Burgundy

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 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} {***}

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}{***}

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}   

{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}

{***}

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}{***}

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}Beaune{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 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}

{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}

{***}

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

{***}

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}        {***}

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}

{***}

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} Mâcon{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

[] Vinous:: 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. 

"An even more floral blend is composed by notes of mostly essence of pear and apple. The finer and sleeker but not richer middle weight flavors possess a beguiling texture that carries over to the citrusy, clean and bone-dry finale. This stylish effort is very Puligny in character and well-worth checking out. " 89-91pts Outstanding, Allen Meadows, Burghound

"Notes of citrus zest, warm bread, hazelnuts and white flowers introduce the 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Levrons, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise wine with a pretty core of fruit that's girdled by bright acids." 90pts William Kelley, Wine Advocate

{***}{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

[] Burghound:: 89-91/100

[] Wine Advocate:: 90/100

{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}

{***}

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}   

{***}

Here there is a bit more wood influence on the distinctly earthy and quite floral aromas of dark currant poach plum and a softly spicy top note. The sleeker if not quite as dense medium-bodied flavors possess focused power that really builds as the dusty and serious finish sits on the palate. Excellent. Drink starting 2033. - Burghound

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

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

[]Wine Advocate:: 91-93/100

[]Vinous:: 91-93/100

[]Jasper Morris:: 92-95/100

{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 is one of the best sites in the Hautes-Côtes. It’s south-facing and stony; Sébastien’s holdings have a lot of old vines. “Complexity” isn’t a noun often associated with the Hautes-Côtes, but there’s clearly an extra dimension to this wine. It’s expressed by a sinewy structure overlaid by hints of turmeric and fulsome crunchy red fruits. Drink 2021-2027.

{***}
{region} Monthélie{region}
{color} Red{color}                      

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

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

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

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

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}{***}

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

{***}

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}        {***}

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}

{***}

{***}{region} Vougeot {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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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 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}        {***}

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}

{***}

Very heady, fine, ripe, graceful fruit dominates here, with the stems beautifully integrated. A refreshing touch of acidity at the back of the palate enhances the experience of this brilliant wine which finishes in a state of grace and elegance.
Jasper Morris MW

Maintaining his reputation as being one of the early pickers, Thierry Brouin, the experienced régisseur of Domaine des Lambrays, started on 22nd September in fine weather. He loves this vintage and with good reason. The Clos des Lambrays in particular is a sublime wine. But as with most domaines in 2010, yields are significantly down.

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

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

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

{***}

Lightish cherry red. Sweet complete nose. Very rich and sweet on the palate. Charming! But with good freshness too. Great balance and attack. Not heavy but not light either. Tingle on the finish. (Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com, January 2011)

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings}[] Jancis Robinson MW:: 17.5/20

{ratings}{***}

Moderate wood influence surrounds the overtly spiced and ripe plum, dark currant and violet scents. The attractively textured, rich and sappy medium weight flavors possess very good depth on the lengthy finish where a touch of wood appears. This is quite good for its level and is a wine that should drink well on the younger side if that's your preference. - Allen Meadows, Burghound

{***}{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}      [] Burghound:: 89-91/100

[] Vinous:: 88-90/100   

{ratings}{***}

Roulot's only premier cru bottling of red grapes, the Auxey is perfect for those who enjoy an ethereal, mineral-driven style of Pinot Noir. The nose presents a harmonious medley of dark berries and spice, while the palate echoes the taut, crystalline character of the domaine's white wines. A chalky core underpins this red that will drink beautifully for at least the next decade.

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

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

A very pretty and airy nose features notes of red cherry, raspberry and spice with a shading of soft wood and earth. On the palate though this is not nearly as concentrated though there is still perfectly good concentration and a sleek muscularity on the vibrant, detailed and lingering finish. While this is by no means light, it is a Charmes built more along the lines of finesse than power. Drink 2028+

Burghound (Apr 2018)

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

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

{ratings} 

[] Burghound:: 91-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

In Etienne’s hands Roncière is always an elegant and red-fruited expression of Nuits, even in a warm vintage such as 2018. Red fruit abounds on the caressing palate, while the finish is spicy and refreshing, with a cooling sage-mint feel. Drink 2024-2030.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{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-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2004{vintage}

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

Five barrels of this were made in 2018. Most of the fruit comes from the cooler western side of the hill in Pernand-Vergelesses. This is classically proportioned with restrained stone-fruit and spine-tingling minerality. The finish is very textural, with a finely detailed and grippy mouth-feel. Drink 2024-2030.

