Burgundy

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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

A deft application of wood sets off airy and cool aromas that include those of citrus, pear and a whiff of mineral reduction. There is more volume if perhaps not quite the same electricity to the medium-bodied flavors that possess better mid-palate flesh, all wrapped in a clean, dry and citrusy finale. This would benefit from having more depth, but it may well develop if allowed 3 to 5 years of cellaring. ( Burghound)

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}  {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{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 a blend of Chatenière and Bas de Gamay à l’Est, both of which are on the same steep, southwest-facing slope. It’s an outstanding wine with a thick texture and a refined, flint reduction running through the core. Pure, mineral and grippy with plenty of dry extract, this is a wine of supreme class. Drink 2023-2029.

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

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

{ratings} {***}

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

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

This old-vine cuvée is fermented and aged for the first year in oak, before moving to tank to avoid drying out. The nose is surprisingly serious, with some spicy oak reduction. It’s quite peachy and rounded initially on the palate, before a pleasing salinity arrives and tightens up the finish. Drink 2021-2025. 

{***}{region} Mâcon{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               

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

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}{***}

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}        {***}

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}{***}

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

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

These vines are slightly younger than those in Forêt, planted in 1956. There’s clay in the soil here, a real boon in 2019 as it helped the vines to weather the dry summer. Earthy and restrained, this will require a little more time to mature, but there’s a real energy and substantial weight of fruit. It’s very promising. Drink 2023-2030. 

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}laying-down{maturity} 

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

{ratings}
 [] Burghound:: 91/100        
  [] Jasper Morris MW:: 90-93/100 Outstanding      
 {ratings}   

{***}

The 2012 Chablis Les Clos is all about texture. A deep, layered wine, the Clos is going to need at least a few years to fully blossom, but it is impressive today. Hints of white orchard fruit meld into flowers and subtle spice notes in a striking, compelling Chablis that is a wonderfully alive in the glass. There is so much to look forward to here. - Antonio Galloni

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Antonio Galloni:: 95/100        
  [] Allen Meadows:: 94/100    
 {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}{***}

This is from just 1.5 hectares of domaine vineyards within the Meursault commune, which cover all its aspects, north to south. Matured in a mix of 600- and 500-litre oak barrels, it’s a very tight and classic Meursault-style Bourgogne Blanc, with a pleasing grip and top note of spice. Drink now to 2024.

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

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

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

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

The fruit comes from the lower slopes and younger vines of the excellent Les Quarts vineyard – which sits on a perfectly exposed south-east-facing slope with views over the Saone valley towards Mont Blanc. Eighty percent is made in tank, for freshness. The rest is fermented and aged in old barrels, giving a gentle oxygenation which rounds out the palate and adds complexity. The nose is packed with apple and pear, with a light dusting of acacia, vanilla and straw. Juicy and medium bodied on the palate, this offers plenty of concentration and a saline, precise finish. This biodynamic Burgundy is excellent value. Drink now to 2026.

{***}
{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}White{color}                                                           

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

[] Jasper Morris MW:: 89-92/100  

{ratings} {***}

This wine has a pronounced mineral character and saline finish: it’s “linear” in the brothers’ words. It hails from a north-facing vineyard, which performs well in warm years like 2019. It’s raised predominantly in tank – 80% of the blend – to lock in that tension. Drink 2020-2026. 

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

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

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} {***}

Vireuils benefits from a relatively high position, as well as a northeast exposure, providing valuable freshness in a warm vintage such as 2018. The vines are situated in the favoured, lower part of the vineyard. The floral nose offers aromas of lime blossom, while the palate is a charming blend of rich stone-fruit, spicy stone reduction and a saline finish. Drink 2021-2025.

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

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

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

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

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}

{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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} {***}

This is a blend of the Volnay Bourgogne lieu-dit Les Longbois – an historic De Montille parcel – and two parcels around Puligny. Such was the quality of the fruit that Brian took the unusual step to use one-third whole-bunch which lends a little twist of freshness and structure to the finish, balancing the ripe red berry fruit to give a rather serious Bourgogne. Drink 2021-2026.

