If I didn’t get on all that well with the 06 Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay, this is much more interesting. It’s actually about 20% more expensive than my highly rated Mugneret-Gibourg or Albert Bichot 04 Vosnes and both of those offer a more compelling current drinking experience – it won’t be everyone’s choice, but I found it really interesting.
2004 Louis Jadot, Vosne-Romanée
Medium ruby-red colour – already showing some older colour. The nose initially has none of the green 04-ness, though a little develops over-time, it is, however, on such a low level that it really is additive and makes from cedar at the top, down to its creamy edge at the bottom, with faint clove in the middle – a rather superior if not textbook Vosne nose; I’m very impressed. In the mouth it’s a long way from my expectation; there is only a hint of the ripe sweetness of the vintage, but the overall balance is reminiscent of a 1996 with it’s acid-forward stance. There is super dimension to the fruit too. This is far from an average ready-to-drink-now 2004 and very different to my 04 villages beau (from Mugneret-Gibourg), but this is an interesting mid-term cellar candidate – maybe 2 more bottles…
Rebuy – Yes

A wine that shows the difficulty of those that picked just a little later in this vintage – given the size of this cuvée, it would be no surprise if a significant proportion of the mix was picked just a little later than optimum. I note that the price is also up 20% versus the excellent 2004 and 2005 versions, both of which became ‘house wines’ chez moi.
2006 Louis Jadot, Bourgogne Chardonnay
Medium yellow. The nose shows faint bready notes over equally faint pear fruit. Quite full in the mouth, also quite dense. Whilst your mouth slowly waters after you swallow, it still seems to lack a little freshness. A reasonable finish, but just a little too clumsy and heavy…
Rebuy – No

2004 Bouchard P&F, Beaune 1er du Chateau
Medium, medium-plus colour. The nose is deep and oaky; dark, sweet oak rather than overt toast and there’s not a trace of vintage cedar. In the mouth it is similarly dominated by the oak. Certainly there is decent, sweet intensity behind the wood and a more than lingering finish – it really is very long – but frankly on day one, whilst it’s a tasty oak beverage, I can find little to suggest Burgundy, let-alone Beaune! This is usually one of the best value cuvées you can buy from any négoce so I gave it a chance: Day 2. The nose remains deep, a little musky – not so much oak but still hard to spot the fruit – perhaps dark-skinned plum, but on the negative side as it warms in the glass you get a hint of ash. In the mouth it now has a higher-toned dimension and plenty of sweetness. The length is unchanged and I’m happy to report that it shows more of a creamy than vanilla edge. This is significantly improved, even if I still wouldn’t guess Beaune! If you want to drink Beaune, then decant this at least 5-6 hours before drinking. If you just want a delicious glass, pop and pour.
Rebuy – Maybe (for those who have a better oak tolerance, but not for me)

Found in Leclerc supermarket in Beaune – was relatively cheap, but how much(?), I don’t remember…
2005 Guy Amiot, Chassagne-Montrachet (Rouge) Vielles Vignes
For the vintage it’s a modestly coloured medium, medium-plus cherry red. The nose has some depth, and pulls you in with faint toasted bread and bouquet garni. Intense, with slightly grainy tannin and with good understated acidity followed by another dimension of dark fruit and a little oak on the mid-palate. The finish is savoury with a long undertow of creamy dark fruit. If not totally sophisticated it balances with real personality. This is a wine that delivers on both personality and value. It’s really rather good.
Rebuy – Yes