{***}{region}Corton{region}
{color}White{color}                      

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

This vineyard sits across the road from the house, with quite deep (two metres) topsoil over marne. Very typically Nuits, there’s plenty of black fruit and sweet spice on the nose, while the palate offers red and black cherry, and some floral touches. Weighty, dense and concentrated with a rocky, limestone texture to the tannins; it’s deep, dense, complex and age-worthy. Drink 2023-2030.

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

Discreet but not invisible wood and menthol influences set off the much riper aromas of cassis, plum, black raspberry and game. There is excellent intensity to the mineral-driven and overtly powerful middle weight plus flavors that offer excellent depth and persistence on the firmly structured finale. This is really quite good and worth checking out provided you cellar it for at least 5 to 7 years first.  93 Points - Burghound

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

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

{ratings} [] Burghound:: 93/100

{ratings}

{***}

Here there is a bit more wood influence on the distinctly earthy and quite floral aromas of dark currant poach plum and a softly spicy top note. The sleeker if not quite as dense medium-bodied flavors possess focused power that really builds as the dusty and serious finish sits on the palate. Excellent. Drink starting 2033. - Burghound

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

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

[]Wine Advocate:: 91-93/100

[]Vinous:: 91-93/100

[]Jasper Morris:: 92-95/100

{ratings}

{***}

This is from the northern end of Chambolle, immediately under Bonnes Mares, with which it shares some personality: this is a stronger style of Chambolle. There’s plenty of intent about the wine, and it has the shoulders to carry it off. A forthright and assertive wine, the slightly ferric tannins play a key role, underpinned by spicy oak. Drink 2027-2038. 

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

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

{vintage}2017{vintage}

{ratings} {ratings}

{***}

Power, opulence and elegance characterize this magnificent wine of the Côte de Nuits. Among the most prestigious appellations in the world, Clos St Denis is one of the most successful wines by Domaine Magnien.

On the palate a full-bodied wine, very concentrated and complex. Roundness and balance are the reflection of a great vintage and a successful vinification.

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

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

This is from Très Girard, Les Cognées and the village section of Chenevery, with the oldest vines aged 80 years. There is deeper clay here and the wine is in a more generous style for Morey. It’s very plush in 2018, but given dimension by a spicy, chunky finish. Drink 2022-2026.

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

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

{ratings} 

{ratings}

{***}

As is typical, whole bunches make up two-thirds this year, with new oak maintained at around 50%. The vines are almost 85 years old, providing an intensity and elegance to this wine, which has a ferrous and meaty middle, but a beautifully delineated and elegant finish. Drink 2025-2035.

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

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

Like the Aux Thorey the nose is mildly reduced but the underlying fruit seems ripe. There is very good energy to the moderately concentrated flavors that also possess an attractive mid-palate mouthfeel before terminating in a youthfully austere and refreshingly saline-inflected finish. Drink 2033+, Burghound (Apr 2020)

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

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

[] Vinous:: 91-93/100

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

This is sourced from the domaine’s vineyards on the higher slope, Les Larrets above Lambrays and En la Rue de Vergy above Clos de Tart. With everything de-stemmed, the wine is very perfumed, floral and intense, lifted by evident limestone minerality. No Grand Cru fruit was included this year, nor will there be in the future, says Jacques. Drink 2022-2028.

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

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

{ratings} 

{ratings}

{***}

Firm reduction knocks down the underlying fruit at present. There is more size and power to the equally mineral-driven flavors that aren't especially dense, though neither are they dilute, while offering outstanding depth and persistence on the notably firm finale. Patience suggested. Drink 2034+, Burghound (Apr 2019)

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

{ratings}

[] Burghound:: 91-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

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

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

 {vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

Sérafin has two plots in this well-regarded Premier Cru, one with 60-year-old vines, the other closer to 40 years old. The purity and delicacy of the vineyard is evident and, given the vineyard’s proximity to both Clos de la Roche and Clos St Denis, there is much elegance in evidence too. Drink 2022-2027.

The harvest was done early and quickly here, starting on 6th September and finished by 12th. Karine Sérafin explained that the estate was harvesting earlier than before, to keep more freshness in the wines, and also working more with leaf coverage. The old vines negated any need to green harvest and yields are up by only 20 percent from 2016, but otherwise Karine and her cousin Frédérique are intent on preserving the individuality of Christian Sérafin’s style for vins de garde, with 100 percent new oak for everything upwards from the Gevrey Vieilles Vignes.

