}Puligny-Montrachet{region}
{color}White{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

This is a higher vineyard in Chassagne, on the appellation’s southern border. The soil is poor and stony over limestone. This Chassagne is riper than an equivalent Meursault this year, with an extra 0.5% potential alcohol, despite being harvested on the same day. But there is plenty of detail in the fruit and a lush, unctuous finish. Drink 2023-2029.

{***}{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color} White {color}                                                              

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{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}{***}

Vide Bourse is located right below Batard Montrachet. Joseph Colin is one of the 5 producers in this vineyard. Refined nose of ripe white orchard fruits and leesy nose. Voluminous and smoky with refreshing acidity. The big-boned structure resembles Batard Montrachet. Ripe and muscular.

{***}{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Colin's 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge bursts from the glass with an expressive bouquet of spicy berries, licorice and burning embers. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and succulent, with a fleshy core of fruit and refined structuring tannins. This is an immensely charming red Chassagne that will be hard to resist young. - The Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                      

                          {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}  

{ratings}

[] The Wine Advocate:: 89/100

[] James Suckling:: 92/100 {ratings}

    {***}

This remains one of the most intriguing white wines in Burgundy. It is always very taut, especially in youth, but with age it evolves into an extraordinarily aromatic wine. These elements are discernible in youth and the wine has a creamy texture, with the tropical and stonefruit notes coiled beneath. Drink 2023-2030.

{***}{region}  Burgundy {region}
{color} White {color} 

             {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

There is no Hautes Côtes de Beaune in this year’s blend, which comprises Hautes Côtes de Nuits from Chaux, some Beaune Montée Rouge Premier Cru, young vines from Gevrey-Chambertin Evocelles and Bourgogne from Vougeot. There is some real pedigree in this delicious mongrel. Drink now to 2023.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}           {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

This is a splendid potpourri of different sites mostly across the Hautes Côtes and Côte de Beaune, with generic vineyards and village wines from Pommard, Meursault, St Romain and Monthélie, Dames Huguettes in the hills and even some from Vosne-Romanée (Croix Blanches) all contributing. As always, this is the best foot forward in terms of value and quality. Heady and juicy in 2018. Drink now to 2024.

{***}{region} Burgundy{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

There is plenty of freshly turned, and pungent, earth character on the somewhat gamy aromas of wild red and dark berries. The earth continues onto the solidly voluminous and rich middle weight flavors that possess very good punch while exhibiting excellent depth and persistence for the genre on the rustic finale. What is all the more impressive is that this wine should have no trouble aging well too if that's your preference.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}           {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

From four separate parcels and with 15 percent wholebunch, this is a very pretty wine, with small red-berry fruit on both the nose and palate. There is a crunchy feel to the fruit, with lovely detail and purity. A wine you cannot help but fall in love with. Drink 2020-2024.

David is delighted that he finally has a good crop for the first time in many years. Furthermore, he is very pleased with the quality and style of the reds, highlighting their clarity, definition and gourmandise, pointing out that these are airy, red-fruited and pure wines in the same mould as 2000, a vintage which drank well young and still tastes good today. He has extracted an extra level of colour and texture by working the fruit a little harder and carrying out a longer maceration than in the past few years, with impressive results.

{region}Beaune{region}
{color}Red{color}                               

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate::86-88/100{ratings}        {***}

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}{***}

This is one-third whole-bunch this year, using the older vine fruit and de-stemming the younger portions where stems are typically less ripe. The high active limestone content in this vineyard gives an energetic and mineral expression of Pinot Noir, with succulent cherry fruit in the middle and a violet perfumed lift to accompany the chalky tannins. Drink 2021-2026.

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

"One of the more generous and gourmand of David Croix's Beaunes, the 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Cents Vignes offers up an expressive bouquet of rose petals, spices and red fruit compote, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy palate with succulent acids and melting tannins." 88-91 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

{***}
{region}Beaune{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

This is a speical site, at 300 metres’ altitude and on a 20 percent gradient, facing east. The nose has lifted cranberry fruit and a wild edge. The palate has a vibrant energy, lots of rocky limestone tannins and bright, fresh raspberry fruit. A purists’ wine, in the best possible sense. Drink 2022-2028.

David is delighted that he finally has a good crop for the first time in many years. Furthermore, he is very pleased with the quality and style of the reds, highlighting their clarity, definition and gourmandise, pointing out that these are airy, red-fruited and pure wines in the same mould as 2000, a vintage which drank well young and still tastes good today. He has extracted an extra level of colour and texture by working the fruit a little harder and carrying out a longer maceration than in the past few years, with impressive results.

