Burgundy

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}
{***}

The fruit for our 2018 Nuits-St Georges comes from 50-year-old vines in three different vineyards. The warm vintage has yielded a generous, spicy wine with a rich and rounded mouthfeel. Red and black cherries jostle for attention with sweet oak spice, while supple tannins and refreshing acidity make this an excellent wine for the table. Drink now to 2026.

{***}
{region}Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

This is the southwestern part of Vaillons, south-facing and high on the slope; the 60-year-old vines are well-exposed. The wine is made in a concrete egg, enabling lees contact and micro-oxygenation without imparting any oak character. There’s slightly more breadth and complexity than the other Premiers Crus. Rounded and concentrated, there’s unmistakable oyster shell freshness; it should age well. Drink 2023-2030. 

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings} [] Burghound :: 90/100

[] Jasper Morris MW :: 93/100 

{***}

From 0.3 hectares of old vines at the top of the slope behind Mont de Milieu, this undergoes 18 hours of skin contact, and fermentation in older oak – giving spicy notes and some grip to the finish. The 2019 is particularly successful, if slightly less classically “Chablis”. Concentrated and complex, this offers plenty of bang for one’s buck. Drink 2022-2027. 

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2019{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}{***}

The domaine’s remaining generic parcels are Pellands and Millerands. The former has vines planted between 1945 and ’50 and is very well sited: rare for a generic vineyard, it abuts a Premier Cru, Charmes. Millerand, closer to the village, was planted in ’73. Also labelled Côte d’Or this year, this is a rich wine, approaching Meursault in density. Drink 2022-2026. 

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

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

The domaine makes two Bourgogne cuvées; this is our favourite, from 0.75 hectares of limestone-dominated soils. It’s an unusually crisp and complex Bourgogne Blanc. Chalky and grippy, this is wonderfully persistent, with a citrus backbone. Drink 2021-2026. 

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

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

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}{***}

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}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
    {ratings}        {***}

This is opposite the Bachelet winery. The exposition is southwest and steep. There are only two barrels this year, but the wine offers an almost savoury, Chassagne-like intensity. Drink 2023-2027.

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}                                                             

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

{ratings} {***}

The 2018 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly is also showing brilliantly this year, bursting with notes of pear, hazelnuts, crisp orchard fruit and citrus oil, framed by a delicate touch of reduction. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, satiny and supple, with racy acids, fine concentration and a saline finish. - The Wine Advocate

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings} [] The Wine Advocate :: 92/100
 {ratings}        {***}

Mostly in Les Champlots, plus some vines from the upper part of En Montceau. Lovely fresh vigorous fruit, impressive underlying fruit plus their version of oak. More yellow fruit so the ripeness is there though it is backed by a saline acidity which prolongs the finish.

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               

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

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}{***}

Poruzots is a vineyard quick to ripen, and Brian takes care to pick this in good time, as evidenced by the vibrant bead of acidity which runs through the wine. There is the classic Poruzots breadth, along with an earthy reduction, but there is real freshness here. It was in 20% new oak. Drink 2023-2029.

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

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

{***}

This wine comes from the climats of Casse-Tête, Les Petits Charrons and Narvaux du Dessous, three terroirs which are perfectly sited in the middle of the hill of Meursault, also known as the Montagne Saint-Christophe. There is good weight here, but this is a true hillside Meursault with a serious acid structure, graphite reduction and chewy, mineral finish. Drink2022-2028.

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

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}20168{vintage}{***}

Domaine Henri Germain is run by Henri's son, Jean-François Germain, who continues to employ traditional organic farming and winemaking. Yields are kept very low and vineyard work is done by hand, and in the winery Jean-François is extremely minimalist. Wines never see more than 20-30% new oak and are almost always bottled unfined and unfiltered. His wines display an incredible richness, complexity, character and depth of flavor that is unequaled in almost all of the region.