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

This is also admirably fresh and pure but the high-toned and airy nose of red pinot fruit and subtle spice notes is even more refined and complements the lilting, graceful and poised medium-bodied flavors that seem to be constructed on a firm base of minerality on the lingering and tension-filled finish. A classic Fuées with its hallmark mild austerity.
Allen Meadows - burghound.com - Jan 2011

{***}{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:: 91/100

[] Burghound:: 91/100

{ratings}

{***}

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}{***}

An attractively spicy and beautifully layered nose offers up ripe aromas of red berry liqueur, violets, game and warm earth. There is good richness but also good detail to the vibrant middle weight flavors that possess good but not better mid-palate density before culminating in a firm, balanced and admirably long finish where a touch of youthful asperity appears. Note that this beguilingly and elegant wine is on the lighter side for a Clos de Bèze though it's one that should be approachable on the younger side but age well too over the medium-term. Drink 2024+, Burghound (Jan 2017)

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}

{ratings} []Burghound:: 92/100

{ratings}

{***}

A graceful tint of pale purple. Floral, with appealing sweet red fruit, clearly some concentration to the cherry and raspberry fruit, while there is clearly much more to emerge later on.
Jasper Morris MW - Wine Buyer

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

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

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 while there is some structure it is chalkier than a typical Pommard, giving a more accessible and approachable style. Drink 2022-2028.

Winemaker Brian Sieve draws comparisons between the white wines of 2017 and 2014, explaining that the texture, weight and freshness are very similar in both years, although 2017 has perhaps a little more fruit ripeness, along with excellent tension and persistence. He believes that this same freshness and brightness in the reds will provide ageing capacity, pointing out that they worked hard to restrict the yield of Pinot Noir to achieve riper grapes. Overall slightly less whole-bunch fermentation was used as Brian felt the stems and fruit were not as ripe as in richer vintages.

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

  {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{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 while there is some structure it is chalkier than a typical Pommard, giving a more accessible and approachable style. Drink 2022-2028.

Winemaker Brian Sieve draws comparisons between the white wines of 2017 and 2014, explaining that the texture, weight and freshness are very similar in both years, although 2017 has perhaps a little more fruit ripeness, along with excellent tension and persistence. He believes that this same freshness and brightness in the reds will provide ageing capacity, pointing out that they worked hard to restrict the yield of Pinot Noir to achieve riper grapes. Overall slightly less whole-bunch fermentation was used as Brian felt the stems and fruit were not as ripe as in richer vintages.

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

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

 Once again there is just enough wood to point out along with hints of menthol, anise and the sauvage adding breadth to the ripe dark currant scents. As is usually the case, the larger-scaled flavors possess more size and weight if not the same refinement or minerality as the Latricières where the supporting tannins coat the palate on the grippy, serious and youthfully austere finale. This is very definitely and 'buy and forget it somewhere deep in the cellar' wine. Burghound

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

    {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]Burghound:: 92-95/100

[]Wine Advocate:: 92-94/100   

{ratings}{***}

As usual, older and younger vines are harvested and vinified separately. Tasted apart, the junior wine is lush and very driven by red fruit, the senior partner principally shows the density of old vines. Essayed in a 55-45 young-to-old-vine blend, the dark sweet fruit of the old vines is to the fore but kept mobile by the energy of the young vines. A very impressive double act. Drink 2025-2033.

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 92-94/100{ratings}        {***}

Once again the aromatic expression is quite reserved while being filled with floral nuances that add a touch of elegance to the cool and pure essence of red currant, earth and herbal tea scents. There is excellent intensity to the sleek and mineral-inflected medium weight flavors that possess fine depth and persistence on the very firmly structured finish. Drink 2029+. Burghound (Jan 2020)

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

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

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

[] Burghound:: 90/100

{ratings}

{***}

The estate has nearly a quarter of a hectare here, but suffered a 50 percent loss in 2016. Marvellously intense, this has an ethereal, cool, stone component – a classic character of this vineyard, with a lick of exotic nectarine on the finish. It was matured equally in a mixture of standard and demis, and with more and longer lees contact than usual, to feed the wine’s textural volume. It will need patience. Drink 2022-2032.

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{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 range is confined to the Côte d’Or, from Chassagne-Montrachet to Gevrey-Chambertin, with the intention of developing farming contracts or indeed purchasing vineyards in the future.

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.

{***}{region} Vougeot {region}
{color} Red {color}                                                              

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

An even spicier and wonderfully expansive nose reflects notes of anise, clove, lavender and violet that suffuse the red and dark pinot fruit scents. The mouthfeel of the big-bodied flavors possess a lovely sense of underlying tension along with good detail and a subtle minerality on the equally firm but somewhat less austere finale. This is slightly more complete and a wine of class and grace though make no mistake, if you wish to see it at its peak, a good deal of patience is advised.  Burghound (Jan 2020)

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

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

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

[]Wine Advocate:: 94-96/100

{ratings}

{***}

{***}{region} Vougeot {region}
{color} Red {color}                                                              

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

Selectively picked from the oldest vines of Clos des Corvées (the name “Clos des Corvées” is reserved exclusively for the first selective pick of “millerandés” grapes), a wine of enormous body and depth.

