Here’s a compendium of wines, mainly tasted with producers at the end of March 2012 – almost 200 wines – the bulk are culled from tastings put on for the Grands Jours de Bourgogne which happens every two years. I’ll start with a selection of wines from Beaune, followed by a blast of Grand Cru whites and then a selection of 2009 Cortons before jumping into the producers.
A selection from Beaune
All tasted in March 2012.
2009 Charles Allexant, Beaune 1er Les Bressandes
Here are very floral aromas. The flavours are a little more herbal and there’s some astringency too. In the context of the vintage, this certainly doesn’t shine.
Here are very floral aromas. The flavours are a little more herbal and there’s some astringency too. In the context of the vintage, this certainly doesn’t shine.
2008 Berthelemot, Beaune 1er Les Grèves
The nose is wide, though not particularly deep – very interesting though. This seems less ripe than some bottles, but the acidity is quite good. Overall this seems a little sour.
The nose is wide, though not particularly deep – very interesting though. This seems less ripe than some bottles, but the acidity is quite good. Overall this seems a little sour.
2009 Bouchard Aïne, Beaune 1er Clos du Roi
Cuvée Signature. Deep creamy oak invites you in. Silky texture becomes more velvet as tannin with a faint layer of astringency shows. There’s more wood than fruit today, but give it time…
Cuvée Signature. Deep creamy oak invites you in. Silky texture becomes more velvet as tannin with a faint layer of astringency shows. There’s more wood than fruit today, but give it time…
2009 Bouchard Père, Beaune 1er Clos du Château
The aromas are mix of floral and fruit – overall quite high-toned. Round and mouth-filling yet the flavour is rather late arriving. Easy to drink now, but everything is in place for this to age…
The aromas are mix of floral and fruit – overall quite high-toned. Round and mouth-filling yet the flavour is rather late arriving. Easy to drink now, but everything is in place for this to age…
2010 Butterfield, Beaune 1er Les Bressandes
Plenty of ‘dirty’ toasty oak on the nose, but there’s also delicate and precise fruit and herbs – it’s very interesting. Lithe impression with plenty of balanced structure and mouth-watering flavours too. Despite the oak notes, I find this rather interesting.
Plenty of ‘dirty’ toasty oak on the nose, but there’s also delicate and precise fruit and herbs – it’s very interesting. Lithe impression with plenty of balanced structure and mouth-watering flavours too. Despite the oak notes, I find this rather interesting.
2009 Denis Carré, Beaune 1er Tuvilains
Deep colour. The nose starts with a twist of oak, accenting a fruity depth. There’s depth in the mouth too – lots of structure but excellent balance. Overall I’d call this borderline rustic, but it’s also flavour-packed. Give it 12 months more…
Deep colour. The nose starts with a twist of oak, accenting a fruity depth. There’s depth in the mouth too – lots of structure but excellent balance. Overall I’d call this borderline rustic, but it’s also flavour-packed. Give it 12 months more…
2009 Cauvard, Beaune Clos de la Maladière
A villages monopole. The nose is dark and silky with some fainter herbs too. Rather impressively structured and concentrated for a villages. Plenty of mid-palate flavour. Good, but a wine to wait at least 12 months for…
A villages monopole. The nose is dark and silky with some fainter herbs too. Rather impressively structured and concentrated for a villages. Plenty of mid-palate flavour. Good, but a wine to wait at least 12 months for…
2009 Drouhin, Beaune 1er Clos des Mouches
I find a surprising lick of dark oak on the nose. Mouth-filling, with cushioned tannins and an impressive depth of flavour – yet the flavour is currently subordinate to the wine’s structure. Very, very good – but a wine to wait for.
I find a surprising lick of dark oak on the nose. Mouth-filling, with cushioned tannins and an impressive depth of flavour – yet the flavour is currently subordinate to the wine’s structure. Very, very good – but a wine to wait for.
2009 Dubreuil-Fontaine, Beaune 1er Les Montrevenots
The aromas are more high-toned and a herbal than the 2008, eventually the fruit starts to peek through too, becoming ever-prettier. Lots of fruit flavours – impressive, indeed quite lovely. I have a slight preference for the 08 – but it’s a close-run thing.
The aromas are more high-toned and a herbal than the 2008, eventually the fruit starts to peek through too, becoming ever-prettier. Lots of fruit flavours – impressive, indeed quite lovely. I have a slight preference for the 08 – but it’s a close-run thing.
2008 Louis Jadot, Beaune 1er Les Boucherottes
Medium-plus colour. Real depth to the aroma with some herby notes too. Good mid-palate expansion of flavour – this is lithe and fresh and shows lots of personality – good!
Medium-plus colour. Real depth to the aroma with some herby notes too. Good mid-palate expansion of flavour – this is lithe and fresh and shows lots of personality – good!
2009 Jean-Claude Rateau, Beaune 1er Les Reversées
The nose is narrow but quite deep, showing very pretty red fruits and a slightly lactic creamy note. The flavour is sweet, coupled with a supple base of tannin – like the nose it’s just a little narrow but has impressive depth of dark flavour. Very nice.
The nose is narrow but quite deep, showing very pretty red fruits and a slightly lactic creamy note. The flavour is sweet, coupled with a supple base of tannin – like the nose it’s just a little narrow but has impressive depth of dark flavour. Very nice.
2010 Joël Remy, Beaune 1er Les Cents Vignes
There’s dark oak on the nose that mainly fades with a swirl or two, leaving subtle red fruits. Very pretty cherry fruit flavours and an oak-derived flavour and structure in the mid-palate. Clean and tasty, with its own, currently oaky style.
There’s dark oak on the nose that mainly fades with a swirl or two, leaving subtle red fruits. Very pretty cherry fruit flavours and an oak-derived flavour and structure in the mid-palate. Clean and tasty, with its own, currently oaky style.
2009 Rossignol-Trapet, Beaune 1er Les Teurons
Bright red cherry fruit, but overall slightly mute. In the mouth this is round and silky with a nice burst of flavour in the mid-palate. . A long if rather understated finish.
Bright red cherry fruit, but overall slightly mute. In the mouth this is round and silky with a nice burst of flavour in the mid-palate. . A long if rather understated finish.
A selection of 2009 white Grand Crus
All tasted in March 2012. The Chablis were just so incisive that (just like tasting Champagne from tank) I thought my teeth may dissolve – what a wonderfully welcoming cushioning and sweetness I found in the first Corton-Charlemagne that followed them!
2009 Laroche, Chablis Les Blanchots
The aromas are quite dark with hints of green herbs. Fresh, with a lovely intensity – clean and refreshing with a very good length.
The aromas are quite dark with hints of green herbs. Fresh, with a lovely intensity – clean and refreshing with a very good length.
2009 Lupé-Cholet, Chablis Les Blanchots
Just a twist more ripeness to the nose. Very nice intensity though counter to the nose the fruit is not as ripe as I was expecting. Rather mineral – I like this very much.
Just a twist more ripeness to the nose. Very nice intensity though counter to the nose the fruit is not as ripe as I was expecting. Rather mineral – I like this very much.