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

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

{***}

Most (80%) of this wine comes 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. Deep roots and soil erosion have since rectified the damage and, combined with parcels from Levron and Baudrières-Nosroy, this makes a top village Puligny. It’s precise, clean and classic, with floral top notes. Drink 2022-2029.

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

Jean-Philippe’s 0.22-hectare plot of vines planted in 1963 is just into Puligny, adjacent to the middle of Meursault Charmes. His winemaking brings delightful precision to full-bodied, age-worthy Puligny. Drink 2023-2030.

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

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

From half a hectare in the middle of the slope, bordered either side by Leflaive and Leroy, this is the essence of Puligny. It’s floral and citrus on the nose, with a more rounded, elegant and voluptuous texture, then an intense freshness which Brian feels will only increase with time. Drink 2025-2032. 

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

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

{ratings}[] Vinous:: 91-93/100

{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}{***}

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}{***}

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}        {***}

A monopole, this vineyard has been home to white grapes since 1110, when it was first planted by the monks of Citeaux. A beguiling and intriguing wine, it is taut and cocooned in youth, yet fulsomely aromatic with time. There’s a touch of cream in 2018. Drink 2023-2032.

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

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

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}

{***}

This is a big, rich and full wine, deeply coloured, concentrated and elegant. The vineyards are farmed organically and the wine made as naturally as possible. It is built for the long tern, only beginning to open out after eight to ten years.

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

The young vines used for this cuvée come from cuttings of old Pinot Fin taken from the Clos des Epeneaux around 20 years ago, planted on the steep, south-facing limestone slope of Les Cras. Whole-bunch (50%) gives a delicious nose of pure Pinot fruit, with crushed strawberry and floral touches. Very elegant and delicate, it’s a massive success. Drink 2021-2028.

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

{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}{***}

This Bourgogne Rouge from Domaine Guyon is made exclusively from vineyards in Vosne; it’s a lot more structured than most wines at the generic level in 2017. The 100% whole-bunch house style is obvious, making for a generous red with an appealing line of freshness and purity. Drink now to 2023.

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

Everything is in place, most especially the haunting quality of the fruit which emerges at the back, with a heavenly perfume suffusing the palate. A must-have, if we can supply it! Drink 2019-2026. - Jasper Morris MW

{***}{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:: 87-89/100{ratings}{***}

The 2012 Bourgogne Rouge shows ripe black cherry flavors embedded in a rich texture, tinged by iron. The hefty tannins lend a chunky feel, yet it's satisfying - Wine Spectator

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}
 {ratings}{***}

This seems more like a baby Volnay from its joyous red to purple colour and it is simply terrific for a Bourgogne Rouge. It is deliciously perfumed red fruit, a lovely mid palate and beautiful finish with just the right coverage of tannins. - Jasper Morris MW

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}
 {ratings}{***}

Situated just above the vineyards of Nuits-St Georges, Les Dames Huguettes is at an altitude of 300 to 450 metres, giving the wine a vivacious freshness and vibrancy. The fruit is crunchy with a cool freshness, chalky tannins and a touch of spice which gives a nod to Nuits. Drink 2019-2024.

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

This extraordinary vineyard, with its hundred-year-old vines, consistently outperforms its appellation. For this vintage, Jean-Pierre Guyon has opted not to use any new oak on this wine. There is considerable depth and tannin; the wine is lush yet composed. Drink now to 2024.

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

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

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}        {***}

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}        {***}

This is a fine reminder of the potential of the “lesser” Burgundian villages. Admittedly this comes from the sweet spot in the Clos Rousseau vineyard, the Clos des Roches Noires, but there is a delicious creamy completeness about the wine, with complex aromas of spice and damson. Drink 2022-2027.