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

Made from the fruit of a single vineyard (La Dalignère), this is inherently richer and more powerful than Sébastien's other Hautes-Côtes wines and he therefore chooses to raise it in barrel, rather than a combination of barrel and tank. The nose combines lifted floral and berry notes with an engaging earthy, spicy character. It has great concentration and depth of fruit on the palate, so try it with a hearty meat casserole. 

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

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

Prudhon’s Bourgogne Rouge is an affordable and light-bodied Pinot Noir, made from grapes classified as Bourgogne and situated within the commune of St Aubin. It’s aged entirely in older oak barrels, which lend some subtle spice notes to the bright and pure fruit. The warm 2019 vintage has given the wine a little extra flesh and ripeness, with plenty of juicy, ripe red-berry fruit. This is a very drinkable red Burgundy. Drink now to 2025

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

This important vineyard in the Hautes-Côtes sits above the main vineyards of Nuits-St Georges. The Rions have access to fruit from vines planted at high density, which controls yield and improves quality. This has a very pretty redcurrant bouquet, with some finesse and good weight on the palate, showing none of the skinniness sometimes found in the Hautes-Côtes. Drink 2021-2027. 

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

This is a small parcel which provides a maximum of 10 barrels per year. Olivier loves this site’s old vines and steep slope. It’s a seductive and silky expression of St Véran, with a pleasing acidity behind. It’s finely balanced. Drink 2022-2028. 

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

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

This is one of the best sites in the Hautes-Côtes. It’s south-facing and stony; Sébastien’s holdings have a lot of old vines. “Complexity” isn’t a noun often associated with the Hautes-Côtes, but there’s clearly an extra dimension to this wine. It’s expressed by a sinewy structure overlaid by hints of turmeric and fulsome crunchy red fruits. Drink 2021-2027.

{***}
{region} Monthélie{region}
{color} Red{color}                      

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

This is from the upper Les Blancs section, near Volnay; much of this vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir. This section will be 50 years old next year, and the vines are shy-bearing and small-berried. There are just three barrels, but it’s impressive: intensely ripe but not overblown, the red wine terroir adding a suggestion of grilled bacon. Drink 2024-2035. 

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

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

[] Jasper Morris MW:: 91-93/100

{ratings}

{***}

A potent mix of wood spice, Vosne spice and pain grillé introduces rich, full, sweet and sleekly muscled flavors that are impressively scaled and powerful on the dusty, ripe and stunningly long finish. This really stains the palate and the intensity is almost painful yet there is impeccable balance. One to cellar.

{***}{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                              

    {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}           
 [] Allen Meadows:: 94/100     
{ratings}{***}

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 91-93/100

{ratings}{***}

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Aux Julien 1er Cru includes one-third whole cluster fruit with 20% new oak. This has a lifted bouquet, very perfumed and well defined with vivid red and black fruit. The palate is well balanced with crisp tannin, good backbone, with a slightly chewiness towards the finish. Give this a three to five years once in bottle. Fine.

Drink 2022-2030

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

{ratings} [] Vinous:: 89-91/100

[] Burghound:: 89/100

[] Jancis Robinson :: 17/20

{ratings}

{***}

This Meursault is made from Chardonnay cultivated on the small plot called Les Grands Charrons. Les Grands Charrons is located on a small straight road and presents a limestone nature and a reddening of its land more intense depending on the slope.

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

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

{ratings} 

{ratings}

{***}

Outstanding. Top Value. A slightly riper nose offers up aromas of white peach, lemongrass, hazelnut and spice hints that are in keeping with the equally ripe, round and nicely rich medium-bodied flavors that aren't quite as refined, all wrapped in a delicious and more complex finish. In a word, excellent. -Allen Meadows, Burghound

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

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

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

[] Burghound:: 89-92/100

{ratings}

{***}

Like the Griotte, the highly complex and distinguished nose is almost exclusively from the red berry side of the aromatic spectrum with round and rich but noticeably wood-influenced flavors where the oak is more of a textural aspect than a taste factor because it rounds off the finish. The material is sufficiently gifted to eventually deal with the wood but probably at the cost of precision and detail. Perhaps this will surprise to the upside as the old vine extract is certainly present in spades. - Burghound