{***}{region}Burgundy{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{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 is from a sector of the same vineyard as the blanc, with reddish, ferrous soil. Both grapes and stems ripened beautifully: Jean-Yves could thus vinify this cuvée whole-bunch. He likes the aromatic effect – an herbaceous complement to the ripe red berries – and suppleness it contributes to the palate. This’ll give enormous pleasure in the short- to medium-term. Drink 2022-2025. 

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

Full, robust chunky ripe forest berry fruits complemented by notes of herb and mocha. Mouth filling, floral and punchy, a Beaune bursting character and crunch. From 65-year-old vines planted on clay limestone soils with more clay than the domaine's Beaune Sizies giving a denser wine. Fermented with a third whole bunches and aged in 20% new oak.

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

{***}

{***}
{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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}
{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}{***}

If there was a Grand Cru in Pommard this would undoubtedly be it, and in years like 2009 you could make an argument for it. This is where Ben Leroux really puts his genius to work; the completeness is overwhelming. As in 2005, Ben has crafted something quite magical.

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 94/100{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}        {***}

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}{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}

{***}

Glowing pink-purple in colour, the bouquet displays real grace and charm. This is not an overtly powerful wine, but there is deliciously juicy red fruit which pervades the palate, and the expected, excellent persistence. Drink 2019-2026.-Jasper Morris MW

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

The lower part here is Premier Cru, beside Les Fuées. This is from the village section, above Les Fuées and adjacent to Bonnes Mares. Its altitude is a real benefit during global warming. The perfume is bright, pure and lifted; the palate is full of redcurrant fruit with chalky tannins. It’s charming and full of joie de vivre. Drink 2022-2032. 

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

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Vinous:: 91-93/100        
 [] Jasper Morris MW:: 90-93/100{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}

{***}

There is good dose of Premier Cru wine in this blend, with Les Chatelots comprising a quarter of the blend, with a seasoning of Charmes, and the balance of the village lieux-dits Les Bas Doix, Les Véroilles and Les Athets. The joy of this blend is that it covers the village slopes from the bottom to the top. There are 10 barrels this year and it is a sweetly textured Chambolle – with this, rather than perfume, forming the wine’s focus. Irresistible. Drink 2022-2027.

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

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

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

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

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

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}

{***}

The 2011 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comes from a 0.30-hectare parcel located toward Montluisants and is also raised in 30% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet with dark plum, mulberry and orange blossom scents that gain vigor with aeration.

The palate is well-balanced with a succulent opening, a touch of spice at the front of the mouth with the smooth, plush raspberry and wild strawberry fruit at the back. There is a pleasing long spicy aftertaste. This is burly Grand Cru that makes up what it is missing in finesse with weight and girth. Drink 2015-2025. 

{***}{region}Morey-St Denis{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                              

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

{ratings}{***}

As usual, this is a 60-40 blend of two of Auxey’s best sites: Les Breterins and Bas de Duresses. Everything was de-stemmed and there is 20 percent new oak. This reached a high level of ripeness, now with 13.7 degrees alcohol, but the freshness is here with laudable intensity on the palate. Drink 2022-2027.

{***}
{region} Auxey-Duresses{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                             

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

This sits just underneath Clos de la Roche and bears more than a passing resemblance to its neighbour. The 70-year-old vines produce tiny berries, giving great concentration of luscious blue fruit, plenty of power and a rocky, stony finish. A mini Clos de la Roche. Drink 2023-2030.

Having tasted numerous different wine styles Virgile decided he loves wines made with whole bunches, and has set about changing his winemaking to include a larger proportion each year, arriving now at a stage where he can’t imagine himself using less than 50 percent. His winemaking is consequently very gentle to avoid extracting harsh tannins from the stems. He began harvesting on 10th September, a little later than some neighbours as he waited for the stems to ripen. Virgile feels this is a vintage which has gained enormously from élevage, giving fine, elegant wines which will drink well early and age surprisingly well.

