Burgundy

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} {***}

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 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}{***}

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}2018{vintage}

{ratings}

[] Vinous:: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

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

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

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

{vintage}2018{vintage}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}{***}

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}        {***}

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}        {***}

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}

{***}

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}{***}

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}        {***}

The 2002 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is a great success for retired winemaker Thierry Brouin. Redcurrants and cranberry on the nose, hints of allspice and tomato vine, all very well defined and conveying a sense of "coolness". The palate is very well balanced, a little rustic but with good weight, gently building towards a discrete ferrous finish that feels long and tender. This Grand Cru could be up and down in this period...this was definitely one of their finest moments. 5/2019, Vinous

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

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

{ratings}
[] Vinous:: 94/100

[] Burghound:: 92/100

{ratings}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}2019{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}

{***}

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}

{***}

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}        {***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}

{***}

{***}
{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} {***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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     {***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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}

{***}

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}        {***}

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 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}        {***}

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} {***}

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}{***}

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}{***}

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

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

{***}

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

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

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

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

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

From Les Pierres and Poirier du Clos. Clear fresh purple not too deep, some reduction on the nose which will blow of, otherwise quite a fresh raspberry fruit. Crisp clean and chiselled, now also some fresh cherry. 12.8% alcohol, which is what it tastes like. - Jasper Morris MW, November 2021

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

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

 {vintage}2020{vintage}

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

 {ratings}

    {***}

Back in the fold after last year’s absence, this comes from the triangle of vines that protrudes between the Grands Crus Charmes and Griotte. It’s rare for a village wine to abut the Grands Crus; the result is an interesting, smoky, peaty nose and a fine, serious edge. There’s much more here than sunshine and ripeness. Drink 2022-2027.

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

{***}

From 10 parcels with an average age of 50 years, this is raised in 30 percent new oak. The basic material is excellent and there is plenty of freshness, overlaid by the oak, but there are really good things here for those who are patient. Drink 2022-2026.

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

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

{vintage}2017{vintage}

{***}

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

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

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

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

[] Wine Advocate:: 89-91/100

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17.5/20

{ratings}

{***}

Georges Lignier is cousin to Hubert Lignier. In the 1980s the wines from the two domaines were broadly comparable, and a Clos de la Roche 1976 drunk in the summer of 2009 was superb, still remarkably youthful.

The vineyard holdings are impressive: Clos de la Roche, Clos St Denis, Charmes Chambertin, Bonnes Mares, Gevrey Chambertin Combottes, Morey St Denis Clos des Ormes, and village wines in Marsannay, Gevrey, Morey, Chambolle and Volnay.

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

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

{ratings}
{ratings}

{***}

All the stems were used in vinification but, such is the intensity of the fruit, they don’t show. This is a rich, plump purple with a surfeit of ripe, velvety red fruit. It is very clean, very pure and very direct: lots of stuffing and lots of stems give this a very tight profile for the moment. This will take a bit longer than some vintages – but promises to be first rate.

Thierry Brouin, whose successor at the Domaine des Lambrays is about to be unveiled, is very happy with 2014, his 36th vintage in charge here. He began picking on 22nd September, relatively late by his standards, and is happy to have produced a little more wine this year (with the exception of the Premier Cru).

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

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

Vaucrains rubs shoulders with Les-St Georges, the best site in Nuits. The nose is fine and detailed, the palate fresh coulis and marinated fruits in alcohol. Drink from 2010.

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2002{vintage}

 {ratings}

{***}

There was only about half the normal yield this year (whatever that means at the moment), with only 30 barrels made. Tasting the separate components of younger (25-year-old) and older (65- to 80-year-old) vines, as well as the vin de presse , really highlighted where Paul is aiming to take the Clos. A new vertical press leaves more berries intact, and thus more sugar. There is an unusual level of suppleness (even in the vin de presse. This is really rather wonderful, a great terroir evolving with the times. Drink 2023-2035.

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 93-95/100{ratings}        {***}

Domaine Boisson-Vadot, run by father and son team of Bernard and Pierre Boisson, is one of the rising stars in Mersault. 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.