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

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

{ratings}

[] Jancis Robinson MW :: 18/20

[] Wine Advocate :: 92-94/100

[] Burghound :: 91-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

There is a mildly exotic character present on the petrol-inflected white and yellow orchard fruit aromas, and in particularly white peach, that are trimmed in just enough wood to notice. The succulent, rich and relatively full-bodied flavors possess a caressing mouthfeel while delivering impressive length where a subtle bead of minerality adds a sense of lift. *Burghound Sweet Spot Outstanding Top Value!" - Burghound

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

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

{ratings}[] Burghound:: 90-93/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 93/100

[] Decanter:: 95/100

{ratings}

{***}

The Merlin family have made this well-rounded white for us. The fruit comes from the villages of Vergisson, Chaintré and Fuissé. Notes of ripe melon, peach and white flowers on the nose are accompanied by a subtle hint of oak. The palate is generous and refreshing, with pear and apricot giving way to a cleansing finish. Enjoy this with fish and seafood dishes. Drink now to 2025.

{***}{region}Pouilly-Fuissé{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{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 from young vines from cuttings of old Pinot Fin – taken from the Clos des Epeneaux around 20 years ago – planted on a steep, south-facing limestone slope. With 50% whole bunches, there’s a gorgeous fragrant and floral nose, and a twist of herbal freshness on the palate. It’s stylish yet crunchy, with pretty red berry fruits. Drink 2022-2030.   

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

{ratings} {***}

This is very nicely perfumed and has a lovely mid palate of concentrated raspberries. It is quite dense for Chambolle, with an excellent fresh finish.
Jasper Morris MW, Berrys' Burgundy Director

Given that the sugar levels are not high in 2011, Ghislaine Barthod expected something lighter this year. However, the wines have come out with good texture and density. While accessible in the medium term, they show an attractive freshness and energy which puts them into a different class from the attractive 2007s. Chambolle-Musigny has done well in 2011, since the style of the appellation appreciates the fresher aspect of lower alcohol levels.

{***}
{region}Chambolle-Musigny{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{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}laying-down{maturity}
{maturity-text}For Laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{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}2018{vintage}

{ratings}   

{ratings}

{***}

Vinification with the stems gives these wines a notable character on the nose, with floral, spice and rose petals all coming to the fore, and an impressive density on the palate. This is a very graceful wine, and the finish shows a touch of tannin to maintain structure.
Jasper Morris MW

Domaine de Montille picked between the 18th and 26th September in 2010. The red wines, made by American Brian Sieve (one of two winemakers in this catalogue born in Indianapolis!) under the surveillance of Etienne de Montille, now show a consistency of style and quality that perhaps was not entirely there a few years ago. The whites are the responsibility of Etienne’s sister Alix and maintain the class of recent times. Together they have produced a fine result in 2010.

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

  {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}
{ratings}   [] The Wine Advocate:: 91-93/100     {***}

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}2018{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}2018{vintage}
{ratings}      [] Jasper Morris :: 89-93/100   
 
{ratings}{***}

Pale primrose. Lovely dense aromatic nose, very good weight of full, more white than yellow, fruit, with waves of flavour across the palate. I love the balance of this wine albeit in its richer style, with a very satisfying long finish.
Jasper Morris MW, insideburgundy.com (December 2020)

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

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

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

[] Jasper Morris MW:: 92-95/100

{ratings}

{***}

This is an opulent, broad-shouldered expression of Puligny, with a generous lick of toasty oak. The style of this wine initially seems at odds with the nature of the vineyard, then a wave of fresh acidity serves notice that Sous le Puits, above Blagny, is Puligny’s highest Premier Cru. Drink 2024-2028. 

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

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

In Meursault’s golden rectangle, wines reach their peak in the higher (Dessus) parts of Charmes and Genevrières and the lower (Dessous) section of Perrières. This is Ben’s second vintage here; the wine shows some of the vineyard’s typical lime blossom before its back straightens and it becomes a serious proposition. Drink 2024-2036.  

 

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

{ratings} [] Jasper Morris MW:: 92-94/100

[] Jancis Robinson MW:: 17/20

{ratings}

{***}

This truly special wine is named after Etienne and Alix de Montille’s mother. It’s made from 0.49 hectares of vines which are now classified as Malconsorts but separated from the main domaine holding by a path – nestled against the north and west edges of La Tâche. While it has never been classified as part of the famous Grand Cru, it has a unique character which sets it apart. And the vines are older, giving a more concentrated expression. This is spicier and more darkly fruited than its partner, with a firmer tannic structure, greater concentration and more ageing potential. The wine is made with two-thirds whole-cluster and around 65% new oak. Drink 2024-2050.