{***}
{region}Morey-St Denis{region}
{color}Red{color}                              

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

{***}

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}{***}

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}

{***}

Consistently one of the highest quality vineyards in Nuits, producing wines deep in colour and fruit. With Faiveley providing a taut structure for ageing.

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

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots-du-Milieu confirms its strong showing from barrel, soaring from the glass with scents of ripe cherries, red berries, rose petals, orange rind and a deft touch of toasty new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with melting tannins, succulent acids and a charming, supple profile that makes it hard to resist. - Wine Advocate 

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

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

 [] Vinous:: 93/100

 [] Burghound:: 92/100

{ratings}

{***}

Ben’s parcel is located just above the famous Clos des 60 Ouvrées. Caillerets gives some of Volnay’s most joyous and headily perfumed wines, redolent of violet and rose. There are some old vines, up to 70 years old, and Ben uses as much whole-bunch as he can (80% this year), based on each vine’s genetic quality. The year’s ripeness translates to succulence, but the terroir also gives composure and equanimity. Drink 2026-2033.

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

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

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

There is a lovely depth to the rich mid-palate of Jean Grivot's Nuits-St Georges Les Pruliers 1er Cru, which includes both red and black fruit notes leading to a precise well-delineated finish, typical of recent Grivot magic.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}

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

{ratings}

{***}

This is a blend of five parcels, split 50-50 between the left and right banks of the Serein. Raised entirely in stainless steel to preserve freshness, the attractive nose offers ripe orchard fruits and a touch of sea breeze. The palate is surprisingly concentrated and dense for a village wine but retains its Chablis minerality. It’s very attractive. Drink 2021-2026. 

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

drink-now

{maturity-text} {vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

A classic Chablis nose features notes of sea breeze, shellfish and algae that add interest to the intensely citrusy nose. There is good if not special volume to the vibrant and attractively textured flavors that brim with minerality on the clean and agreeably dry but not really austere finale. This is worth checking out. 2023+
Allen Meadows, Burghound, (December 2020) 

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

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

{ratings} [] Burghound :: 89/100

[] Jasper Morris MW :: 89/100 

{***}

This vineyard has a high proportion of Chardonnay Muscaté, which gives the wine its characteristic floral nose with rose petals and a touch of blood orange. As ever, this is picked early to preserve freshness, and there’s a pleasing bitterness to the finish of this otherwise generous wine. Drink 2021-2026. 

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

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

{ratings} [] Jasper Morris MW ::87-90/100

{ratings}

{***}

This one-hectare plot, purchased by the Brets’ grandfather, lies on relatively deep soils in the heart of the village of Vinzelles – overlooked by the primary school and mairie. Conceived for early drinking, it’s expressive and harmonious from the word “go”. Its texture is gorgeous. Drink 2020-2023.  

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

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

When the classification arrives in 2020, this will be the highest-altitude Premier Cru in Pouilly-Fuissé: it’s over 300 metres above sea level. There’s a little more ripeness to the nose here, but the palate retains the signature freshness of the vineyard. A star performer this year, this has wonderful salinity and minerality. Drink 2024-2030. 

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings} [] Jasper Morris MW:: 90-92/100

{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}        {***}

The upper part of this vineyard is very well-exposed and can sometimes give exotic wines if picked too late. This, however, is perfectly balanced, with a ripe-fruit attack underpinned by stinging acidity and a chewy grip on the finish. A serious and textural wine. Drink 2022-2029.

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

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

Gruyaches is tucked in under Charmes, on the Premier Cru side of the road to Puligny. The oldest vines date to 1930. It’s as good, if not better, than some Premier Cru Charmes, just above it. The site is warm, with clay over limestone, but the old vines give moderation. The wine is intense, honeyed, layered and harmonious. Drink 2022-2032. 

