Burgundy

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}{***}

Our 2018 White Burgundy has been made in collaboration with our good friends Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray. This delicious expression of mineral Burgundian Chardonnay has delicate floral aromas, while the palate abounds with ripe citrus and peach fruit, finishing on a subtle, smoky note thanks to well-judged oak. An excellent Apéritif, or an ideal match for salads, seafood and lighter meat dishes.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{ratings}
[]International Wine Challenge® 2019-Bronze
{ratings}{***}

A blend from a number of excellent vineyard sites in the villages of Chaintré and Vergisson, we have worked again with the renowned “wizard of the Mâconnais” Olivier Merlin to create this benchmark Pouilly-Fuissé. Generous stone-fruit ¬flavours combine with a saline minerality and toasty oak notes to give a poised and restrained white Burgundy, one which will pair beautifully with seafood risotto.

{***}{region}Pouilly-Fuissé{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] International Wine Challenge® 2019 Silver Winner {ratings}        {***}

Our 2017 Meursault comes from a selection of vineyards from across the village, including the well-regarded Murgers de Monthélie and Les Clous. Raised completely in oak barrels to give smoky aromas and the hallmark buttered toast notes of classic Meursault, this wine has broad shoulders and rich stone-fruit flavours which are complemented by a racy, saline finish.

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

Our Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir is a new addition to our own-label range, made from 100 percent Côte d’Or fruit to obtain this prestigious new appellation (which only came into existence from the 2017 vintage). The fruit is in fact declassified Chorey-lès-Beaune, from very old vines and sourced with the help of star négociant Benjamin Leroux exclusively for Berry Bros. & Rudd. Unsurprisingly, the wine offers remarkable complexity, with pretty, floral top-notes accompanying the charming red-berry fruit. Elegant and delicate, this is Burgundian Pinot Noir in its most elemental expression.

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

Made by Rossignol-Trapet, our 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin is made with fruit from 10 organically farmed, old-vine plots. The old vines provide both concentration and balance, while the varied locations of the parcels give a true expression of the village. A bouquet of vibrant redcurrant and flowers seduces, while the palate is packed with sweet cherry fruit and subtle spice, finishing on a precise and mineral finish. Try it with roast lamb or mushroom Wellington. 

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[]International Wine Challenge® 2019-Silver 
{ratings}{***}

Our 2016 Nuits-St Georges has once again been made for us by the talented Benjamin Leroux. We have blended the fruit of two vineyards — Aux St Jacques and Les Fleuriöres — to paint a complete picture of the appellation. The former provides floral perfume, elegant tannins and red berry fruit, while the latter gives structure, spice and black fruit. It's an irresistible combination which should be enjoyed now or over the next few years. 

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

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}{***}

Fine, bright, pale yellow, the rich fruit is enlivened by a touch of baked apples. This is fairly powerful by Mâcon standards but has the necessary acidity to retain freshness.

{***}{region} Mâcon {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 90/100{ratings}{***}

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. Drink 2017-2019.

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

Its fine, bright colour heralds an elegant bouquet: a perfect mix of fruit and gentle oaking. This is exuberant – perhaps even beguiling. Some old vines form the backbone of this cuvée, helping to provide the lovely mineral thread. The progress we noted with the 2013 vintage here has been further developed with an excellent range of 2014 wines. Extra details apparent this year are the enhanced use of lees after racking and the minimal use of sulphur without risking oxidation. The Château de Puligny rises a further few notches up the ladder. Étienne de Montille notes that, in 2014, “there was super clean fruit and we could pick at leisure”. Fine and bright in colour, this has a lovely, elegant bouquet, a perfect mix of fruit and gentle oaking. Exuberant, perhaps even beguiling, some old vines form the backbone of this cuvée, helping to provide a lovely mineral thread.

{***}{region} Burgundy{region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{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}        {***}

Leroux's Saint-Romain hails from a 0.5-hectare parcel in the lieu-dit of Sous le Château. Organically farmed, there are in fact two parcels with 20 and 60 year old vines. The stony, rugged soils here are typical of Saint-Romain's terroir, yet the site is also well protected from the northern winds and the plethora of stones on the surface radiate heat. It is therefore a warm terroir in the context of the village, and hence escaped the spring frosts in 2016. Vinification was half in foudres and half in 300-litre barrels."Light yellow. Ripe stone fruits as well as an obvious element of smoky oak on the nose. Attractively supple, dry, musky wine with lovely lemony lift and cut and a suggestion of hazelnut reduction. This very savory, well-delineated wine finishes with a firm mineral spine and very good length. The crop was normal here, noted Leroux, while the Auxey-Duresses got a bit of frost. - Stephen Tanzer, vinous.com

{***}{region} St Romain {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[]Vinous:: 89-91/100{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}{***}

A faint touch of reduction on the nose adds complexity here, while the palate has crisp pear notes and vibrant energy. There is just a touch of phenolic grip on the finish, extending its length. Drink 2020-2025.

{***}{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:: 91/100
{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}{***}

The 2015 Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots has a refined, mineral-driven bouquet that opens nicely in the glass, offering wet limestone, orange zest and hints of white peach with time. The palate is fresh and crisp with a fine line of acidity, hints of white peach and fresh pear, quite saline in the mouth leading to an austere, but nicely focused finish. This is excellent.

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

Pale lemon in colour with some green hints, the nose is floral with touches of citrus fruit poking through. In the mouth, it is incredibly fine and crystalline, with huge energy and freshness. The toasty oak is well-integrated and adds an extra dimension of complexity and a touch of weight to the mid-palate, but the overall impression is of a wine with laser-like focus. Drink 2019-2024.