{***}{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                                               

                                                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}           
        
{ratings}{***}

Rene Dauvissats 2008 Chablis La Forest achieves a remarkably vibrant sense of interplay and complexity characteristic both for its vintage and for this cuvee at its best. Scents of iris, white truffle, crushed chalk, saline-alkaline ocean breeze, tart plum, white peach and grapefruit all have their counterparts in a palate performance of riveting interactivity and prodigious yet continually fascinating length. There is a firm feel, brightness, and in the end a tendency for its mineral aspects to slightly dominate this show that result in a sparer impression than the corresponding 2007, something of a reversal of these vintages normal roles. Once again, here is an exceptional Chablis premier cru that should be worth following for a dozen or more years.
David Schildknecht - 31/10/2010

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}

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

{***}

Five barrels of this were made in 2018. Most of the fruit comes from the cooler western side of the hill in Pernand-Vergelesses. This is classically proportioned with restrained stone-fruit and spine-tingling minerality. The finish is very textural, with a finely detailed and grippy mouth-feel. Drink 2024-2030.

{***}{region}Corton{region}
{color}White{color}                      

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

This comes from a domaine-owned parcel in the Dessous (that is, lower) sector of Genevrières. You won’t find that little detail on the label, though – you’ll have to take a closer look at the cork for that. Benjamin Leroux explains that this is always a buttery and opulent wine, shaped by the flatter land on which the vineyard sits. The warmth of the 2018 vintage doesn’t overwhelm the wine, and there is a solid intensity on the finish. Drink 2023 to 2028.

 

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

{ratings}

{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.

The vineyard is farmed by Benjamins right-hand man, Jean-Charles Carr, and the Clos de la Cave des Ducs is the epitome of perfectly balanced Volnay not massive but with an exquisite delicacy of red and black fruit and great persistence.

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

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

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

{***}

Clear, bright and glowing purple this seductive looking Volnay from Domaine de Montille does not disappoint. Very fine, soft and elegant fruit in the foreground is followed by fruit that builds steadily on the palate and keeps going all the way through.

{***}{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:: 91-93/100     {***}

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

The 2009 Volnay Champans flows across the palate with the grace of a ballerina. An exotic bouquet melds into expressive red berries, flowers, tobacco and spices. Clean, chalky notes frame the long, beautifully articulated finish. The tension and sheer energy here is fabulous. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
Antonio Galloni - 26/04/2012

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

 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}
{ratings} [] The Wine Advocate:: 93/100
{ratings}{***}

For this vintage, we’ve worked with Sébastien Dampt, an exciting young winemaker whose family have made Chablis for over 150 years. The grapes come from three different parcels, each lending the wine an extra dimension. It’s fermented and aged in stainless steel, preserving its pure orchard-fruit character. Extended time on lees gives the wine more complexity and a sensual mouthfeel. This is a benchmark expression of racy, mineral Chablis. Drink now to 2024.h.

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}{***}

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

{***}{region}St Aubin{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
   {ratings}        {***}

This is one of the best sites in the Hautes-Côtes. It’s south-facing and stony; Sébastien’s holdings have a lot of old vines. “Complexity” isn’t a noun often associated with the Hautes-Côtes, but there’s clearly an extra dimension to this wine. It’s expressed by a sinewy structure overlaid by hints of turmeric and fulsome crunchy red fruits. Drink 2021-2027.

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

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

After a tiny crop in 2008, Vougeraies Bonnes-Mares has delivered both quality and quantity in 2009. There is beautiful supple fruit at the front of the palate, with greater density behind in the form of plum and cherry fruit.

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

 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}

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

{ratings}

{***}

Elegant. A medium-bodied, medium-intense package, showing ripe and clean berry character, with a spicy, smoky undertow. 

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

Good deep red-ruby. Cherry and leather on the nose. Juicy and sweet, with a fresh quality to the black cherry, red berry, smoke and caramel flavors.

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

{***}

Vaucrains is situated in the heart of the appellation just south of the town of Nuits itself. It sits above Les St Georges and Les Cailles and intensity and minerality are its hallmarks. The young genius that is David Croix has fashioned this brilliant wine for Camille Giroud.

Giroud's Nuits-St Georges has a notably tough, dense structure, which is the terroir of Vaucrains speaking. Sensitive handling means that it has avoided any feeling of roughness – a really grown-up version of the Maranges, perhaps?