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

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

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

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

ratings

}

{***}

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

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

ratings

}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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

{ratings} [] Wine Advocate: 89-91/100{

ratings

}

{***}

This is an outstanding site renowned for its intensely mineral wines; sadly the Bitouzets only own enough to make barely three barrels. The nose is a little marked by the oak at the moment but will absorb the wood with time; there is certainly the fruit and the rocky, precise tannins to carry this. A vin de garde. Drink 2024-2032.

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

{***}

From seventy-year-old vines of Pinot Noir in the lauded premier cru of ‘Les Roncerets’, this wine is a personal favourite of Fred’s and almost his very best. With beautiful floral aromas and a hint of spice, this could only be from Volnay.

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

{***}

The 2017 Volnay Clos des 60 Ouvrées 1er Cru has a very nuanced and precise bouquet, understated at first, but revealing quite compelling mineral-rich black fruit with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, finely balanced, not quite as sophisticated as the Clos d’Audignac since this is more bullish and demonstrative on the grippy finish. Give it a few years in bottle. -- Neal Martin

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

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

{ratings} [] Vinous:: 92/100

{ratings}

{***}

This parcel did not suffer from the frost in 2016, so Benjamin Leroux was able to produce slightly more than in '17: a grand total of 13-and-a-half barrels versus twelve. This beautiful wine sees 20% new oak. The nose has pure red berry fruits, with plenty of redcurrant and cranberry along with some floral touches and oak spice. The palate is supple and silken, with very fine-grained tannins. It's classic Volnay. Drink 2021 to 2028.

{***}{region} Pommard{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                             

  {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 90-92/100{ratings}{***}

The Premier Cru "Les Brouillards" is quite heterogeneous. The Domaine's tiny vineyard of 0.37 hectare is found in the top – and best – portion that runs alongside "Les Mitans", on a rocky and marl-dense soil with fine clay.

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}
{***}

The bouquet offers brilliant, pure fruit with real energy along with a floral note of violets and dark cherries. We love this cuvée, which happily escaped the hail. This is hugely satisfying on the palate, with a fabulous long finish.

“This is definitely the best vintage I have made in white,” says Benjamin. “The wines have great vineyard definition; I would just have loved to have made more. It is my style of vintage.” His reds, too, have gorgeous layers of ripe fruit, so 2014 is clearly a significant success all round for Benjamin.

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}

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

{***}

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

{ratings} [] Vinous: 88-90/100{ratings}

{***}

The Clos de la Cave escaped the worst of the hail and has produced a very fine Volnay in 2013. It is a beautiful pink-purple colour with a very lively nose. Perfect bright red fruit, raspberry notes, and a silky mouthful with excellent intensity rather than weight, perfect finish.
Jasper Morris MW

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}

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

{***}

With a gentle and gracious bouquet, this 2011 is showing the potential to join the list of great Lafarge Clos des Chênes. Discreet, but potentially spectacular, which it certainly is in the mouth, the wine is backed by a crisp freshness and is a benchmark for grace and persistence.
Jasper Morris MW
The Lafarge’s picked from 31st August to 6th September in 2011 and the fruit is fully ripe and balanced in every sense. Very healthy grapes were harvested that hardly required any sorting and gentle extraction has produced some beautifully fine wines which Michel Lafarge compares in quality to his 1952s. If this is the case, our suggested drinking dates would appear to be rather on the conservative side!

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}

[] Wine Advocate:: 91/100

{ratings}{***}

Having created a name for himself as régisseur (general manager) of Domaine du Comte Armand in Pommard, Benjamin Leroux established, with English backing, a small négociant business, based in Beaune since 2007. The possibilities are very exciting for this exceptionally talented vigneron. Benjamin is a master at delivering purity of fruit alongside a seamless texture in his wines, which have only the subtlest influence of oak.

This is quintessential Volnay, with a really stylish and heady nose giving way to a fine-boned, lovely, graceful palate dominated by roses. A decent yield was produced this year and it is ripe, but not with black fruit.