The Domaine crafts from three of the best lieux à dits in Meursault: Sous la Velle , Grands Charrons (planted in 1988) and Chevalières (planted in 1982). The Grands Charrons is the most expressive, intensely flavoured of the three. The Sous la Velle is a more elegant version of the Grand Charrons. 

{***}
{region}Meursault{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will ikeep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}

{***}

The 2015 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru La Richemone Vieilles Vignes "Cuvée Ultra" has another vibrant, generous bouquet with ample red cherry, cassis, crushed violet and mineral scents. It is very pure, almost sorbet-like. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe black cherry and blackcurrant fruit laced with a pinch of white pepper and minerals. Like Christophe's other 2015s, it offers panache in spades, with a caressing finish that lingers long in the mouth, a residue of orange rind on the aftertaste. This is excellent. (NM) - Wine Advocate

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}

{ratings} [] Vinous:: 94/100

[] Burghound :: 92-94/100

[] Wine Advocate:: 92-94/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 95/100

{ratings}

{***}

New vines in En Vermarin make this now a blend of eight village parcels across seven lieux-dits. Each parcel is picked separately, based on ripeness. The nose here is charming, with peaches and cream, and some floral detail. The palate follows a similar profile with a little spicy reduction. The finish is crisp and fresh, with pleasing hazelnut. Drink 2022-2027. 

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

             {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} 

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

The Bachelets’ reds are not to be overlooked. Harvested after the Chardonnay – with 2018 being the one exception – the Pinot Noir grapes are destemmed. This cuvée hails from a tiny, south-facing vineyard in the hamlet of Gamay. It’s immensely appetising, with cranberry and floral aromas, crunchy acidity and chalky tannins. Drink 2022-2027. 

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

{ratings}

{ratings}

{***}

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}

{***}

This is from a single 1.5-hectare plot in the lieu-dit Le Bas de Combe whose location next to Vosne-Romanée is borne out by this wine’s open, lifted bouquet which would be more Vosne than Nuits but for that engaging hint of spice. The oak (50 percent new) is well-integrated and there’s a pleasing roundness to the palate – indeed, this is remarkably complete for such a young wine. Drink 2020-2025.

Jean-Nicolas describes 2017 as a pretty vintage, with excellent approachability and drinkability at every level, with wines higher up the quality scale offering more complexity and some really serious ageing potential. Picking began on the 6th September in good conditions, and while there was a little rain towards the end, this did not have any impact on quality. The 2017 vintage was the final year under Vineyard Manager Christian Faurois, son and nephew of some of the original MéoCamuzet sharecroppers, who shared his passion for the vineyards with Jean-Nicolas and retired in May 2018. Our notes indicate whether each of the wines is a domaine or négoce bottling.

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

This is rented from the same owner as the Vignes Franches; vines are also 60 years old. This is the most complex of Dominique’s trio: he considers it the best vineyard in Beaune. The wine is positive and structured, but with finesse, too. The red fruits are expressed more as spice, with a slightly ferric undertone. 

{***}

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

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

{ratings}
 {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}   

{***}

This is probably St Aubin’s best vineyard, over the hill from Le Montrachet. Although sometimes prone to drought stress, De Montille’s vines are towards the bottom of the vineyard, with sufficiently deep roots to be mostly unaffected. This pitch-perfect example has a pinch of Puligny’s reserve and tension mingling with lime blossom and peach aromas. Drink 2024-2034. 

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

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

From the Puligny side of the generic land, which was frosted, but not heavily, this carries 35 percent new oak and has a defined, clear Puligny style, with tight fruit and a kernel of nuttiness. Neatly made, it has substance for a Bourgogne Blanc – indeed, it’s as good as a village Puligny at other addresses. 