{***}{region} Meursault {region}
{color} White {color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings} []Jasper Morris MW:: 90-92/100

{ratings}

{***}

This is a much bigger cuvée, yielding around thirty barrels; it’s a site Olivier knows well. As the name suggests, this is a well-exposed slope, but there’s plenty of limestone and the rootstock is late ripening. There’s some orange blossom and mandarin here, with serious acidity and a grippy, textural finish. Drink 2023-2029.  

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

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

{ratings} [] Jasper Morris MW ::87-89/100

{ratings}

{***}

This cuvée is from old vines planted on a steep, south-facing site with high limestone content. It’s a wine which always punches above its weight, requiring a few years before approaching. Olivier shows this after the St Vérans, such is the regard in which it’s held. The 2019 is very concentrated, if a little more accessible than usual. Drink 2022-2027. 

{***}{region} Mâcon{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               

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

This well-sited vineyard sits immediately below Premier Cru Les Referts, close to the Meursault boundary. Coming amid the run of Meursaults in the tasting, it always stands in stark contrast: its bonier, leaner Puligny architecture is even more exaggerated. It’s very concentrated with stony, spicy notes. There’s perhaps just an atom of Meursault in its genes. Drink 2022-2030. 

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings}[] Jasper Morris MW:: 89-92/100

{ratings}

{***}

Close to Les Corbins, this offers a very contrasting style: it has a tighter structure and quite a saline lick. The intensity of the acidity adds a sparkle to the fruit’s top notes; they’re closer to apricot, with some appealing smoky spice, allspice perhaps. The wine has great length, retaining fine composure in the context of the vintage. Drink 2022-2029. 

{***}
{region}Meursault{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings} [] Vinous:: 90-92/100

[] Jasper Morris MW:: 89-91/100

{ratings}

{***}

This wine is made without adding sulphur during vinification, the intention being that it drinks well and gives pleasure when young. Made with two-thirds whole bunches, it’s explosively floral on the nose. The palate has juicy crushed strawberry fruit flavours, finishing with chalky tannins. Drink now to 2023.

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

From a 0.2-hectare site in the climat of Châtains, this wine is fermented in tank and raised in used barrels. It’s open and appealing, with ripe citrus fruits and a touch of iodine on the nose. The palate is crisp and bright; a pleasing seam of acidity brings things to a harmonious and salivating finish. Drink 2022-2028. 

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}laying-down{maturity} 

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

{ratings}
 [] Burghound:: 90/100        
  [] Jasper Morris MW:: 89-91/100 Outstanding      
 {ratings}   

{***}

This juicy and voluptuous Pinot Noir comes from vines in a natural suntrap not far from Pommard. The oak is well-integrated and adds a hint of spice, but the emphasis here is on ripe red-berry fruit. As ever with Sébastien's reds, its tannins seem to melt in the mouth. It makes a showstopping pairing with chargrilled tomahawk steak. Drink now to 2023.

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

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

{ratings}
 {ratings}        {***}

The fruit here is from two parcels totalling 0.67 hectares: Les Houillères, which bestrides the Chassagne/Puligny boundary, and Champ Derrière, just below Château de Chassagne-Montrachet. There’s plenty of texture this year; the wine’s viscous, with a hint of wild honey and a long, rich finish. Drink 2022-2028.

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

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

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}{***}

There is 10% new oak here. The fruit comes from two contrasting plots, the lower portion on heavier clay soils, the upper on light sand and friable limestone. Flowering was not perfect, reducing the yield to 35hl/ha and giving a concentrated, powerful attack with intense, saline acidity at the finish. Excellent. Drink 2022-2028.