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings} 
{ratings}

{***}

Glowing a beautiful purple colour and with a lovely perfumed nose, this is the essence of Volnay. Ultra stylish with excellent density, a good structure behind paves the way for the long term but it is already perfectly coated with fruit.

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}

[] Allen Meadows, Burghound:: 91-93/100

{ratings}{***}

A refined, pure and airy nose of mostly red berry fruits though hints of blue berry, violets, underbrush and anise creep in and then continue onto the sweet, intense detailed and pungently mineral flavors that possess lovely balance and length on the linear finish. A wine of finesse and understatement that comes across as quite serious all the same. - Allen Meadows- Burghound

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Wine Advocate:: 92/100

[] Allen Meadows, Burghound:: 90/100

{ratings}{***}

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}Pommard{region}
{color}Red{color}              {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}

[] Vinous:: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

An expressive nose speaks of essence of raspberry, earth, sauvage and a hint of wood. The dense super-ripe flavors brim with dry extract that coats the palate and imparts a velvety mouth feel to the mocha, bitter cherry pit and slightly warm finale. This muscular and mildly rustic effort is a very ripe 2016 yet the overall impression is one of freshness and energy.

{***}{region} Pommard{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
[] Burghound:: 89-92/100{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}{***}

This blend of the various different cuvées of the Clos is, as ever, even more impressive than its individual parts. The bouquet is very fine, with stylish, vibrant red fruit aromas and lifted notes of spice. Tightly wound yet still with real generosity, this is a great wine in the making. Lay down and try to forget its existence for at least another five years.

{***}{region}Pommard{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2007{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 91/100{ratings}        {***}

This vineyard sits above several village Vosne vineyards, and the delicate Grivot touch imbues the wine with an elegant and caressing character. Ripe, juicy red fruit fills the palate, wrapped in perfectly ripe tannins which simply melt away, leaving a chalky, fresh finish. Drink 2022-2028.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

Much like the Argillas, this has a touch of reduction on the nose and proves retiscent to reveal its character. Deep, brooding colour with bluish reflections hint at the full, intense structure and monolithic quality of the nose. There is however an underlying suppleness that envelops the tannic backbone.

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

{ratings}[]Burghound:: 89-92/100 {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}{***}

This is very reserved, indeed to the point where the nose is borderline taciturn and requires considerable swirling to reveal the ripe and intensely earthy nose of animale inflected dark berry fruit. The concentrated, powerful and muscular broad-shouldered flavors ooze with an abundance of dry extract that actually causes the very firm tannins to appear more civilized than they really are. Despite the reserve of the nose the austere finish is explosive and the length is excellent. *Outstanding* - Allen Meadows

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings}[] Burghound:: 92/100

[] Jancis Robinson :: 17/20

{ratings}

{***}

The Domaine Alain Michelot Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes displays all the richness garnered from 45 year old vines. Powerful, aromatic and with wonderful texture this wine offers complex flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and smoke leading on to a long, elegant and flavoursome finish.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}

{ratings}

{***}

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}       

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}{***}

"Elegance personified with intensely spicy red and black fruit, anise and a hint of oak with mouth coating pungent fruit and earth flavors. The mouthfeel is extraordinary with fine tannins and superb length. This has enormous potential and is one of the finest Les St.-Georges I have ever tasted from Domaine Gouges"  
91-93/100 pts, Burghound.com

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}1999{vintage}

{ratings}[] Burghound:: 91-93/100

[] Wine Advocate:: 89-91/100

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17.5/20

{ratings}

{***}

I never understood the 1999 out of barrel, however a decade later, this is one mightily impressive Vaucrains. The nose is incredibly pure with wild strawberry, raspberry, crushed stone and stupendous delineation. The palate is plush in texture, very generous although there is still some oak to be subsumed. Very fresh and vibrant with a Chambolle-like finish, there is a sense of completeness to this ’99. But it would benefit from another 2-3 years in bottles.  - Wine Advocate

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}1999{vintage}

{ratings}[] Burghound:: 93/100

[] Wine Advocate :: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings} [] Vinous:: 92-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

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}

{***}

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

{ratings} {

ratings

}

{***}

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}

{***}

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

{***}

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}

{***}

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}{***}

Denis Bachelet’s old vine Gevrey-Chambertin is always a reference point for the appellation. The 2011 has a typical glowing dense deep red colour and a superbly sensual nose. On the palate, black cherries are balanced by red fruit acidity in a complex and concentrated mouthful. Not to be drunk too young.