2009 Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Les Clos
Faint brioche on a nose that displays width, rather than depth. There are plenty of savoury flavours here as part of a beautifully intense package. It’s a style question, rather than a quality question, but is there a little too much wood in the recipe…(?)
Faint brioche on a nose that displays width, rather than depth. There are plenty of savoury flavours here as part of a beautifully intense package. It’s a style question, rather than a quality question, but is there a little too much wood in the recipe…(?)
2009 Laroche, Chablis Les Clos
Less forward aromas than the JM Brocard, with just a hint of bread. A very mineral wine that has nothing to say about when it comes to fruit. Long and stony finishing.
Less forward aromas than the JM Brocard, with just a hint of bread. A very mineral wine that has nothing to say about when it comes to fruit. Long and stony finishing.
2009 Louis Moreau, Chablis Les Clos
After the Laroche, here is some fruit on the nose. In the mouth this is fresh and seems to have decent intensity too. I find the flavours nicely detailed and the mid-palate is rather concentrated. Good follow-through into the finish – nice!
After the Laroche, here is some fruit on the nose. In the mouth this is fresh and seems to have decent intensity too. I find the flavours nicely detailed and the mid-palate is rather concentrated. Good follow-through into the finish – nice!
2009 William Fevre, Chablis Les Clos
A little warm bread on the nose with a faint undertow of fruit. Mineral and wide flavours without massive depth but a very fine intensity. A long diminuendo of flavour in the finish. Very good!
A little warm bread on the nose with a faint undertow of fruit. Mineral and wide flavours without massive depth but a very fine intensity. A long diminuendo of flavour in the finish. Very good!
2009 Simonnet-Febvre, Chablis Les Clos
The nose is very shy – revealing little. Cllear and intense, certainly mineral – indeed very mineral – another wine where you can forget fruit. Long and stony – indeed very long!
The nose is very shy – revealing little. Cllear and intense, certainly mineral – indeed very mineral – another wine where you can forget fruit. Long and stony – indeed very long!
2009 Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Grenouilles
There’s a very nice green herb note on the nose. Linear, mineral and refreshing – very long finishing too. I really like this.
There’s a very nice green herb note on the nose. Linear, mineral and refreshing – very long finishing too. I really like this.
2009 William Fevre, Chablis Bougros
There’s a little brioche and a slightly warm feeling to the nose. In the mouth this is very fresh – I would say bracing! Just a hint of green-skinned fruit in the very long finish. Very nice wine.
There’s a little brioche and a slightly warm feeling to the nose. In the mouth this is very fresh – I would say bracing! Just a hint of green-skinned fruit in the very long finish. Very nice wine.
2009 Long-Depaquit, Chablis Moutonne
The nose is rather tight. In the mouth it’s a different kettle of fish, offering a broad, mineral impression before a lovely peak of flavour in the mid-palate – flavour that continues to leach from every pore. Excellent!
The nose is rather tight. In the mouth it’s a different kettle of fish, offering a broad, mineral impression before a lovely peak of flavour in the mid-palate – flavour that continues to leach from every pore. Excellent!
2009 Louis Moreau, Chablis Vaudésir
An understated nose. In the mouth this is very fresh – lots of acidity brings decent intensity but maybe this is a little too tart. Saved by a fine finish!
An understated nose. In the mouth this is very fresh – lots of acidity brings decent intensity but maybe this is a little too tart. Saved by a fine finish!
2009 J Moreau et Fils, Chablis Vaudésir
The nose has plenty of depth and interest. Like the previous wine, this is a little tart but delivers real intensity – love the finish!
The nose has plenty of depth and interest. Like the previous wine, this is a little tart but delivers real intensity – love the finish!
2009 Simonnet-Febvre, Chablis Les Preuses
The nose is cool and tight. Lots of rocks in acid is the impression on the tongue – despite whiplash acidity this one’s not too tart. A roller-coaster of a wine.
The nose is cool and tight. Lots of rocks in acid is the impression on the tongue – despite whiplash acidity this one’s not too tart. A roller-coaster of a wine.
2009 Michel Picard, Corton-Charlemagne
After a hat-full of Chablis, this is a completely different animal, showing wonderful depth on the nose. There is extra fat and sweetness though the length is the same. Despite a clear extra layer of richness, this wine is impeccably balanced. Just lovely!
After a hat-full of Chablis, this is a completely different animal, showing wonderful depth on the nose. There is extra fat and sweetness though the length is the same. Despite a clear extra layer of richness, this wine is impeccably balanced. Just lovely!
2009 Seguin-Manuel, Corton-Charlemagne
There is a depth of aroma that shows plenty of toasty oak notes. In the mouth there’s lots of sweetness but lots of oak too. Impressive and with very well balanced acidity, but as a young wine this is not my preferred style – I’d be very interested to see what it’s like in another two years…
There is a depth of aroma that shows plenty of toasty oak notes. In the mouth there’s lots of sweetness but lots of oak too. Impressive and with very well balanced acidity, but as a young wine this is not my preferred style – I’d be very interested to see what it’s like in another two years…
2009 Henri de Villamont, Corton-Charlemagne
The nose offers subtle oak with a litlle vanilla too. Lots of intensity and lots of style here too. Great finish!
The nose offers subtle oak with a litlle vanilla too. Lots of intensity and lots of style here too. Great finish!
2009 Corton André, Corton-Charlemagne
Green-skinned fruits and very faint vanilla. Lush and silky but with lts of minerality too – Lovely stuff. Fine length.
Green-skinned fruits and very faint vanilla. Lush and silky but with lts of minerality too – Lovely stuff. Fine length.
2009 Roux Père et Fils, Corton-Charlemagne
Again there are green-skinned fruits. In the mouth this is very straight and mineral – indeed narrow – then, oops! – where did all that dark oak come from? Shame!
Again there are green-skinned fruits. In the mouth this is very straight and mineral – indeed narrow – then, oops! – where did all that dark oak come from? Shame!
2009 Louis Jadot, Corton-Charlemagne
The nose has a lovely depth, hinting at so many things – really fine. Also in the mouth I find a fabulous complexity – not as rapier-like incisive as some, but a really beautiful wine.
The nose has a lovely depth, hinting at so many things – really fine. Also in the mouth I find a fabulous complexity – not as rapier-like incisive as some, but a really beautiful wine.
2009 Chanson Père et Fils, Corton Vergennes
Green-skinned fruit with hints of grilled bread herald a fresh and fine nose. Plenty of concentration that’s coupled to fine acidity. There’s a lovely peak of flavour in the mid-palate – good stuff!
Green-skinned fruit with hints of grilled bread herald a fresh and fine nose. Plenty of concentration that’s coupled to fine acidity. There’s a lovely peak of flavour in the mid-palate – good stuff!
2009 Louis Latour, Bâtard-Montrachet
Understated aromas, just a few herbs. This seems rather mineral for Bâtard, perhaps it’s a little light in the intensity department though. Nice freshness.
Understated aromas, just a few herbs. This seems rather mineral for Bâtard, perhaps it’s a little light in the intensity department though. Nice freshness.
2009 Jean-Marc Boillot, Bâtard-Montrachet
The sweet nose is like entering a patisserie. Full, ripe fruit, yet still some minerality and intensity – seems nicely fresh. I’d say this was rather good!
