Yes, it was a little Côte de Beaune-y this weekend. I’m thinking that this year I should really attack my 1996s and 1997s – I’ll leave the 1995s and 1998s a little longer. Maybe I’ll do those latter wines in more constructive blocks, rather than as weekend wines – but it’s good to start somewhere!

1992 Jaffelin, Pommard
I originally had two of these, and this bottle is clearly inferior to the first – or maybe the extra 4 years was too much to ask – but it’s certain.y still drinkable. The nose is meaty and faintly balsamic – though without any overt oxidation. This has a nice weight, intensity and texture too – structurally this is still rather good – but though the flavours have a little interest, the wine is not the tastiest. Only in the finish do I find the sweetly floral flavours that urge me to take another sip – so why not. Not great, but not bad either!
Rebuy – No

1996 Germain / Château de Chorey, Beaune 1er Les Cras
I loved the 1996 Teurons from a half last week so decided on a full size Les Cras for today.
Ooh – now this smells good! The nose is deep and – probably the last vestiges of the less than modest oak of this wine’s youth – but there’s inviting almost vibrant dark fruit too. Lots of fresh volume in the mouth – intensity too – perhaps less interesting texture than the Pommard, but there is energy here, abetting the 96 acidity with crunchy bright but still dark fruit. This is still a baby, but such a delicious and fresh one – I don’t think that this wine is going to last long! Long acidulated fruit in the finish – so juicy, so yum!
Rebuy – Yes

1996 Jean-Claude Belland, Santenay 1er Comme
A decent depth of colour here. The nose is becoming balsamic, far from inviting, but there are also flashes floral notes. This has a freshness of flavour and a good width and depth of flavour in the mid-palate. There’s not the richness of texture of the Pommard, nor the deliciousness of intense flavour of the Beaune. Just a little metallic and herby in the flavours – yet the last notes melt well over the palate. A wine that would certainly have been better a few years ago, but it is still clinging to life – drink up.
Rebuy – No