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

The wines are succulent and rounded and make an interesting contrast to the tighter, more precise style of Jean-Louis’s cousins at Domaine Rossignol-Trapet. These are wines that tend more towards elegance and finesse rather than power and extract.

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

{ratings} {ratings}

{***}

The 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin Coeur du Roi is racy, deep and totally sensual. Clean veins of minerality support a core of expressive blue and black fruit. The 2010 is both deep and long. All the elements are beautifully balanced in this impeccable, mineral driven wine. Cassis, blueberries, sweet flower and mint inform the energetic, palate staining finish. Dugat used 75% whole clusters, which gives the wine an attractive aromatic lift throughout. These vines are between 50-100 years old.  - Wine Advocate

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}

{ratings}
[] The Wine Advocate:: 91-94/100

[] Allen Meadows, Burghound:: 90/100

{ratings}

{***}

The fruit sits happily on the cusp between red and black in this excellent Gevrey-Chambertin and it shows impressive density through the middle before a long, tight finish. This wine needs time, but it will surely be a cracker in the years to come.

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}

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

{ratings}

{***}

The Maumes see their wines falling into two groups: Etelois, Champeaux and Charmes are pretty and succulent, thus requiring oak from Jupilles or Troncais in the hands of coopers who specialise in finesse. En Pallud, the premier cru cuvée and Mazis-Chambertin have more rugged frames and need the firmer hand of Nevers wood from (e.g.) Berthomieu. while Lavaux is between the two, tending one way or the other according to vintage.

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

A relatively expressive nose of wild red berries, blue berry liqueur and earth undertones that are also reflected by the bigger and notably more robust medium-bodied flavors blessed with ample amounts of extract and an attractive touch of minerality on the seriously long and ever-so-mildly austere finish. A knockout at this level. *Outstanding Top value* - Allen Meadows, Burghound

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}

{ratings}

[] Burghound :: 91/100

{ratings}

{***}

Bright ruby-red. Pungent, perfumed nose melds black and red raspberry, smoked meat, flint and minerals; I would describe this as a Chambolle style of Gevrey. Then fat, pliant and sweet, with a light touch and nice definition to the flavors of red and black fruits, smoke and minerals. Finishes with substantial broad tannins and very good length. Serious wine, more vibrant than the Feusselottes and structured to age. - Stephen Tanzer

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}

{ratings}

[] Jancis Robinson MW :: 16/20

{ratings}

{***}

Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is made using only native yeasts and is aged for 14 months in oak barrels (30% new). On the nose, it reveals gorgeous, slightly acidic aromas of nicely ripened red and black fruit. There is concentration on the palate, fine balance and absolutely delicious fruity flavours. A long-lasting finish reveals subtle spicy notes. A wine that teams beautifully with venison or other game.

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2002{vintage}

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

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}{***}

The fruit here comes from Maizières-Basses and some Les Violettes to the north of the appellation (actually in Flagey) and Raviolles at the southern end, bordered south and west by Nuits-St Georges. The contrasting styles combine for a textbook Vosne, suave and rich, abetted by 50 percent whole-bunch. Drink 2020-2024.

{***}{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}           
      
{ratings}{***}

This old vines cuvée comes from a tiny parcel of vines nearly 79 years in age that were planted by Massale Selection. The sub-soil here is chalk but there's limestone and clay up above. This is a structured red Burgundy that's powerful and will benefit from age. The majority of the domaine's vines are old vines (Massale) planted in the 1930s and 40s. Naturally the yields are miniscule for this reason making this wine all the more rare.