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}

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

[] Burghound :: 91-94/100

{ratings}

{***}

The 2014 Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru les Petit Clos (a lieu-dit within Morgeot) was more backward on the nose when I tasted it at the domaine, touches of white flower infusing the citrus fruit that need encouragement, but appear well defined. The palate is fresh and crisp on the entry with touches of bitter lemon and dried quince, impressive weight towards the finish and a long sustain. This is an excellent Chassagne from Caroline L'Estime.
Neal Martin - 31/12/2015

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

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

The second vintage of this exceptional wine chez Rion is a brilliant imperial purple colour. Elegant and exuberant, this is a really fine Nuits- St Georges boasting dense, powerful raspberry and red cherry fruit. Very expressive and pure on the nose, with a wonderful flash of menthol to lift and bring a great energy to proceedings. There is no denying this is plush, modern, youthful Burgundy which should not be mistaken for not being a serious wine – it is, and very much so! The subtle oak tapers the very expressive fruit elegantly into fine, well weighted tannins, whilst providing notes of dark spices all the way. The finish resounds around the palate for longer than one would necessarily expect, again more proof this wine is more serious than it first appears. Drink 2013 through to 2017.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2007{vintage}

{ratings} 

[] Burghound :: 89-91/100

{ratings}

{***}

This brilliant vineyard is a continuation of the Montrachet Grand Cru as the slope starts to fall away. This has Grand Cru structure, its florality hidden deep within during its youth. Drink 2024-2030.

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

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

This is also notably reduced. There is excellent richness and power to the big, bold and palate staining flavors that possess plenty of sappy dry extract, all wrapped in a relatively dry and balanced if only moderately complex finish. More depth will surely develop but it's not clear that this will hit its usual level of overall quality even with age. - Burghound

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}

{ratings} [] Burghound:: 89-91/100

{ratings}

{***}

Kiwi, white currant, grapefruit, ocean breeze and kelp in the nose of Vincent Dauvissats 2008 Chablis Vaillons lead into a brightly citric, saline, palpably dense palate with tart and bitter impingement of citrus rind and pips, berry seeds, and juniper. Mysteriously marine though almost severe in its concentration and piquancy, this will need at least a couple of years in bottle to properly prove itself and show a more generous side. Its certainly formidable already now, and I would not be surprised to see it reveal close to a decades stamina.
David Schildknecht - 31/10/2010

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2008{vintage}

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

{***}

A very fresh and cool nose features notes of mineral reduction, dried apricot, wet stone and citrus. The intense and beautifully well-detailed flavors possess a silky mouth feel as well as the same stony character telegraphed by the nose, all wrapped in an impressively long and slightly austere and lemon-inflected finish. This sleek effort should reward a few years of bottle age yet also be accessible on the early side. *Outstanding* - Burghound

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color}White{color}              {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] Burghound:: 91/100

 [] Vinous:: 91/100   

{ratings}

{***}

The 2015 Chablis 1er Cru la Forest has one of the more mineral-driven aromatic profiles from Dauvissat this year: very focused with granite and flint-like aromas emerging from the glass. The palate is extremely well balanced, tightly wound at first with outstanding spiciness and mineralité, fanning out wonderfully with a quite compelling finish that lingers in the mouth. This is so cohesive and tensile, the persistence just one of the best you will find this vintage
Neal Martin - 08/2016

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text} 

{vintage}2015{vintage}

{ratings} []Wine Advocate:: 93-95/100

[]Vinous:: 93/100

[]Burghound:: 90-93/100

{ratings}

{***}

No Raviolles this year, but this is a fine mix of Vosne terroirs; the softness of the southern vineyards mingles with the silkiness of Maizières. Although a big cuvée for Ben, all the fruit is from a single source; there’s a velvety completeness to the wine. It’s plush and heady, with a fine architecture of tannin and freshness. Drink 2022-2032.  

{***}{region}Vosne-Romanée{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                   

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

This enigmatic wine is unique in Burgundy, courtesy largely of the vineyard’s very chalky soil. It abuts the northern wall of Clos Vougeot, yet it’s definitively a white wine terroir. It’s always taut and tensile in youth, with marked acidity. The warm summer added a smoky nose and hints of cumin spice. It’ll need time to knit together. Drink 2024-2035. 

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings} [] Vinous:: 89-91/100

[] Jasper Morris MW:: 93-95/100

{ratings}{***}

Exceptionally heady, with a huge volume of fruit at the back of the palate, this Nuits-St Georges wine is so full of fruit that it completely covers the undoubted structure, and it just keeps on going! Jasper Morris MW

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2009{vintage}

{ratings} 

[] Jancis Robinson :: 17.5/20

{ratings}

{***}

An extraordinarily fine wine which will blossom over the next decade. This is a powerful Pommard, black in colour and thickly textured. It would be an impressive match for jugged hare or chicken cooked with black olives.