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

Aromas of lemon oil, green apple and iodine are framed by light reduction, introducing the 2017 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru La Garenne, a medium to full-bodied, tangy wine with an elegantly textural attack that segues into a tight-knit mid-palate and a pure, stony finish. This is one cuvée I suspect might have improved with more time on the lees, but there's plenty to admire nonetheless. - Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Puligny-Montrachet{region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Vinous:: 93/100
[] Burghound:: 92/100
[] Wine Advocate:: 90/100{ratings}{***}

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}{***}

This vineyard escaped the frost so volumes are normal here. Classically Chassagne, the wine has plenty of white peach and citrus fruit, and an oily, spicy edge that gives weight and complexity. Excellent balance and a lovely finish with notes of torrefaction. Drink 2020-2025.

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

Jean-Pierre compares this to a high-quality Chassagne-Montrachet because the vineyard is on the type of limestone known as "calcaire de Chassagne". It certainly opens with a powerful, flinty character. There is real dramatic tension to this, saline yet succulent, with very good depth, and we agree that there is an affinity to Chassagne. It has fine persistence too. Drink 2019-2023.

{***}{region}Morey-St Denis{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{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 2014 Bourgogne Rouge has a simple, light-hearted red cherry and bergamot-scented nose that if full of joie-de-vivre. The palate is fleshy on the entry, nicely defined with crisp tannin, surprisingly fleshy and generous on the finish. Recommended. - Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 87/100{ratings}{***}

As ever, this is a Bourgogne which punches significantly above its weight. A good dollop of Savigny, Santenay, Beaune, Monthélie and St Romain make their way into the blend, not as off-cuts, but because Ben sees this as his vinous business card. Raised in large foudres, this is as gorgeous as ever, with an incredible purity of juicy, red berry fruit. The quintessence of Burgundian Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2024.

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

The 2015 Bourgogne Pinot Noir has an attractive, slightly rustic bouquet with cranberry and pomegranate aromas that gain cohesion as it aerated in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, soft in texture but with admirable fruit intensity, finishing with tart cherries and a pinch of sea salt on the aftertaste. Recommended for a generic red Burgundy.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 88/100{ratings}{***}

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}       {***}

Punchy purple in colour, there is a little reductive touch to the nose. The red fruit offers beautiful, sweet fruit, harmony and persistence: this is really impressive. With real bounce and vigour, this is one for those who do not know Fixin to discover.

Bénigne Joliet began picking on 20th September, for four days, then went back to finish a late-ripening plot on 27th. He chose not to extract much because the colour and fruit were emerging easily in the vinification tanks of their own accord. The produce of the young vines and the vin de presse have been declassified. Clearly there is the necessary attention to detail here.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{***}

From old vines around Meloisey, the village where Sébastien grew up, this gorgeous cuvée is characterised by subtle floral aromas and, on the palate, a core of cool red fruit. Look out for Sébastien’s equally deft and delicious Hautes Côtes de Beaune Blanc. Drink now to 2023.

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

To date there has not been a detailed geological survey of Santenay, something David intends to correct during his upcoming syndicat presidency. Such knowledge will further benefit his understanding of this vineyard, whose limestone and shallow soils contribute a certain austerity, spiciness and firmness of structure. This translates, however, into a fine, persistent and admirable finish, creating a wine of considerable personality. Drink 2020-2025.

{***}{region} Santenay{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 91/100{ratings}{***}

One third whole-bunch vinified, for the old vines, this is dense purple, with deep raspberry fruit. The wine displays a crunchy, fresh, mineral finish, reflecting the limestone content of the soil here, with some tannins neatly framed by the fruit. 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}Beaune{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 88/100{ratings}        {***}

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}{***}

Not many stems were used here after the hail. It has a rich, bright colour, with good, ripe fruit, a little fine acidity but no rough tannins. Good energy here, well done.

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

With a rich, fine, dense nose, this wine is relatively backward at this stage. There is a wealth of delicious, deep red fruit on the palate, with good acid balance and length of flavour. This vineyard provides excellent value.

{***}{region}Beaune{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}           
[]Allen Meadows:: 88-91/100   
[]The Wine Advocate:: 88/100             
{ratings}{***}

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}{***}

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}        {***}

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}{***}

White pepper dominates the nose, along with darker berry fruit and a touch of strawberry. Dark fruits control in the mouth too, followed by a chocolate note or two, and some structure provided by the stems.

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

{***}

The 2014 Gevrey Chambertin Etelois includes around 50% whole bunch fruit from the 70-year-old vines. The nose is well defined with plenty of woodland scents infusing the red fruit, also fine mineralit, cold granite notes under the surface. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, lithe in the mouth with soft tannin framing the appealing raspberry and wild strawberry finish, and a pinch of bell pepper on the finish - The Wine Advocate

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

This Village En Champs is a chewy wine with tasty flavors of dark red cherry and plum fruit with notes of forest floor and smoke. Sourced from 55 year old vines, it is flavorful and chewy on the palate with good complexity, perfect balance and acidity on the finish.

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

Silken, seamless burgundy with impressive purity and an almost ethereal texture. It's difficult to describe the principal aromas in a wine that offers such a complex array of very subtle characters but it has a discernible floral/violet influence with red cherry and a suggestion of fresh herbs.

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

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}{***}

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}        {***}

Medium deep purple, with a lovely sensual nose, this has classical Chambolle succulence, and an impressive depth of flavour. It very much shows the raspberry and cherry flavours of the vintage. Long and fine.

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

A blend of three vineyards – Maizières, Violettes and Ravioles – this has become a significant cuvée for Ben, and it’s clear his style complements the silky, red- fruited profile of Vosne. A good proportion of whole- bunch has been used here, providing a lovely floral lift to the silky strawberry and redcurrant fruit. Simply very Vosne. Drink 2020-2026.

{***}{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}           
[]The Wine Advocate:: 89-91/100          
{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}{***}