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

{ratings}   

{ratings}

{***}

Pierre-Yves Colin is the eldest son of the famed Marc Colin. After working as the winemaker at his father’s domaine from 1994 to 2005, he established his own domaine from family vineyards he inherited from his family. Since that time, he has rapidly become a star in the Cote de Beaune and is now considered one of Burgundy’s top producers. His choice to use larger demi-muid barrels and eschew the use of battonnage, makes each one of his bottlings a clear expression of its terroir. The wines are bottled without filtration and often without fining.

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

{ratings}   

{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}

{***}

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 is a blend from half a dozen different vineyards within Vosne-Romanée and lovely fruit is evident right across the palate before a very stylish finish. Etienne has tamed the tannins beautifully as he set out to do. -Jasper Morris MW

This has been one of the most exciting cellars in the whole of Burgundy for the last few vintages, a fact which is beginning to be reflected in the pricing. The significant reduction in crop this year, which Etienne Grivot ascribes more to the extreme winter cold than poor flowering, is also a factor. Etienne has been working hard to refine the tannins in his wines, and has surely succeeded in 2010, by producing wines of great energy but with suave, sophisticated finishes. These are brilliant wines that unfortunately, are in short supply.

{***}
{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}

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

{ratings}

{***}

With his Vosne-Romanee Les Rouges,  Etienne Grivot really is at the top of his game at the moment. His wines have a precision of fruit that is simply perfect. I'm not sure if he can get any better.

{***}
{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{***}

A new cuvée for us this year, from a premier cru which sits high on the slope. It is no more than medium-bodied but the class shows in its exceptional perfume. A fine Vosne for lovers of true elegance.

{***}
{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}
{***}

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}        {***}

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}

{***}

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}        {***}

This opens with some lovely bright fruit, but more black fruit in character, than red, more in keeping with the producer than the appellation. Black fruit makes itself evident on the palate too, lovely density and ripeness, “gushing even”, reads my note. A full, crunchy, tannic structure makes sure that this will age well too. A wonderful wine, if not very typically Chambolle.

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

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

{vintage}2013{vintage}

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

{***}

This Chambolle-Musigny, La Combe d’Orveau, 1er Cru has a discreet nose at first, though beautiful perfume emerges behind. It is a fine boned Chambolle- Musigny, with immaculate precision filling out beautifully on the palate.
Jasper Morris MW

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

{ratings}   
  

{ratings}

{***}

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

 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings} 
 {ratings}        {***}

A highly seductive nose speaks of black cherry and liqueur of red raspberry that dissolves into vibrant, rich and impressively concentrated flavors that possess a tender mid-palate but firm up quickly on the focused, intense and palate staining finish. This is not as complex as the two old vine Gevrey cuvées but it's, not surprisingly, finer. *Outstanding Top Value* - Allen Meadows - Burghound

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

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings} [] Burghound:: 90/100
 {ratings}        {***}

The 2008 Chambolle-Musigny Aux Beaux Bruns is an especially warm, generous 2008. It shows lovely depth in its open, expressive fruit. The balance and sense of harmony are first-rate. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. - Wine Advocate

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}

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

[] Burghound:: 90/100

{ratings}

{***}

2005 Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes: (this has a small proportion of the 1er Les Plantes included in the blend). A very fresh and relatively high-toned nose features both red and black pinot fruit and subtle spice notes, in particular clove, anise and cinnamon that can also be found on the rich, full and sweet flavors that are full of character and good depth if not necessarily much elegance. Still, there is energy and punch with ample finishing drive and impressive complexity on the backend. Very solid quality for a villages level wine and recommended. - Burghound

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

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings} [] Burghound:: 88-91/100
 {ratings}        {***}

This is a deeply impressive wine with classic Rion-esque intensity and purity. Very classy, this continues the run of exciting wines made fom this vineyard every year since 1990. 