The sweet nose is like entering a patisserie. Full, ripe fruit, yet still some minerality and intensity – seems nicely fresh. I’d say this was rather good!
2009 Joseph Drouhin, Bâtard-Montrachet
There is a little patisserie on this nose too. Lots of sweet fruit and a lovely growth of intensity as you head into the finish. A fine wine.
There is a little patisserie on this nose too. Lots of sweet fruit and a lovely growth of intensity as you head into the finish. A fine wine.
2009 Bouchard Père, Chevalier-Montrachet
Just a little toast aroma here, but little else. Sweet fruit that’s backed by a mineral base and an ever-growing intensity. Very, very long – this is superb.
Just a little toast aroma here, but little else. Sweet fruit that’s backed by a mineral base and an ever-growing intensity. Very, very long – this is superb.
A selection of Corton from 2009
All tasted in March 2012, courtesy of the Côte d’Or négoce, and what a blast! Concentrated and tannic – I was almost punch-drunk after tasting these – négoce or not, I’d have any of these in my cellar.
2009 Prosper-Maufoux, Corton
The nose offers a depth of dark-red and black fruit. There’s lots of structure here – just a little mouth-puckering today, but I really like the fruit below – and there’s good concentration too. Wait 15 years!
The nose offers a depth of dark-red and black fruit. There’s lots of structure here – just a little mouth-puckering today, but I really like the fruit below – and there’s good concentration too. Wait 15 years!
2009 Corton André, Corton
Again a really super depth of fruit. Again plenty of structure though the overall sweetness doesn’t live up to the promises of the nose – no matter the fruit is interesting and delicately flavoured, particularly in the finish.
Again a really super depth of fruit. Again plenty of structure though the overall sweetness doesn’t live up to the promises of the nose – no matter the fruit is interesting and delicately flavoured, particularly in the finish.
2009 Bouchard Père, Le Corton
Dark fruit that hints at reduction. The ample tannin has great cushioning and like the other wines you have to wait for the fruit flavour to build. Classic Corton for aging.
Dark fruit that hints at reduction. The ample tannin has great cushioning and like the other wines you have to wait for the fruit flavour to build. Classic Corton for aging.
2009 Joseph Drouhin, Corton Bressandes
Fraint reduct and brash red cherry. Here is a hint of sweetness below considerable structure. The finish is nice and long, and indeed mainly fruit! Good stuff.
Fraint reduct and brash red cherry. Here is a hint of sweetness below considerable structure. The finish is nice and long, and indeed mainly fruit! Good stuff.
2009 Louis Jadot, Corton Pougets
The nose offers up tons of interest; fruit, minerals and high-tones. The sweet fruit has a good try at taming the structure – in this particular case it seems a draw! Great potential.
The nose offers up tons of interest; fruit, minerals and high-tones. The sweet fruit has a good try at taming the structure – in this particular case it seems a draw! Great potential.
2009 Louis Max, Corton Perrières
There is sweetness on the nose. Ther is also some sweetness to the fruit too – but suddenly you are in the iron grip of the tannin – and there’s plenty of that. Impressive stuff.
There is sweetness on the nose. Ther is also some sweetness to the fruit too – but suddenly you are in the iron grip of the tannin – and there’s plenty of that. Impressive stuff.
2009 Michel Picard, Corton Fiètres
Dark and interesting – perhaps a hint of bacon fat(?) before a clean line of red cheery takes its place. Like all these Cortons there is plenty of structure (of-course!) but there’s plenty of sweet fruit below too. Very long and fine.
Dark and interesting – perhaps a hint of bacon fat(?) before a clean line of red cheery takes its place. Like all these Cortons there is plenty of structure (of-course!) but there’s plenty of sweet fruit below too. Very long and fine.
2009 Stéphane Brocard, Corton Renardes
The nose is quite fresh and high toned. Wide, with lovely sweet fruit before the waves of tannin begin to exert themselves. Long finishing – another monumental wine.
The nose is quite fresh and high toned. Wide, with lovely sweet fruit before the waves of tannin begin to exert themselves. Long finishing – another monumental wine.
2009 Roux Père et Fils, Corton Renardes
The nose delivers understated warm fruit with a little minerality. Full of sweetness – lots of ripe tannin, certainly – pretty red fruits in the finish. Another monument in the 09 vernacular.
The nose delivers understated warm fruit with a little minerality. Full of sweetness – lots of ripe tannin, certainly – pretty red fruits in the finish. Another monument in the 09 vernacular.
Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux (Vosne)
Tasted in March 2012 with Lachaux Senior and Junior.
2010 Arnoux-Lachaux, Chambolle-Musigny
Deep and quite pretty aromas – just a few higher tones too. Minerality forms part of an excellent depth of flavour.
Deep and quite pretty aromas – just a few higher tones too. Minerality forms part of an excellent depth of flavour.
2010 Arnoux-Lachaux, Nuits St.Georges Les Poisets
Forward nose with some understatement at the top and good depth. Plenty of tannin here but the flavour eventually comes out the winner in the finish. Plenty to wait for…
Forward nose with some understatement at the top and good depth. Plenty of tannin here but the flavour eventually comes out the winner in the finish. Plenty to wait for…
2010 Arnoux-Lachaux, Nuits St.Georges 1er Corvées Pagets
Dark red fruit nose. There is even more structure than in the ‘Poisets’ and some grain to the tannin too – yet it’s far from astringent. Vin du garde…
Dark red fruit nose. There is even more structure than in the ‘Poisets’ and some grain to the tannin too – yet it’s far from astringent. Vin du garde…
2010 Arnoux-Lachaux, Vosne-Romanée 1er Les Chaumes
There are high tones of super-pretty fruit. Round, a little mineral with flavours that take a long time to decay. Good wine.
There are high tones of super-pretty fruit. Round, a little mineral with flavours that take a long time to decay. Good wine.
2010 Arnoux-Lachaux, Latricières-Chambertin
Deep, concentrated fruit on the nose with a faint whiff of herb too. Some slatey minerality, plenty of tannin – the fruit notes only showing quite late into the finish. Good wine, but to wait for.
Deep, concentrated fruit on the nose with a faint whiff of herb too. Some slatey minerality, plenty of tannin – the fruit notes only showing quite late into the finish. Good wine, but to wait for.
2006 Arnoux-Lachaux, Clos de Vougeot
A surprising note of leafy maturity on the nose – far from that in the mouth though, where you have plenty of tannin and good intensity. The structure is appreciable – but it won’t stop you (me!) enjoying it right now!
A surprising note of leafy maturity on the nose – far from that in the mouth though, where you have plenty of tannin and good intensity. The structure is appreciable – but it won’t stop you (me!) enjoying it right now!
Domaine Louis Boillot (Chambolle)
Tasted in March 2012 with Louis.
2009 Louis Boillot, Volnay Les Grands Poisots
Herbs and red fruit define the nose. In the mouth you have pretty red fruit that is suddenly over-run by tannin – but the tannin is fine and hardly astringent. I like the finishing dimension.
Herbs and red fruit define the nose. In the mouth you have pretty red fruit that is suddenly over-run by tannin – but the tannin is fine and hardly astringent. I like the finishing dimension.