{region}Beaune{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate::90-92+/100{ratings}        {***}

David loves the elegance of this vineyard, which comes from a cool site with shallow topsoil and hard limestone subsoil. This is crunchy, pure and focused with plenty of energy. There is a silky, suave mouth-feel but with a rocky undercurrent. Drink 2022-2028.

David is delighted that he finally has a good crop for the first time in many years. Furthermore, he is very pleased with the quality and style of the reds, highlighting their clarity, definition and gourmandise, pointing out that these are airy, red-fruited and pure wines in the same mould as 2000, a vintage which drank well young and still tastes good today. He has extracted an extra level of colour and texture by working the fruit a little harder and carrying out a longer maceration than in the past few years, with impressive results.

{region}Beaune{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate::88-90/100{ratings}        {***}

This is a vineyard which was planted by David’s grandfather in the 1960s, having previously been scrub as its shallow limestone topsoil presented too great a challenge to vignerons. The delicate and perfumed nose gives the impression of a floral and elegant wine, but the palate offers surprising minerality in the form of mouth-watering tannins backed up by crunchy redcurrant fruit. Drink 2020-2026

{***}{region} Santenay{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 91/100{ratings}{***}

If possible, this is even fruitier than the village example and aromatically almost New World in style, but the gravelly tannins soon ground the wine back in Burgundy. Make sure you wave to the vineyard on the right-hand side as you head out of Beaune towards Paris on the A6. Drink 2020-2024.

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

This 0.64-hectare vineyard is a monopole for Ben. It’s an extension of the La Cave village-level vineyard above it on the hill, but inside the village, which creates a warmer environment. As a result, the wine is not as expansively aromatic as the best Premiers Crus but, by contrast, has a more old-fashioned aspect of solid dependability, which Ben successfully enhances with 20% whole-bunch. Drink 2024-2029.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

The village elements come from La Gigotte and Les Grands Champs, both vineyards with village and Premier Cru classification, and 40 percent of the blend is young vines from the Premier Cru Volnay-Santenots. This has lovely transparency but also lovely length; impressive. Drink 2020-2024.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

This is from the lieux-dits Famines, which has the old vines, and Grands Champs, which is just above Famines. You can sense how Paul’s winemaking has worked: there is a lovely, ripe, open entry of pure coulis, but then a tightening of the tannins to pull the wine together. Drink 2020-2024.

Paul Zinetti was realistic yet confident in the quality of his 2017s. Such an early harvest, which started in Volnay Frémiets on 3rd September and ended in Auxey on 11th September, provided new challenges which Paul addressed creatively and sympathetically. The wines were fruity and direct but he found that colour and structure were slow to come, so he kept the wine on skins for a week or more after fermentation. There is less whole-bunch this year as the stems weren’t always fully ripe, but his de-stemmer preserves a lot of whole berries anyway. He will bottle all the reds before Christmas without filtration but he will trial some fining to round out the tannins.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 87-89/100{ratings}

{***}

On the northwest edge of the village, this monopole produces surprisingly delicate wines, further enhanced by Marco’s already gentle style. All  de-stemmed this year, it’s floral and subtly seductive  in true Volnaysien style. Drink 2022-2027.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

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}
{***}

Domaine Boisson-Vadot, run by father and son team of Bernard and Pierre Boisson, is one of the rising stars in Meursault. The philosophy of the Domaine revolves around careful, hands-on vineyard management to coax the greatest potential of each vintage out of the various plots, and low-impact winemaking in the cellars that allows the unique terroir of each vineyard to surface. New oak is very minimal, no more than 30% for the top cuvées, and much more restraint in  the village wines and in Bourgogne Blanc.

Pierre Boisson produces a village Meursault from his grandmother’s vineyards (50 year old vines in the lieu-dits of Criots and Perchots) that is hailed an model wine for the appellation. 