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

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

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

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

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

"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}

{***}

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}{***}

Initially offered as “Sur le Coteau” in 2016, this wine comes from the climats of Casse-Tête, Les Petits Charrons (both from Château de Puligny) and Narvaux du Dessous (from De Montille). These three terroirs are perfectly sited in the middle of the hillside of Meursault, also known as the Montagne St Christophe. This class shines through, with perfect weight, bright acidity and a long, fine finish. Drink 2021 - 2028.

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

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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

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

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1985{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}

{***}

This is one of Prudhon’s most prized holdings: just under one hectare of vines in the highly regarded vineyard of Les Enseignières. Despite its classification as “just” village-level, it sits immediate below the Grands Crus of Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. The vines here are old, giving the wine plenty of concentration and complexity. The nose offers toasty oak, ripe white stone-fruit and some delicate floral touches. The palate is rich, citrussy and saline, with a struck-match note that prolongs the finish. This is textbook Puligny.

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

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

Dominique rents this from the same owner as Vignes Franches, and the vines are also 60 years old. Arguably Beaune’s best vineyard, this has an extra layer of dark, meaty richness alongside the usual bright, floral notes. Drink 2024-2031.

{***}

{region}Beaune{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-improve{maturity}

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

{ratings}
 {ratings}        {***}

Vines for this cuvée are between 40 and 50 years old, from the Prunier vineyard; this generic climat is surrounded by the Gevrey vineyards of Platières and Grands Champs. There’s 70% new oak. This performs as a Gevrey in all but name. There’s plenty of sturdiness from which the deeper dark fruit notes emerge into a long finish. Drink 2023-2028.

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

This lieu-dit just above Clos de Tart has a very cool, mineral terroir. This saw 80 percent whole-bunch  and 30 percent new oak. The nose is pretty, with a delicate lift and an energy which flows through to  the palate. Pleasant, medium-weight fruit is underpinned by a cool, chalky grip from the  limestone soil. Drink 2020-2024.

{***}
{region}Morey-St Denis{region}
{color}Red{color}                              

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

{***}

The vines for this cuvée are 70 years old on average, with some nudging 100 years. The parcels are neighbours to the Grands and Premiers Crus of Griottes, Petite Chapelle, Crais and Champeaux. There is a step up in concentration versus the regular bottling, with greater detail and complexity, and a lovely salivating freshness to finish. Drink 2024-2030.

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

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

{vintage}2018{vintage}

{***}

Brian was limited to 50% whole-bunch here; it would have been more, but there was no space in the tank. Champans can tend towards the rustic and tannic, and Brian softens the edges to give a softer, gentler and more delicate expression with silky tannins and lovely, perfumed lift. Drink 2023-2029.

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

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

As Pommards go, Les Pézerolles is rather Volnaysien in style, thanks to its limestone soils, which give a more elegant and delicate expression. The fruit here is most definitely red and this is pretty, perfumed and charming, but with a serious, chalky limestone structure. Drink 2024-2032.

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

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

{ratings} [] Burghound:: 89/100

{ratings}

{***}

There are two suppliers for this wine, one each located in Charmes and Mazoyères-Chambertin. The nose for this Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is plump and open, but attractively fresh. The stems show a bit, more structure than usual, improving the overall structure of the wine. Another impressively long finish.

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}

{ratings} []Burghound:: 91-94/100

[]Jancis Robinson:: 17/20

{ratings}

{***}

Rich full purple. An explosive nose of weight and majesty, everything you would hope for. Chassin barrel shows again, marvellous mid palate fruit, then a wonderful long finish based around a complex basket of fruit, superb texture, seamless, and enormously long. Again there is a wonderful, fresh undercurrent which comes from picking at the right time. Bravo. Throughout this wine shows a beautiful grain of finesse, with silky tannins all the way through.
Jasper Morris MW

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings} []Burghound:: 93-96/100

{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}{***}

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2002{vintage}

{ratings} 90pts Stephen Tanzer

{***}

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

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

ratings

}

{***}

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

{ratings} {

ratings

}

{***}

Deep ruby red colour with an attractive nose offering intense aromas of small black fruits. A powerful, warm and concentrated wine with exceptional aromatic intensity with elegant tannins and a touch of leather that linger son the finish.