2009 Louis Boillot, Volnay 1er Les Angles
Interesting red fruit, that despite a slightly disconcerting bubble-gum note, seems elegant and quite nice. Across the palate this seems to have more width than the villages wine that preceded it. Fine fruit which suffers the same uprising of tannin as the last wine, but as it fades the fruit is your rock – this will be fine.
Interesting red fruit, that despite a slightly disconcerting bubble-gum note, seems elegant and quite nice. Across the palate this seems to have more width than the villages wine that preceded it. Fine fruit which suffers the same uprising of tannin as the last wine, but as it fades the fruit is your rock – this will be fine.
2009 Louis Boillot, Volnay 1er Les Brouillards
The produce of 60 year-old vines. The most structured of these wines – the tannin dominates everything. Nothing to say today – except wait…!
The produce of 60 year-old vines. The most structured of these wines – the tannin dominates everything. Nothing to say today – except wait…!
2008 Louis Boillot, Volnay 1er Caillerets
The nose offers-up a lovely mix of fruit and herbs. On your tongue you have the sweetness of the fruit and certainly plenty of tannin too – but it’s a balanced presentation – actually, this is very lovely!
The nose offers-up a lovely mix of fruit and herbs. On your tongue you have the sweetness of the fruit and certainly plenty of tannin too – but it’s a balanced presentation – actually, this is very lovely!
Domaine Philippe Boire (Melin)
Tasted in March 2012 with Philippe, who started in 2007 and is now producing nine cuvées from three hectares – 95% red wine – he uses no stems and chooses to have neither cold or warm macerations. I like the results.
2009 Philippe Boire, Auxey-Duresses
Nice colour. The nose is about deep red fruit with just a little oak spicing. I find lots to commend this – there’s structure, but not too much, and a good finish – yum!
Nice colour. The nose is about deep red fruit with just a little oak spicing. I find lots to commend this – there’s structure, but not too much, and a good finish – yum!
2009 Philippe Boire, Volnay
Again the nose offers-up deep, dark red fruits, this time with a trace of reduction. Extra sweetness but the tannin is a foil to keep you on your toes – Good finish!
Again the nose offers-up deep, dark red fruits, this time with a trace of reduction. Extra sweetness but the tannin is a foil to keep you on your toes – Good finish!
2009 Philippe Boire, Volnay 1er Les Carelles
Here is a lovely perfume. Pretty, sweet fruit supported by plenty of structure – this is very, very nice!
Here is a lovely perfume. Pretty, sweet fruit supported by plenty of structure – this is very, very nice!
2009 Philippe Boire, Volnay 1er Les Robardelles
Deeper, darker fruit versus the Carelles. Also in the mouth there’s some dark fruit perfume. Plenty of sticky tannin and good length. Yum again.
Deeper, darker fruit versus the Carelles. Also in the mouth there’s some dark fruit perfume. Plenty of sticky tannin and good length. Yum again.
Domaine René Bouvier (Gevrey)
Tasted in March 2012 with Bernard Bouvier.
2010 René Bouvier, Marsannay Longerioes
A deep colour reflects also the depth of the nose, just a little meatiness too. There is plenty of wine here; good dark fruit with decent supporting tannin that stays on your tongue for a while. Long finishing – the style is slightly rustic, but it’s packed with flavour.
A deep colour reflects also the depth of the nose, just a little meatiness too. There is plenty of wine here; good dark fruit with decent supporting tannin that stays on your tongue for a while. Long finishing – the style is slightly rustic, but it’s packed with flavour.
2010 René Bouvier, Fixin Crai de Chêne
Understated nose. Full and quite textured – the fruit whilst less pronounced (versus the Marsannay) delivers an nice intensity of flavour. A good wine.
Understated nose. Full and quite textured – the fruit whilst less pronounced (versus the Marsannay) delivers an nice intensity of flavour. A good wine.
2010 René Bouvier, Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice
The nose is higher toned than the Fixin, but still quite shy. There’s plenty of structure – the tannins lingering in your mouth – and there seems almost no fruit flavour until you approach the finish, when there’s a modest blossoming. Clearly a wine to wait for.
The nose is higher toned than the Fixin, but still quite shy. There’s plenty of structure – the tannins lingering in your mouth – and there seems almost no fruit flavour until you approach the finish, when there’s a modest blossoming. Clearly a wine to wait for.
2010 René Bouvier, Gevrey-Chambertin Racines du Temps
Made from eighty year-old vines. The nose has a depth of fruit with a faint musky edge. Plenty of structure again, but here the tannin is finer than the ‘La Justice’, the fruit is also easier to find! There’s a nice burst of fresh flavour as you enter the finish. Very nice, and with no unnecessary padding.
Made from eighty year-old vines. The nose has a depth of fruit with a faint musky edge. Plenty of structure again, but here the tannin is finer than the ‘La Justice’, the fruit is also easier to find! There’s a nice burst of fresh flavour as you enter the finish. Very nice, and with no unnecessary padding.
2010 René Bouvier, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Les Fontenys
Here you will find a lovely depth of very pretty Gevrey fruit – really impresses. Fine tannins and slightly narrow flavours, but they are intense and long lasting. This will be very good!
Here you will find a lovely depth of very pretty Gevrey fruit – really impresses. Fine tannins and slightly narrow flavours, but they are intense and long lasting. This will be very good!
2010 René Bouvier, Charmes-Chambertin
These are ‘old vines’ located in Mazoyères. Quite some depth of aroma here, but with a slight estery element (this is a sample from tank that’s waiting to be bottled). In the mouth this is a classically friendly ‘Charmes’ with super fruit that largely buries the undertow of fine tannin. There is certainly some potential here.
These are ‘old vines’ located in Mazoyères. Quite some depth of aroma here, but with a slight estery element (this is a sample from tank that’s waiting to be bottled). In the mouth this is a classically friendly ‘Charmes’ with super fruit that largely buries the undertow of fine tannin. There is certainly some potential here.
Maison Champy (Beaune)
Tasted March 2012.
2010 Champy, Pommard 1er Les Grandes Epenots
Plenty of high toned herb on a nose that makes me go mmmm – lovely. Round and mouth-filling, with some fruit sweetness. Good structure before the mouth-watering fruit flavours take hold. Yum!
Plenty of high toned herb on a nose that makes me go mmmm – lovely. Round and mouth-filling, with some fruit sweetness. Good structure before the mouth-watering fruit flavours take hold. Yum!
2010 Champy, Volnay 1er Les Taillepieds
Wide and pretty nose with some flowers too. The structure is clearly a notch higher than that of the previous Pommard, but it’s suffused with lovely fruit flavour. Very pretty wine, but clearly with a punch!
Wide and pretty nose with some flowers too. The structure is clearly a notch higher than that of the previous Pommard, but it’s suffused with lovely fruit flavour. Very pretty wine, but clearly with a punch!
2010 Champy, Corton Les Rognets
Wide and interesting fruit notes – quite some depth too. Here is a classic Corton of muscle without fat that bursts with high-toned fruit in the mid-palate, the flavour very slowly decaying in the finish – super.
Wide and interesting fruit notes – quite some depth too. Here is a classic Corton of muscle without fat that bursts with high-toned fruit in the mid-palate, the flavour very slowly decaying in the finish – super.