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

{ratings}

[] Vinous:: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

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}{***}

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}        {***}

The deeper clay soil here has preserved an energetic, mentholated freshness, which provides an engaging counterpoint to the black cherry fruit and bitter dark chocolate notes. The attack is friendly and generous, but there is serious structure behind, and this will require patience. Drink 2025-2031.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Right on the boundary with Vosne (its neighbour across the divide is the Vosne lieu-dit Damaudes), the soil is fine gravel over Prémeaux marble and the wine does have a more Vosne-like patina. This year, there is a sweet strawberry note as well. Drink 2022-2027.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

This is a very well-situated vineyard just on the north side of the town of Nuits. Vougeraie has the centre of the vineyard, known as Clos de Thorey, although there isn’t actually a clos. With very refined tannins, it’s very pure, the freshness of the finish tinged with a hint of sweet spice. Drink 2023-2028.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}laying-down{maturity} 

{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

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}{***}

This is another important cuvée for Ben and it demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of a village’s character with, it seems, almost minimum effort. Everything was de-stemmed this year and, yes, it’s immediate and authentic, but also delivers more complexity than is at first evident. Notes of lavender and sweet peony, and a more schoolmasterly structure. Drink 2022-2028.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}

{ratings}[] Antonio Galloni:: 89-91/100{ratings}

{***}

From the very top of this high, stony vineyard (360 metres’ altitude), the vines are planted right up to the trees. There is 30% whole-bunch this year, only for the old vines, and there is a pure spicy note, with a sense of cinnamon and blackcurrant to express the year’s warmth. Drink 2022-2026.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}

{***}

Evocelles usually presents a mineral edge, but this year the wine is pure and creamy, with an appealing lifted freshness and, to be honest, is just simply rather charming. There is no whole-bunch this year (from 50 percent last year), allowing, I suspect, clearer sight of the wine’s more genial side. Drink 2020-2024.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

At just 0.35 hectares, this is one of Domaine Rossignol-Trapet’s smaller holdings; it’s enviably situated at the top of the vineyard, between the Grand Cru sites of Charmes-Chambertin and Griotte-Chambertin. The wine is nimble and lithe, with plenty of crushed red berry notes and delicate floral touches. There is a salivating acidity underneath, which is currently restraining the wine a little; this should fill out with some age. Drink 2021 to 2027.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{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}
{***}

A deep-pitched bouquet of cassis, blackberries, grilled meats, rose petals, espresso roast and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and layered, with a deep, fleshy core of intensely concentrated old vine fruit that largely conceals its fine structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a long, palate-staining finish.

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

{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 94/100{ratings}

{***}

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 Domaine notes some very unique qualities that make the terroir of this offering so special. "Three types of Premiers Crus may be found in Gevrey-Chambertin. The most famous are located in the vineyards of Côte St. Jacques. This slope, which extends from la Bossiere at the entrance of the valley in Champeaux, was given its name in the 19th century. Another string of climats is located beneath the Grands Crus. Finally, it is the best parcels of the alluvial cone at the far end of the valley that merit this name. Gevrey is one of the two most well-endowed vineyards in the Côte de Nuits. This climat, a plot of land which has been recognized for centuries, produces a wine of unique personality. The exposure is due south. This Premier Cru is situated on the slopes of Côte St. Jacques.

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

Medium bright purple, lovely floral notes with brisk dark raspberry fruit, which builds and builds, fabulous concentrated fruit right across the palate, then a lifted, energetic finish. A wine to fall in love with. One or two black cherry notes on offer among the predominantly red fruit register. Very fine balance, pure and charming, with a fine thread of minerality.
Jasper Morris MW

{***}{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}       

    {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]Burghound:: 90-93/100

[]The Wine Advocate:: 88/100   

{ratings}{***}

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

A cool site giving low pH wines (higher acidity). Mid purple in colour with no great depth, an elegant light red fruit nose, strict, fresh raspberry and alpine strawberry. - Jasper Morris MW

{***}{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}         
 
{ratings}{***}

The most northerly Premier Cru of Gevrey, the vineyard is both high and east-facing. This lends the bouquet a mouth-watering note of crushed berry and the palate a certain severity, leading to pinpointed fruit and sculpted tannins. One to keep. Drink 2023-2029.

It is fair to say that Ben is very happy with 2017, describing it as the kind of vintage he would sign up for every year. The whites, he says, are beautiful, and not far from 2014 in style, with purity, finesse, great definition and balance. He describes the reds as pretty, appealing and with body to support ageing, while highlighting the importance of lower-yielding old vines for serious ageing. He eloquently explains that there is no “black sheep” in 2017, that no village has underperformed. For reason of space, the limited volumes of Grands Crus have not been included in this brochure. 