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{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}Morey-St Denis{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}{***}

Aromas of wild berries, cassis, incense, smoked duck and rose hip introduce the 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, a full-bodied, ample and layered wine that's quite charming and open-knit by the standards of Clos Vougeout and even by the standards of this routinely elegant cuvée. Framed by fine-grained tannins, it's pure, fleshy and elegant, and it should shine at a comparatively early age. This is a successful vintage for Charles Van Canneyt at Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat. The wines are supple and charming, gaining in-depth, seriousness and complexity as one ascends the hierarchy of appellations and vine age. After the concentrated and compelling 2015s and 2016s, both vintages built for the cellar despite their decidedly different styles, 2017 represents a high quality but more immediate, structurally open-knit year for the Domaine, and for impatient consumers, that is no bad thing. The domaine's roster of appellations will be familiar to readers by now, with the exception of a promising new Meursault from the lieu-dit Clos des Ecoles—a parcel formerly farmed by the Domaine Coche-Dury. - Wine Advocate

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

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

[]Wine Advocate:: 91-94/100

[] Allen Meadows:: 91-94/100{ratings}{***}

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}{***}

Made with 40 percent whole bunches, the nose is intensely fruity and floral, with crushed strawberry and peony notes. The palate has Grand Cru concentration and intensity, with an elegance that covers the underlying steel. Drink 2024-2030.

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

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

For our 2019 White Burgundy we have worked once again with our good friends Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray. The warm and sunny 2019 vintage has yielded a charming wine with aromas of ripe stone-fruit, subtle floral touches and a suggestion of toasted hazelnuts. The palate is at once generous and refreshing, with a mineral, smoky finish courtesy of judicious oak ageing. A versatile wine, enjoy it on its own or as an accompaniment to salads, seafood and lighter meat dishes.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

Dominique has used a mixture of 500-litre demi-muids and barriques, with 20% new wood. The fruit, as usual, is 50-50 between Puligny and Meursault; both elements play their part. The vintage has given the wine a creamy attack and, initially, the wine is very full on the palate, but it trims to a more sculpted Puligny-style finish. Drink 2021-2025. 

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings}[] Burghound:: 88/100 {

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}

{***}

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}{***}

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

Benjamin Leroux produced 13 barrels of this Chambolle-Musigny in 2017; three of them come from the Chatelots Premier Cru vineyard. The nose is pretty and perfumed, with peony and rose petal notes alongside some wild berry aromas. The palate is clean and energetic, with real intensity and purity. This is a focused, precise and mineral expression of Chambolle-Musigny. Drink now to 2025.

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

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

This is a wonderfully positioned vineyard for a simple village wine, nestling under the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet. The Bachelets’ parcel also touches Chassagne’s Les Encegnières. The fruit is rich and luscious, around a very mineral and compact core. A very fine example at this level. Drink 2022-2025.

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

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings} {

ratings

}

{***}

Les Macherelles is situated in the northern part of Chassagne-Montrachet, just outside the village itself. The vineyard is notable for its iron-rich red clay soils, which always give a chewy, mineral aspect to the wine. The nose is rather exuberant, with some peach and mandarin notes interspersed with mealy spice and a touch of oak. This is an intense and quite powerful wine, but with a persistent thread of sinewy, mineral freshness.

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

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

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}  [] Burghound:: 92/100

[] Tim Atkin:: 93/100

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17/20  

{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. Most (80%) of the wine went to tank, while the remaining 20% went to barrel. Fresh and juicy, this has a charming nose of white flowers and orchard fruit, and the palate has crisp apple flavours and crunchy acidity. Drink now to 2024.