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

 {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

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}1996{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}        {***}

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

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

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

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

{***}

The Merlin family have made our Pouilly-Fuissé from vines in the villages of Vergisson, Chaintré and Fuissé. Fermented and aged entirely in oak, it is complex and layered. The nose is restrained and floral; the palate is rounded, with generous citrus and melon fruit. The finish is crisp and mineral, with a waft of toasty oak. Enjoy this with seafood and hard cheese. Drink now to 2026

{***}{region}Pouilly-Fuissé{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
    {ratings}        {***}

Jean-Baptiste and Benoît Bachelet have outdone themselves again with this outstanding Chassagne-Montrachet. It offers a complex blend of ripe, generous stone-fruit and chiselled, saline minerals. The nose is spicy and toasty with notes of oatmeal and white peach, while the palate is rounded and dense with a mouth-watering citrus finish and a lick of vanilla oak.

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

{ratings}{***}

Medium depth of colour with a delicate, fragrant nose, very glossy, a delicious volume of fruit, fair depth, brisk red fruit with plenty of acidity. Fully ready but holding up nicely; no hurry.

Jasper Morris MW, insideburgundy.com (January 2018)

{***}{region} Nuits-St Georges {region}
{color}Red{color}        {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2002{vintage}

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

{ratings}

{***}

Jean-Louis Chavy has crafted a complex expression of this famous village. Fermented and aged in (20% new) oak, this is the archetypal elegant, floral and lacy Puligny. There’s a subtle perfume of white flowers and stone fruit; the palate is creamy, sophisticated and refreshing, with a spicy finish. This is perfect with Dover sole or creamy mushroom sauces. Drink now to 2030.

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

Our Chassagne-Montrachet has been made by Benoît and Jean-Baptiste Bachelet, from vines farmed using biodynamic principles. The vintage yielded charming, well-balanced wines with classical features. Fermented and aged for 18 months in oak barrels, this is complex, rich and concentrated. There’s generous citrus fruit, grilled hazelnuts, a little honey and a refreshing, spicy finish. Drink now to 2025.

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

{ratings}{***}

The policy here is to give newly planted vines six or seven years before including their fruit in village level wines or above; this deluxe Bourgogne is a happy consequence. It’s a seamless blend of parcels from Volnay, Gevrey Evocelles, Clos de Thorey and the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. Juicy and approachable, it’s not short of structure or complexity. Drink 2020-2024. 

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

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

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

{ratings}{***}

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

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

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

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

In bottle. 75 year old vines grown on clay with limestone much deeper below. This was aged in older wood and not sulphured until the bottling. Pale colour, vigorous appley nose, with some power behind. Plums too. It seems a little bit too powerful, though just 12.8% alcohol

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

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

The Domaine de Courcel produces Pommard with very traditional methods. Wines undergo a relatively warm fermentation, with at least three weeks of maceration and two to three punchings of the "cap" per day, resulting in a fine extraction of fruit, colour and tannins. The wines have been made by Vosne-Romanée vigneron Yves Confuron since 1996. The grapes are vinified with their stems after a severe sorting process. They are then matured in barrel for 18 months or more, without racking. There is not much reliance on new oak. The resulting wines have subtlety and richness that accompany a remarkable ability to age.

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

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

[] Allen Meadows, Burghound:: 92/100

{ratings} {***}

This Chablis has been made for us by the diligent and industrious Sébastien Dampt. The cool 2021 vintage has produced a wine of classical proportions, emphasising the steely, mineral character of this famous village. The nose offers notes of iodine, oyster shell and citrus fruit, while the palate is saline and juicy with a mouth-watering, fresh lemon finish.

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}{***}

Our Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy case features a selection of exquisite wines sure to delight your guests. You’ll find an beautifully aged luxious Legras; a beautifully smooth, rich 2008 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste; and a wonderfully mouth-watering from Bret Brothers.

Contains one bottle (or two bottles) each of the following:
2013 Champagne R&L Legras, Présidence Vieilles Vignes, Blanc de Blancs
2019 Pouilly-Vinzelles, Climat Les Quarts, La Soufrandière, Bret Brothers, Burgundy
2008 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux

{***}

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

{ratings}

{ratings}
{***}

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}{***}

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}{***}