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

This wine is typically a bellwether for the vintage at Grivot, the usual blend of differing terroirs across the appellation. Rich, creamy fruit and beautiful velvet tannins set the tone for the rest of the range, with ripe red-berry fruit, subtle floral touches and a hint of oak spice. Drink 2022-2028.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{***}

Les Rouges, a high vineyard by Vosne standards, is really benefitting from warmer growing seasons, adding some flesh to the bones of what can be a rather linear wine. There is still a gorgeous, perfumed lift to the nose, and a saline freshness to the finish, but the sweet red-berry core adds a little more generosity and weight. Drink 2023-2030.

{***}{region} Vosne-Romanée {region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

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}{***}    

{***}

One of the most beautiful vineyards of Terroir, with its more than 85 years of life, lives vibrant in the contrast between the freshness of the winds of the Combe and the heat held by the sunny pebbles of the ground. 

{***}
{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}   

{ratings}

{***}

Very fresh and direct, this has a lovely soft appeal on the mid-palate. The essence of the old vines (planted in 1921) really comes through and gives a silky plushness to the palate. This is very good for village level. There’s just a touch of graphite to finish. Drink 2020-2025.

There is always a breathless and rather chaotic energy in the Castagnier cellar but this year Jérôme could scarcely contain his enthusiasm. He loves his 2017s. To him they have the friand and gourmand style of 2014 but with more depth and density. He started his harvest on 6th September and employed less pigeage (punching down) than usual. The exigencies of the 2018 vintage meant Jérôme was obliged to move his 2017s to tank earlier than usual but even this has worked to his advantage: less time in wood has dialled up the focus and exuberance of this irresistible range of 2017s.

{***}{region}Chambolle-Musigny{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 {ratings}        {***}

A blend of three vineyards – La Taupe (above Combe d’Orveau), Les Babillères and Aux Croix (both on the flatter soil) – gives a nicely balanced reading of Chambolle. There is floral character, plenty of midpalate weight and generosity, alongside cool, crunchy minerals. An accessible Chambolle. Drink 2020-2025.

{***}{region}Chambolle-Musigny{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 {ratings}        {***}

Plot of 0.49 with vineyards of about 70 years, with exposure east / south east. Prototype of the Burgundian elegance, it shows a solar and generous body, like no other in Vosne Romanée, wrapped in the velvet glove of a very noble tannic weave.

{***}
{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}   

{ratings}

{***}

This Mazis will not lie down easily to the challenge posed by the Clos de Bèze for top dog status in the Bernstein range. It has a marvellously dense, backward nose and a sublimely full palate coming from grapes which were evidently picked at the perfect moment. There is a fabulous crunchy finish and amazing persistence. The 80 year old vines are speaking. It may open out a little earlier, but otherwise 2018-2028.
Jasper Morris MW

{***}{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}       

    {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]Burghound:: 93-95/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17/20   

{ratings}{***}

The 2014 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, from 0.32 hectares of vines planted in 1950 and 1951, has a much more generous bouquet compared to the Chambolle-Amoureuses, tensile red cherry and raspberry coulis scents, wet limestone and just a hint of cassis in the background. It is very Clos de la Roche, to put it prosaically. The palate is very harmonious, silky smooth and elegant. There is fine weight in the mouth, though this is more about tension and elegance, with a gorgeous, sensual, satin-like touch to the finish. This could become one of the best wines from this vineyard. -Wine Advocate

{***}{region} Burgundy {region}
{color} Red {color}                                                              

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 94-96/100

[] Allen Meadows:: 94/100

{ratings}{***}

{***}{region} Burgundy {region}
{color} Red {color}                                                              

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

This is the most northerly of Gevrey’s Premier Cru vineyards, with an easterly exposure. The wines are always fruity and in lighter years they can be quite stern, but the warmth of 2018 has given a note of cranberry, and the allusion continues on the palate, with sweet red fruit marbled with bright acidity. Drink 2025-2032.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}

{***}

With little less structure and a touch more silk than the Taillepieds, this is an excellent example of suave and sophisticated Volnay from this prime site. The nose is somewhat closed, but the palate is resplendent with rich red berries, silky, caressing tannins and a crisp, precise, lingering finish. Drink 2023-2030. 

François is keen to highlight the importance of the solidarity shown by the Côte’s vignerons at the end of April, when everyone came together to burn dampened bales and create cloud cover to ward off the frost. Without such action this could well have been another catastrophic yield. Having avoided this threat, the rest of the season was fairly straightforward with careful vineyard management and harvest began on the 30th August. He feels the whites are a mix of 2015 and 2014, while the reds are pretty and will drink well from an early age.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

Les Aussy is a generous Premier Cru vineyard, and the 2017 characteristically offers rich and earthy red fruit, more concentration and density than the village wine and a more refined tannic structure. There is plenty of charm and approachability here, but a little more stuffing than its little brother. Drink 2021-2026. 