Maison Chanson (Beaune)
Tasted March 2012 with Gilles de Courcel.
2009 Chanson, Beaune 1er Champimonts
High tones mix with some herb notes. Luxurious mouth-feel – plenty of velvet tannins, though only the faintest of astringency and plenty of flavour bubbling through. Long finishing. Lovely.
High tones mix with some herb notes. Luxurious mouth-feel – plenty of velvet tannins, though only the faintest of astringency and plenty of flavour bubbling through. Long finishing. Lovely.
2009 Chanson, Beaune 1er Clos des Mouches
After the Champimonts, this has a slightly more floral dimension to the nose – a nice, subtle dimension from the stems. Those stems are more obvious in the flavours – but what pretty flavours they are. Subtly long – an self-assured, confident Beaune.
After the Champimonts, this has a slightly more floral dimension to the nose – a nice, subtle dimension from the stems. Those stems are more obvious in the flavours – but what pretty flavours they are. Subtly long – an self-assured, confident Beaune.
2009 Chanson, Beaune 1er Clos des Fèves
The nose has both depth and width, with notes from the stems and a few herb references too. In the mouth, sweetness is the first impression, the tannin-led structure the second, and the third and the fourth too! Lovely mouth-watering flavour in the finish and little that is astringent. Super – but start drinking in 2030!
The nose has both depth and width, with notes from the stems and a few herb references too. In the mouth, sweetness is the first impression, the tannin-led structure the second, and the third and the fourth too! Lovely mouth-watering flavour in the finish and little that is astringent. Super – but start drinking in 2030!
2007 Chanson, Beaune 1er Clos des Fèves
Complex, interesting; quite spicy, herbs and roast meat. This starts out very silky until a little late-arriving tannin makes a grab for your gums. Dark flavours and just a little astringency in the finish – a wine to wait for.
Complex, interesting; quite spicy, herbs and roast meat. This starts out very silky until a little late-arriving tannin makes a grab for your gums. Dark flavours and just a little astringency in the finish – a wine to wait for.
Domaine Bruno Clair (Marsannay)
Tasted March 2012.
2009 Bruno Clair, Marsannay Les Grasses Têtes
The deep colour is matched by a similarly deep nose – very nice fruit indeed. In the mouth this is cool and understated – good structure and lasting flavour. Nothing facile here. Very, very good Marsannay.
The deep colour is matched by a similarly deep nose – very nice fruit indeed. In the mouth this is cool and understated – good structure and lasting flavour. Nothing facile here. Very, very good Marsannay.
2009 Bruno Clair, Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Les Dominode
Dark colour. Exception depth to the nose – dark red almost crystalline fruit. Silky but with a twist of velvet as you hold onto the wine – the tannin never turning particularly astringent. Then there’s a burst of super flavour before the long finish. This is a monument to Savigny – it’s beautiful!
Dark colour. Exception depth to the nose – dark red almost crystalline fruit. Silky but with a twist of velvet as you hold onto the wine – the tannin never turning particularly astringent. Then there’s a burst of super flavour before the long finish. This is a monument to Savigny – it’s beautiful!
2009 Bruno Clair, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Clos du Fontenys
A panorama of gellied black fruits. In the mouth this is mineral, muscular, silky and intense. Lovely fresh finish – lovely.
A panorama of gellied black fruits. In the mouth this is mineral, muscular, silky and intense. Lovely fresh finish – lovely.
2008 Bruno Clair, Chambertin Clos de Bèze
Depth of aroma – slightly herby red and black fruit. Beautifully composed; there’s clarity of flavour, super-fine texture before the tannin becomes a little sticky. Long, long, narrow and fine – no padding here, just first class wine.
Depth of aroma – slightly herby red and black fruit. Beautifully composed; there’s clarity of flavour, super-fine texture before the tannin becomes a little sticky. Long, long, narrow and fine – no padding here, just first class wine.
Domaine Clos du Moulin aux Moines (Auxey)
A 10 hectare domaine, relaunched in 2008. Vines are mainly in Auxey and Pommard – about 80% of which produces red wine. Tasted with Jordane Andrieu in March 2012.
2008 Clos du Moulin, Auxey-Duresses ‘Moulin aux Moines’
A monopole vineyard of the domaine. The high-toned fruit has a lovely red shade but also comes close to volatile and gives you the expectation that the palate may not be so ripe – actually it’s okay, indeed the fruit flavours have a suggestion of ‘roast’ about them. Good, but not great wine.
A monopole vineyard of the domaine. The high-toned fruit has a lovely red shade but also comes close to volatile and gives you the expectation that the palate may not be so ripe – actually it’s okay, indeed the fruit flavours have a suggestion of ‘roast’ about them. Good, but not great wine.
2008 Clos du Moulin, Auxey-Duresses ‘Moulin aux Moines’
Here there is more aromatic depth. The flavours are also sweeter and seemingly deliver more clarity of fruit. Good structure – this is quite nice!
Here there is more aromatic depth. The flavours are also sweeter and seemingly deliver more clarity of fruit. Good structure – this is quite nice!
2008 Clos du Moulin, Auxey-Duresses ‘Moulin aux Moines’ Vieilles Vignes
Like the ‘non-VV’ I find something almost volatile. Yet in the mouth there’s a lovely fruit note that shines through the centre of the wine.
Like the ‘non-VV’ I find something almost volatile. Yet in the mouth there’s a lovely fruit note that shines through the centre of the wine.
2009 Clos du Moulin, Auxey-Duresses ‘Moulin aux Moines’ Vieilles Vignes
Here the aromas are darker – there’s more oak too. Plenty of structure here – indeed fruit is something of an after-thought – come back in 2-3 years…
Here the aromas are darker – there’s more oak too. Plenty of structure here – indeed fruit is something of an after-thought – come back in 2-3 years…
Domaine A et V Creusefond (Auxey)
This domaine concentrates on Auxey with a hint of Beaune, Pommard, Volnay and Meursault thrown in for good measure. Tasted March 2012.
2009 A et V Creusefond, Auxey-Duresses
Medium colour. The nose is a collection of high-toned fruit and herbs. In the mouth you have the impression of very cool fruit – I certainly wouldn’t go here for a ‘ripe party’.
Medium colour. The nose is a collection of high-toned fruit and herbs. In the mouth you have the impression of very cool fruit – I certainly wouldn’t go here for a ‘ripe party’.
2009 A et V Creusefond, Volnay
Darker colour than the Auxey. Again, both the nose and the palate showcase fruit that is neither sweet nor succulent.
Darker colour than the Auxey. Again, both the nose and the palate showcase fruit that is neither sweet nor succulent.
2009 A et V Creusefond, Auxey-Duresses 1er Climats du Val
Deeper and darker aromas. In the mouth the fruit is also darker – but also from the dark side are the astringent tannins…
Deeper and darker aromas. In the mouth the fruit is also darker – but also from the dark side are the astringent tannins…
Domaine des Croix (Beaune)
Tasted with David Croix March 2012.