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

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

A likely Premier Cru vineyard, Au Vignerais is cool at 350 metres’ altitude, but the shallow red soils and sunny, south-facing exposition give both freshness and richness. The nose has ripe white peach and a sunny feel, while the palate’s initial richness is tempered by an intensely chewy finish courtesy of millerand grapes. Drink 2021-2027.

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

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

The 25 percent whole-bunch gives a floral touch to the nose. The palate has abundant rich red fruit, real generosity and showy, silky tannins. The inclusion of stems has added a chalky structure that extends the finish and provides complexity. Impressive and quite explosive. Drink 2022-2028.

{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::89-91/100{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}2018{vintage}{***}

The Grivots have been working very hard at their Clos de Vougeot over the years, looking to soften the wine’s usually sturdy tannins. Certainly there is a suavity this year, a touch of Vosne magic, perhaps. A strong wine that Étienne is trying to educate. Drink 2025-2032.

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

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

Very lovely, fragrant Pinot, with all of the high-toned notes you hope for from this property. This is a wine of finesse and refinement, more than sheer power. Here there are no mere aromas, but perfumes of incredible complexity. Fresh, elegant and delightful.

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1998{vintage}
{ratings} 
 {ratings}        {***}

This high, exposed vineyard close to Blagny is benefitting from this current run of warm vintages. The 50-year-old vines yield very small berries, but the warmth of the year has added some lustrous fruit to the steely core of minerality. Drink 2024-2029.

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

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

The 2018 Meursault Village has turned out nicely in bottle. Wafting from the glass with scents of crisp green pear, citrus oil, struck match and freshly baked bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, satiny and nicely incisive, with fine depth at the core and good structuring extract—even in this inherently supple, open-knit vintage—underpinned by lively acids and concluding with a nicely chalky finish. As usual, it’s a blend of Vireuils, Les Pellans, Le Cromin and Au Moulin Judas. - 90 pts, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

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

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

A fresh yet notably ripe nose is composed by liqueur-like aromas of plum, spice and earth. The delicious, refined and once again strikingly pure flavors are a bit less muscular and mineral-driven than those of the Taillepieds yet the tannic spine shaping the lingering if ever-so-slightly warm finish is just as firm. This is going to require at least moderate patience before it begins to be approachable. *Sweet Spot, Outstanding - Burghound

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

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}

[] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100 

[] Allen Meadows:: 91-94/100 

[] Vinous:: 92-95/100 

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17.5/20 

{ratings} {***}

This Les Charmes Premier Cru makes a subtle first impression on the nose before opening up to aromas of red fruit and Morello cherry with empyreumatic notes. The palate is both refined and concentrated, flavoursome and rounded.

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

 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2002{vintage}
{ratings} 
 {ratings}        {***}

A wine which merits its name, this is stony and flinty on the nose, with smoky reduction running the length of the wine. The palate is salty, precise and tangy, with fine, chiselled detail and a pulpy richness to the finish. Drink 2025-2032. 

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

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

The vines over 65 years in age here produce very small berries. More generous in 2016 than Aux Thorey, this is dense, with a sweet-prune aroma; but not cooked. Sébastien waits as long as he can to harvest here. It’s lovely: a summer compôte. Drink 2022-2030.

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

{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 92-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

A classic Vosne nose is comprised by notes of spiced tea, sandalwood, cassis and a hint of the exotic. The velvety but powerful and muscular flavors are shaped by a slightly firmer core of ripe tannins on the serious and better balanced finish. Some patience will be required. - Allen Meadows

{***}{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}           
 [] Allen Meadows:: 91-93/100     
{ratings}{***}

A classic white Graves blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Sémillon (50%), our 2020 Extra Ordinary White is a testament to the quality and value of this oft-overlooked region. The Sauvignon provides aromatic fireworks and freshness on the palate; the Sémillon adds body and a touch of soft peach fruit. Around 10% is fermented in wood, lending further depth and complexity to the whole. This versatile wine makes an excellent apéritif, but it is best with a seafood platter or a goat’s cheese tartlet.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{***}