This parcel is situated in the northern part of the village just before the valley. This climat's name is derived from "La Val", the term used in the Middle Ages to refer to a low point in the land, a topographic rift. Along with "Les Cazetiers" and "Clos Saint-Jacques", this climat is considered to be one of the 3 best Premiers Crus in Gevrey. The Domaine purchased this parcel in late 2013.

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

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}{***}

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}
{***}

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 special site at 300 metres’ altitude is on a 20% gradient, facing east and with more active limestone. The result is pure pleasure; energetic cranberry and raspberry fruit over a focused, tense palate. Drink 2023-2030.

{***}

{region}Beaune{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity}

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

{ratings}
 {ratings}        {***}

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

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

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

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

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

Our friend Benjamin Leroux has made this excellent Burgundian Pinot Noir for us. Sourced exclusively from vineyards in Chorey-lès-Beaune, this wine punches above its weight in complexity and elegance. The nose is serious and brooding; pepper notes accompany charming wild-berry fruits. The warm and sunny vintage delivers generous morello cherry and subtle spice. It’s approachable now but has the structure to keep for three to five years. Pair this versatile wine with charcuterie, cheese and heartier dishes.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{***}

The ingredients here are some of Meursault’s best village vineyards. Chaumes de Narvaux is elegant and mineral, Clous adds finesse, Limouzin is nestled among the Premiers Crus, giving depth and richness, while Criots and Crotots add textbook buttery notes. Jean-Philippe works his magic and makes one of the best examples at this level, showing creamy and crystallised fruits. Drink 2022-2030. 

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

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

{ratings} [] Jasper Morris MW:: 88-91/100

{ratings}

{***}

A well-woven tapestry from across the Côte d’Or, with contributions which include Vosne-Romanée, Pommard, Volnay and Monthélie, and some seasoning from Dames Huguettes in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. It’s rounded, ripe, pure and velvety. One-third of the volume is aged in barrel and SO2 levels are kept to a minimum, enhancing the creamy finish. Drink 2021-2027. 

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

 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings} [] Jancis Robinson:: 16/20
{ratings}{***}

Almost the whole blend is from the Côte d’Or, mostly Meursault; the inclusion of some Hautes-Côtes de Beaune fruit, for added zip, means it cannot use the Côte d’Or appellation. Ben uses 600-litre foudres, preserving the wine’s alluring freshness, with creamy textures from ageing on lees. A delicious benchmark. Drink 2021-2025. 

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings} [] Jancis Robinson:: 16.5/20

[] Jasper Morris MW:: 88-88/20

{ratings}{***}

Ben now has access to all the vines from his supplier in Vosne, so this year this wine is an even more complex quilt of different vineyards, namely Basses Maizières, Genaivrières, La Rivière, Aux Raviolles and Les Jacquines. It’s full of sumptuous, open and juicy fruit, with a lovely positive mid-palate. The greater volume this year from the newer vineyards means a little less whole-bunch, at 33%. 

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

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}

{ratings} {ratings}

{***}

The 2018 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Derrière La Tour is showing nicely, mingling aromas of cherries and red berries with hints of potpourri and spices. Medium to full-bodied, bright and fleshy, the combination of a warm vintage and a cooler, higher-altitude site is felicitous.

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings}  [] Jancis Robinson:: 16.5/20

{

ratings

}

{***}

Half these vines were planted in 1964, the rest in ’99. The younger vines provide fruit and energy, the older density and concentration. The nose is restrained, showing green apple; the palate is generous without falling into yellow fruit. The texture is luxurious, with a stinging acidity to the finish. There’s power and freshness, with a lingering salinity. Drink 2022-2028. 