2010 des Croix, Beaune
Aromas seem supple, certainly round with sweet fruit. In the mouth there’s pretty fruit with a good level of complexity, currently detracting my attention is a little vanilla (I’m sure that will fade). Overall, very nice…
Aromas seem supple, certainly round with sweet fruit. In the mouth there’s pretty fruit with a good level of complexity, currently detracting my attention is a little vanilla (I’m sure that will fade). Overall, very nice…
2010 des Croix, Beaune 1er Cents Vignes
In bottle for 3 weeks. Lovely high-toned fruit, some flowers too. There’s tannin too, but only if you chew hard – lovely floral flavour too. Not a block-buster, but achingly tasty.
In bottle for 3 weeks. Lovely high-toned fruit, some flowers too. There’s tannin too, but only if you chew hard – lovely floral flavour too. Not a block-buster, but achingly tasty.
2009 des Croix, Beaune 1er Cents Vignes
The nose is tight as a drum. Saline mineral flavours, concentrated and long finishing. This is really a wine to wait for.
The nose is tight as a drum. Saline mineral flavours, concentrated and long finishing. This is really a wine to wait for.
2010 des Croix, Beaune 1er Pertuisots
The nose makes you stop – hmmm – quite high toned and achingly pretty. There’s some sweetness to the fruit but it also delivers a sting of intensity in the finish too. This is very yum!
The nose makes you stop – hmmm – quite high toned and achingly pretty. There’s some sweetness to the fruit but it also delivers a sting of intensity in the finish too. This is very yum!
2009 des Croix, Beaune 1er Pertuisots
Bright cherry red. Cushioned and floral – a very pretty nose indeed. In the mouth this is round, cushioned (again) and velvety. Flavour growing in the mid-palate – Yum!
Bright cherry red. Cushioned and floral – a very pretty nose indeed. In the mouth this is round, cushioned (again) and velvety. Flavour growing in the mid-palate – Yum!
2008 des Croix, Beaune 1er Pertuisots
The nose is a blend of herbs and fainter flowers. The wine’s structure slowly bubbles to the surface of this silky wine. A long thread of flavour in the finish.
The nose is a blend of herbs and fainter flowers. The wine’s structure slowly bubbles to the surface of this silky wine. A long thread of flavour in the finish.
2010 des Croix, Beaune 1er Les Grèves
The aromas are quite narrow, but they come from a deep and dark place. Very, very silky, again with a salty minerality. Concentrated, but tight – hard to see more today.
The aromas are quite narrow, but they come from a deep and dark place. Very, very silky, again with a salty minerality. Concentrated, but tight – hard to see more today.
2009 des Croix, Aloxe-Corton Les Boutières
The nose is a little tight/faint, but is pretty and wide. Mouth-filling, quite concentrated – velvet tannin provides some cushioning. Eventually some fruit and flower aromas can be discerned. Good villages.
The nose is a little tight/faint, but is pretty and wide. Mouth-filling, quite concentrated – velvet tannin provides some cushioning. Eventually some fruit and flower aromas can be discerned. Good villages.
2010 des Croix, Corton Vigne aux Saint
The nose has a clean and clear red note that is very, very pretty. Lots of width, but not much padding of the muscles which flex over your tongue. But it’s a controlled display. Good stuff.
The nose has a clean and clear red note that is very, very pretty. Lots of width, but not much padding of the muscles which flex over your tongue. But it’s a controlled display. Good stuff.
2010 des Croix, Corton Grèves
After the Vigne aux Saint, here is more depth of aroma – indeed even the nose seems to have muscle! In the mouth this is clear about the posing of lithe muscle. The flavour only slowly leaches from every gap between your gums and teeth. Certainly a more mineral wine than the ‘Saint’ – and very long too.
After the Vigne aux Saint, here is more depth of aroma – indeed even the nose seems to have muscle! In the mouth this is clear about the posing of lithe muscle. The flavour only slowly leaches from every gap between your gums and teeth. Certainly a more mineral wine than the ‘Saint’ – and very long too.
Domaine Cruchandeau (Chaux)
A new name for me, tasted with Julien Cruchandeau in March 2012. Julien was regisseur at a domaine in Bouzeron for five years before setting up on his own just outside Nuits. He currently makes wine from three hectares spread from the Côte Chalonnaise into the Côte de Nuits.
2011 Cruchandeau, Bouzeron Vieilles Vignes
Just bottled. Made from a selection of older vines from two vineyards – made 80% in tank. Aligoté of-course. The nose has a core of sweet and I must say, rather inviting fruit. In the mouth it’s less sweet than the nose suggests, with just a little cushioning to the texture. Understated fruit and just a little minerality but I’m missing some engagement today – the best I can say is it’s clean and fine enough.
Just bottled. Made from a selection of older vines from two vineyards – made 80% in tank. Aligoté of-course. The nose has a core of sweet and I must say, rather inviting fruit. In the mouth it’s less sweet than the nose suggests, with just a little cushioning to the texture. Understated fruit and just a little minerality but I’m missing some engagement today – the best I can say is it’s clean and fine enough.
2011 Cruchandeau, Bourgogne Rosé
Pretty aromas hint at strawberry (nice) and banana (less nice to me). Apple is the flavour in the mouth, otherwise it’s rather closed – probably because it’s been in bottle only a couple of days – still, that’s three of your five a day….
Pretty aromas hint at strawberry (nice) and banana (less nice to me). Apple is the flavour in the mouth, otherwise it’s rather closed – probably because it’s been in bottle only a couple of days – still, that’s three of your five a day….
2010 Cruchandeau, Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits
The nose is a focused blend of raspberry and cassis. In the mouth this is round, lots of fine and supple tannin and flavours that linger. Good wine!
The nose is a focused blend of raspberry and cassis. In the mouth this is round, lots of fine and supple tannin and flavours that linger. Good wine!
2010 Cruchandeau, Nuits St.Georges Aux St.Jacques
The vines are close to the border with Vosne – and it shows – lovely aromas and quite some complexity. This is structured but displays some fine fruit notes too. Considering it’s only been in bottle for three days this is certainly a little tight but it’s enjoyable all the same. Looks like a good buy!
The vines are close to the border with Vosne – and it shows – lovely aromas and quite some complexity. This is structured but displays some fine fruit notes too. Considering it’s only been in bottle for three days this is certainly a little tight but it’s enjoyable all the same. Looks like a good buy!
Domaine Diconne (Auxey)
Another new name for me. Wines tasted in March 2012
2009 Diconne, Auxey-Duresses
The nose offer-up some sweetness of fruit. Likewise there’s a sweetness to the fruit flavour, yet today this is showing in a sullen, hard and drying fashion. Leave for 2 years.
The nose offer-up some sweetness of fruit. Likewise there’s a sweetness to the fruit flavour, yet today this is showing in a sullen, hard and drying fashion. Leave for 2 years.
2009 Diconne, Auxey-Duresses 1er Les Bretterins
Interesting dark-red fruit aromas, with flashes of dark red berries. Nice ripe fruit on the palate – plenty of tannin too, but not too dry. Very good acidity. My first Bretterins, and it’s a success!
Interesting dark-red fruit aromas, with flashes of dark red berries. Nice ripe fruit on the palate – plenty of tannin too, but not too dry. Very good acidity. My first Bretterins, and it’s a success!