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2001{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}        {***}

After 16 years this beauty has finally started to open after being notably shut down for many years. The wonderfully elegant, pure and ripe nose reflects notes of spicy and earthy red and dark berry fruit that merges seamlessly into dense and intense medium weight flavors that brim with minerality on the strikingly long finish. - 10/2015 Burghound

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1999{vintage}
{ratings}

[] The Wine Advocate:: 91-93/100 

[] Burghound:: 93/100 

[] Wine Spectator:: 91/100 

{ratings} {***}

The 2005 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges 1er Cru is both bold and expressive on the nose with black fruit, pressed iris flowers and a hint of iodine. I appreciate the delineation, not to mention the complexity that emerges after 30 minutes in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, quite structured as most 2005s have remained, but it is redeemed by a wonderful line of acidity. Perhaps I would have preferred more flesh towards the saline finish but that might develop with time. One for the patient. (NM)  (10/2018)

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

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}

{ratings}[] Vinous:: 90/100

{ratings}

{***}

This new acquisition is from 0.2 hectares from the small triangle next to the village known, confusingly, as “Chassagne”, but sold as “Maltroie”. There are 62-year-old vines; the parcel was already farmed biodynamically, so no conversion was necessary. It’s rich and succulent in the Chassagne style of the vintage. Some Ormeau was also purchased but lost to frost. Drink 2024-2032. 

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

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

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

[] Burghound:: 90-92/100

{ratings}

{***}

This remains incredibly youthful though not without a certain appeal as the ripe nose of spicy and seductive red, black and violet aromas offer fine complexity. There is excellent volume to the very rich, full-bodied and impressively concentrated middle weight plus flavors that are at once appealingly textured and wonderfully long. This is supple on the mid-palate because of all of the mouth coating extract yet the finish firms up quickly as the vineyard's proximity to Bonnes Mares is very much in evidence. For my taste it would be a waste to open one of these in the next 5 years and it will need at least another 7 to 10 years to be at its best. That said, it should be terrific once it finally peaks. - (09/2013) Burghound

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings} [] Burghound:: 92/100
 {ratings}        {***}

This is more discreet and reserved with wonderfully pure notes of red, black and blue fruits plus a lovely hint of violets that sit atop dusty, refined and gorgeously delineated flavors supported by an almost pungent minerality on the textured, long and explosive finish. This is more concentrated and structured than usual and should live for a very long time. *Outstanding* - Burghound

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

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

[] Burghound:: 91-93/100 

[] Jancis Robinson:: 18/20 

{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}

{***}

Extremely dense, in fact almost massive with impressively rich, ripe yet nicely complex flavors and penetrating length. This is a very powerful wine with noticeable warmth on the finish and as classic Chambertin should, this will require a decade to show its best.  - 1/2003 Burghound

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}1999{vintage}
{ratings}

[] The Wine Advocate:: 92-93/100 

[] Burghound:: 91/100 

{ratings} {***}

It's almost hard to believe but this offers even more elegance, finesse and precision than the Champans with a purity of expression that rivals the very best wines of the Côte de Beaune in 2002. This just oozes sap, which buffers the otherwise firm, mineral-infused, punchy flavors and rounds out the presently very racy finish. A wine of impeccable balance and this too is very Volnay.  - 4/2004 Burghound

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2002{vintage}
{ratings}

[] The Wine Advocate:: 90-91/100 

[] Burghound:: 93/100 

[] Wine Spectator:: 90/100 

{ratings} {***}

This too is quite ripe yet slightly fresher with airy and high-toned red Pinot fruit that gives way to detailed and intensely mineral-infused flavors that retain a lovely sense of purity and refinement on the balanced, long and penetrating finish. This is an exercise in harmony and transparency. In a word, terrific. *Sweet spot, Outstanding* - Burghound

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

  {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}
{ratings}

[] Burghound:: 93/100 

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}

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

[] Wine Advocate:: 93/100

{ratings}

{***}

Much more backward than the Amoureuses. This has an intense purple colour, very dense if currently unyielding fruit on the nose, and an impressively powerful palate, concentrated, tightly knit and backward. A great wine in the making.
Jasper Morris MW

We have decided to combine here the wines that fall under the domaine label and those produced officially as négociant wines and labelled as Patrice Rion. Most of these cuvées are from vines managed by Patrice who has one contract to farm the vineyards and another to buy the grapes. The exceptions are the village Chambolle-Musigny and Nuits-St Georges Vieilles Vignes where Patrice is not involved in the farming.

Patrice and son Maxime are tweaking their techniques a little by reducing new oak and slightly increasing extraction in the pre-fermentation stage. These are impressive results – the Nuits-St Georges continues the consistently fine streak of recent years while this is certainly the finest range of Chambolle-Musigny that they have ever produced. 2010 reminds Patrice a little of 1978 and 1991, two vintages with small yields, full ripeness and notable concentration.

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

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

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

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}{***}