François is keen to highlight the importance of the solidarity shown by the Côte’s vignerons at the end of April, when everyone came together to burn dampened bales and create cloud cover to ward off the frost. Without such action this could well have been another catastrophic yield. Having avoided this threat, the rest of the season was fairly straightforward with careful vineyard management and harvest began on the 30th August. He feels the whites are a mix of 2015 and 2014, while the reds are pretty and will drink well from an early age.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

This vineyard is at the northern (Morey) end of Chambolle and immediately under Bonnes-Mares, where Sérafin has two parcels. The wine has plenty of bright fruit and a very positive attack, not especially on the delicate end of Chambolle, but high-quality nonetheless. Drink 2022-2027.

{***}
{region}Chambolle-Musigny{region}
{color}Red{color}

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text} 

{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 90-92/100{ratings}

{***}

Sérafin’s vines sit within a clos of sorts here, in what used to be a cemetery. The vines are 50 years old and the wine has a fine-boned structure wrapped like a belt around a weighty, spicy middle. This is quite a substantial wine, but it will age well. Drink 2026-2032.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text} 

{vintage}2018{vintage}

{***}

There is an element of black cherry to this wine, as the vineyard abuts Morey and is more influenced by the limestone closer to the surface. Really precise and with a touch of iron to complement the fruit. Jérôme finds a viande saignante (rare meat) note on the wine’s crisp finish. Drink 2020-2025.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

Yann Durieux has taken care of vineyards of Prieure Roch since 2008 and he began to produce his wine in 2010 with 3ha in Villers-La-Faye, Huates Cotes de Nuits. Yann is first and foremost a producer who looks after nature and seeks for the ways to develop viticulture in balance with the eco-system. He treats his vines with the highest standards of quality, no chemicals of course, and extremely low yields. Vineyards have never been damaged by chemical. Hand picked grapes are fermented with whole bunch with natural yeast, and wines are aged in old barrel. Non SO2 added, non filtered. This totally natural wine making requires taking big risk in Burgundy, but Yann Durieux is boldly pursuing it without compromise and releasing brilliant wines. This pure, delicately extracted, weightless, yet very tasty wine is kind of the most expensive Vin de France, but it is in the same line of finesse as Prieure Roch and Pacalet. These new labels from non classified vineyard suggests further possibility of Burgundy. 

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

{***}

Four barrels from one parcel, this is a regal Volnay, flattering yet compelling at the same time. There were two-thirds whole-bunch this year, but Ben makes the decision for this vineyard based on the quality of the vines’ genetic material, mostly on the basis of its 70-year-old vines. Drink 2023-2029.

{***}
{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

Boudriotte is sub-section of the larger Morgeot vineyard. There is deep red soil with more clay, so this wine has a lush, creamy style, but is not in any way fat. Drink 2023-2027.

{***}{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color} White {color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

This is Puligny’s highest Premier Cru, above Blagny. Despite the altitude, the Bachelets have still found a succulent expression to mix with Puligny’s more typical austerity. Drink 2024-2028.

{***}{region}Chassagne-Montrachet{region}
{color} White {color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

From 60-year-old vines, this is a powerful and complex Corton. The nose is ferrous and spicy, while the palate is rich, concentrated and dense, with a spine-tingling minerality thanks to the hard limestone subsoil. This is somewhat backward now but will evolve into a beautiful wine with time. Drink 2025-2032.

{***}{region}Corton{region}
{color}Red{color}                      

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{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.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

 A strikingly pure nose of cassis, violets and blueberries gracefully gives way to rich, full, sweet and mineral-infused middle weight flavors that have cut-like-a-knife delineation as well as a very firm tannic spine that will also see this through well past its 25th birthday. While the Champans presently has a bit more flesh around the structure, this is a classic Taillepieds built on its minerality and is best cellared by those blessed with ample patience as this is the most backward wine in the range today. *Don't miss! Outstanding - Allen Meadows

{***}{region}Volnay{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}

[] The Wine Advocate:: 93-94/100 

[] Allen Meadows:: 92-95/100 

[] Wine Spectator:: 91/100 

[] Jancis Robinson:: 18/20 

{ratings} {***}