2009 Diconne, Auxey-Duresses 1er Les Grands Champs
Amazing – one-third of this bottle is already poured, yet it’s clearly corked and nobody noticed! Bottle number 2 shows a range of pretty, and easily differentiated fruits. Sweeter (riper) fruit again, and a very nice overall balance. This is good wine.
Amazing – one-third of this bottle is already poured, yet it’s clearly corked and nobody noticed! Bottle number 2 shows a range of pretty, and easily differentiated fruits. Sweeter (riper) fruit again, and a very nice overall balance. This is good wine.
2009 Diconne, Auxey-Duresses 1er Les Duresses
Here the vines are over 80 years old. The nose is quite tight. In the mouth we have a little more texture and a nice expansion of flavour in the mid-palate – holds your interest. Of-course everything is underpinned with plenty of structure, but this is rather good.
Here the vines are over 80 years old. The nose is quite tight. In the mouth we have a little more texture and a nice expansion of flavour in the mid-palate – holds your interest. Of-course everything is underpinned with plenty of structure, but this is rather good.
Domaine David Duband (Chevannes)
Tasted with Mick Hucknall lookalike David Duband in March 2012. Until this day I’d never had a Duband wine that I liked, finding the style very commercial and confected. If these wines are anything to go by, there’s been a bit of a sea-change at the domaine.
2010 David Duband, Hautes Côtes de Nuits Cuvée Louis Auguste
Made with about thirty percent stems. Floral, clearly some stems but they are well-presented. The palate is sweet, but far from confected; a hint of saltiness to the structure and decent intensity – very well made.
Made with about thirty percent stems. Floral, clearly some stems but they are well-presented. The palate is sweet, but far from confected; a hint of saltiness to the structure and decent intensity – very well made.
2010 David Duband, Nuits St.Georges
Made with about forty percent stems, and from three different parcels of vines. Again stems on the nose, but less obviously so than for the HcDN. Cool fruit, a hint of minerality and plenty of ripe tannin – this is excellent, particularly as even more cool fruit works its way through the finish.
Made with about forty percent stems, and from three different parcels of vines. Again stems on the nose, but less obviously so than for the HcDN. Cool fruit, a hint of minerality and plenty of ripe tannin – this is excellent, particularly as even more cool fruit works its way through the finish.
2010 David Duband, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Les Sentiers
Made with about fifty percent stems. There’s a very faint hint of reduction and slightly less faint floral notes from the stems. There’s plenty of structure here which ingrains itself into your palate but leaves a calling card of lovely fruit flavour in the finish.
Made with about fifty percent stems. There’s a very faint hint of reduction and slightly less faint floral notes from the stems. There’s plenty of structure here which ingrains itself into your palate but leaves a calling card of lovely fruit flavour in the finish.
2010 David Duband, Charmes-Chambertin
You’ve guessed it, made with about sixty percent stems! Wide, welcoming, floral aromas – maybe even a little fruit. Lots of sweetness from the fruit, concentration too. Even for Grand Cru, I find this very impressive.
You’ve guessed it, made with about sixty percent stems! Wide, welcoming, floral aromas – maybe even a little fruit. Lots of sweetness from the fruit, concentration too. Even for Grand Cru, I find this very impressive.
Domaine Dujac (Morey)
Tasted with Jeremy Seysses in March 2012.
2010 Dujac, Morey St.Denis
Already bottled, this has a very pretty high-toned complexity of aroma. Lush in both flavour and structure, and whilst it majors for the moment on tannin, the fine fruit is a lovely long line into the finish. Lovely and rather friendly stuff – quite a temptress!
Already bottled, this has a very pretty high-toned complexity of aroma. Lush in both flavour and structure, and whilst it majors for the moment on tannin, the fine fruit is a lovely long line into the finish. Lovely and rather friendly stuff – quite a temptress!
2010 Dujac, Vosne-Romanée 1er Les Malconsorts
A little reduction (it was racked/assembled into tank only the day before) and a fine floral (stem) note. The impression is like having a dozen TVs playing simultaneously – Wide, very impressive and complex ‘wall of sound’ flavours and textures – it’s close to ‘overload’. The faintly astringent tannin is very fine. Real distinction in the finish – super – and my favourite part of the act.
A little reduction (it was racked/assembled into tank only the day before) and a fine floral (stem) note. The impression is like having a dozen TVs playing simultaneously – Wide, very impressive and complex ‘wall of sound’ flavours and textures – it’s close to ‘overload’. The faintly astringent tannin is very fine. Real distinction in the finish – super – and my favourite part of the act.
1998 Dujac, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Les Gruenchers
The nose wells up with forward, beautiful fruit, a little warmth and a lot of love. Silky, yet there remains a little anecdote of the astringent tannin of the vintage. Lovely freshness and complexity. It si a beautiful performance today, but no need to rush – yum!
The nose wells up with forward, beautiful fruit, a little warmth and a lot of love. Silky, yet there remains a little anecdote of the astringent tannin of the vintage. Lovely freshness and complexity. It si a beautiful performance today, but no need to rush – yum!
Domaine Fargues (Bligny)
I never tasted wines from this domaine before, tasted in March 2012.
2010 Fargues, Beaune 1er Les Aigrots
Pale colour – one sniff and you know why; stems. This I would class as a little gothic, but it’s also very pretty. I not some astringency, but it’s more of a hint than a statement. Lacks a little density but there’s a pleasing high-toned flavour – this is tasty and long.
Pale colour – one sniff and you know why; stems. This I would class as a little gothic, but it’s also very pretty. I not some astringency, but it’s more of a hint than a statement. Lacks a little density but there’s a pleasing high-toned flavour – this is tasty and long.
2009 Fargues, Beaune 1er Les Aigrots
Deep notes of stems and sweet fruit. Soft and supple with a hint of salty minerality. The finishing flavours are red fruit borne on a mouth-watering acidity. Medium length but very pretty.
Deep notes of stems and sweet fruit. Soft and supple with a hint of salty minerality. The finishing flavours are red fruit borne on a mouth-watering acidity. Medium length but very pretty.
Domaine Geantet-Pansiot (Gevrey)
Tasted in March 2012.
2010 Geantet-Pansiot, Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vigne
Some purple colour. Lots of high-toned fruit with a faint reduction below. Here is plenty of flavour dimension and really great balance. I’m not sure that it speaks of Chambolle today, but it’s very tasty.
Some purple colour. Lots of high-toned fruit with a faint reduction below. Here is plenty of flavour dimension and really great balance. I’m not sure that it speaks of Chambolle today, but it’s very tasty.
2010 Geantet-Pansiot, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
From a blend of 17 different parcels. The colour is also quite purple here. Like the Chambolle the nose offers plenty of higher-toned aromas, but over a subtly darker fruit. The flavour profile seems wider, but less deep – good intensity, and decently long finishing on a fresh note. Tasty again.
From a blend of 17 different parcels. The colour is also quite purple here. Like the Chambolle the nose offers plenty of higher-toned aromas, but over a subtly darker fruit. The flavour profile seems wider, but less deep – good intensity, and decently long finishing on a fresh note. Tasty again.