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}laying-down{maturity} 

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

{ratings}       
  [] Jasper Morris MW:: 89-92/100       
 {ratings}   

{***}

Old vines. Pale to mid yellow, with a warm spicy nose, not, so typical of Fourchaume, soft and fleshy behind, then brightens up at the finish. Slight caramel note at the moment, which should disappear. - Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}laying-down{maturity} 

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

{ratings}       
  [] Jasper Morris MW:: 89-92/100       
 {ratings}   

{***}

This is a complex mixture of plots: two towards the south of the appellation (adding freshness), another two in the middle (sophistication), and the rest towards Clos Vougeot (power and spice). Given the excellence of Clos Vougeot this year, these make a significant contribution. The three zones are made separately but everything is used in the final blend. A most accomplished village wine. Drink 2019-2026.

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

This centrally placed, steeply sloping vineyard is probably the pick of the Meursault village lieux-dits. Jean-Philippe has just under one hectare of vines planted in 1949, ’65 and ’76. Its easterly exposition gives a more mineral style, with an intense lift of fruit on the finish. Drink 2022-2029.

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

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

{ratings} 

{ratings}

{***}

With subtle perfume, this is rather lovely, but not glossy, as the vineyard lies towards Pommard so is more structured than most. Last year’s frosts were heavy here and have meant some retraining of damaged vines, reducing the normal yield by 40 percent, but they should be back in commission by the 2019 vintage. Drink 2020-2024.

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

{ratings}
{ratings}        {***}

Bright ruby-red. Deep, brooding, very pure aromas of black cherry, dark raspberry, cocoa powder and earth. Pliant, harmonious and sweet if without quite the power of the Morey-Saint-Denis Clos des Ormes. But this wine offers a nearly perfect balance of fruits, minerals, flowers and utterly suave, ripe tannins. Not at all overconcentrated, this sexy wine finishes smooth, plush and very long. - Vinous

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

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

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

[] Burghound:: 91-93/100

{ratings}

{***}

AOC Pommard is renowned for producing wines with an unequalled cellaring potential and counts 313 hectares, 125 of which are classified as Premiers Crus. Pommard, along with Chablis, has the privilege of figuring among the most renowned Burgundy appellations overseas. Victor Hugo was particularly fond of Pommard, which grows in clay-limestone ferruginous soil that produces a well-structured, tannic wine, with multiple aromas evoking blackcurrant, plum, pepper and leather.
Two climats distinguishes themselves in particular in this appellation that has no grand cru, but only premiers crus: Les Rugiens, situated south-west of the village, near to Volnay, where the clay limestone soil produces the most virile and structured Pommards, more severe as young wines. Les Epenots and Les Grands Epenots, nearer to Beaune, stand out with their lovely rich aroma and a more supple character than Les Rugiens. 

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

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

{ratings} {***}

A distinctly floral nose of spice, plum and earth introduces relatively refined medium-bodied flavors that display a touch of wood on the solidly complex, well-balanced and persistent finish. As is typically the case this is an elegant Nuits but with the structure to reward longer-term cellaring. - Allen Meadows, Burghound

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

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

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

{***}

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

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

The vines are grown respecting Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture principles. The Domaine does not trim, and all the vines are plaited (like Leroy Domain does), which creates bridges between the wines. Yann wants to limit or stop the use of copper in the vinyard. The Domain uses herbal preparation and decoctions to treat plantation. Some years it is almost possible, others, like 2016 is not possible. Yann Durieux spend a lot of time observing the vineyard, making research to find right solutions. Yann invests in equipment such as light chaser to be able to intervene at any time, with the least impact on the soil. This balance and reinforcement of the plant will allow Yann to work more serenely then in the cellar. The Domaine's wines are systematically made every year without any inputs. The use of chaptalisation, sulphiting and other "Bon-Dieuseries" are proscribed from the Domaine. This is why wines are very marked by the vintage effect.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}