2010 Geantet-Pansiot, Charmes-Chambertin
Here is a depth of Gevrey soil underpinning a clear, clean fruit note. Clearly the flavour is more mineral than for the previous village wines – intense and wiry – no extraneous padding. Long finishing and impressive for what it isn’t (plump, charming etc…)
Here is a depth of Gevrey soil underpinning a clear, clean fruit note. Clearly the flavour is more mineral than for the previous village wines – intense and wiry – no extraneous padding. Long finishing and impressive for what it isn’t (plump, charming etc…)
Domaine Ghislain Kohut (Couchey)
Tasted in March 2012 with Ghislain. A new domaine to me but one whose wines had a certain class: The domaine began in the 1940s and today has a not inconsiderable twelve hectares, mainly Marsannay, but there’s also Gevrey and Vosne – even a hint of Grand Cru too. The 2010 samples were ex cask so I’ll just give you an impression of those samples.
2010 Ghislain Kohut, Marsannay Blanc
Here’s the one 2010 that’s in bottle – aromatically muscular laced with pretty high tones – quite nice. Round, a little pineapple flavour which tends to apple in the finish. Quite nice.
Here’s the one 2010 that’s in bottle – aromatically muscular laced with pretty high tones – quite nice. Round, a little pineapple flavour which tends to apple in the finish. Quite nice.
2009 Ghislain Kohut, Marsannay
This has a very pretty nose indeed – I like the fruit very much. The nose promised a depth of flavour that cannot, in reality, be delivered, but this is balanced, interesting and shows a sneaky length – good wine.
This has a very pretty nose indeed – I like the fruit very much. The nose promised a depth of flavour that cannot, in reality, be delivered, but this is balanced, interesting and shows a sneaky length – good wine.
2009 Ghislain Kohut, Fixin
From a 1.5 hectare plot of Crais de Chêne. The nose is slow to evolve, majoring mainly on herbs to start. There’s plenty of tannin just now and it’s dominating the flavour profile – I do think that there’s fruit in there though – definitely a wine to wait for!
From a 1.5 hectare plot of Crais de Chêne. The nose is slow to evolve, majoring mainly on herbs to start. There’s plenty of tannin just now and it’s dominating the flavour profile – I do think that there’s fruit in there though – definitely a wine to wait for!
And a quick impression of the unfinished samples: 2010 Vosne-Romanée was full of strawberries and pepper – very engaging. The 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin was a hint less sweet, but left a lovely mouth-watering flavour – great length. And finally the 2010 Echézeaux had high-tones, minerality and lots of depth. This should become excellent.
Domaine Pierre Labet (Beaune)
Tasted in March 2012 with François Labet.
2010 Pierre Labet, Beaune
Good colour. High tones on the nose – you can almost smell the colours! Plenty of sweetness and excellent mid-palate density of fruit – good wine!
Good colour. High tones on the nose – you can almost smell the colours! Plenty of sweetness and excellent mid-palate density of fruit – good wine!
2010 Pierre Labet, Beaune 1er Coucherais
Also deeply coloured. Very pretty aromas of flowers and fruit. More structured than the villages Beaune, the flavour slowly leaching from your gums. Really nice wine, though obviously young.
Also deeply coloured. Very pretty aromas of flowers and fruit. More structured than the villages Beaune, the flavour slowly leaching from your gums. Really nice wine, though obviously young.
Domaine A et B Labry (Auxey)
Tasted in March 2012.
2009 A et B Labry, Auxey-Duresses
Light colour. The nose is estery and not so pleasant – it has a message – DNPIM – so I didn’t.
Light colour. The nose is estery and not so pleasant – it has a message – DNPIM – so I didn’t.
2010 A et B Labry, Auxey-Duresses
More colour, nicer nose. This time I did put it in my mouth – and it was better than I expected – but I had low expectations.
More colour, nicer nose. This time I did put it in my mouth – and it was better than I expected – but I had low expectations.
Domaine Clos des Lambrays (Morey)
Tasted with Thierry Brouhin in March 2012. Also tasted a sample of the 2011, a wine currently about finesse and flowers – I hope it stays that way – but was lacking a bit of focus, I’m sure that will come!
2009 Lambrays, Clos de Lambrays
More depth and width. Depth and texture is on another level to the 2011, some added minerality and a leaching, growing well of flavour – the acidity bubbles understatedly below. Lovely stuff!
More depth and width. Depth and texture is on another level to the 2011, some added minerality and a leaching, growing well of flavour – the acidity bubbles understatedly below. Lovely stuff!
Domaine Comte Liger-Belair (Gevrey)
Tasted with Louis-Michel and Constance Liger-Belair in March 2012.
2010 Comte Liger-Belair, Vosne-Romanée 1er Les Suchotss
High tones mingle with flowers and sweetness of fruit. Understated concentration, lovely balance and a faintly salty mineral tang. Very long finishing.
High tones mingle with flowers and sweetness of fruit. Understated concentration, lovely balance and a faintly salty mineral tang. Very long finishing.
2010 Comte Liger-Belair, Nuits St.Georges 1er Les Crass
Here the fruit is more to the fore; wide and high-toned. In the mouth the fruit is similarly high-toned and of purest red. Just keeps getting better in the glass – lovely!
Here the fruit is more to the fore; wide and high-toned. In the mouth the fruit is similarly high-toned and of purest red. Just keeps getting better in the glass – lovely!
2010 Comte Liger-Belair, Echézeaux
This has a beautiful, floral, high-toned nose that hints to stems – even though Louis-Michel claims not to use them 😉 There is a wide panorama of flavour – lovely – before an impressive growth of intensity in the mid-palate. Wow!
This has a beautiful, floral, high-toned nose that hints to stems – even though Louis-Michel claims not to use them 😉 There is a wide panorama of flavour – lovely – before an impressive growth of intensity in the mid-palate. Wow!
Domaine Lycée Viticole (Beaune)
Tasted in March 2012 with Marie-Jeanne Jacquet.
2010 Lycée Viticole, Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Les Basses Vergelesses
The nose is round, with a faint musk, deep-shaded fruit, but still red. Plenty of depth to the flavour, and interesting flavour too. Lovely length – a very good wine.
The nose is round, with a faint musk, deep-shaded fruit, but still red. Plenty of depth to the flavour, and interesting flavour too. Lovely length – a very good wine.
2010 Lycée Viticole, Beaune 1er Bressandes
The aromas as smoother and finer than those of the Savigny, but of much less impact. In the mouth this is stricter and more mineral. Despite very good length I’ve a preference for the Savigny today.
The aromas as smoother and finer than those of the Savigny, but of much less impact. In the mouth this is stricter and more mineral. Despite very good length I’ve a preference for the Savigny today.
2010 Lycée Viticole, Beaune 1er Les Perrières
The nose has deeper, darker fruits versus the Bressandes – ripe and sweet. Quite silky with good intensity to the flavours – nice level of freshness too. This is very good.
The nose has deeper, darker fruits versus the Bressandes – ripe and sweet. Quite silky with good intensity to the flavours – nice level of freshness too. This is very good.
2010 Lycée Viticole, Beaune 1er Montée Rouge
Concentrated red fruit aromas – accented with flowers too. Rounder than the last wine, and with a subtle but effective padding and richness too – only accented with tannin. Decent minerality too – another very good wine.
Concentrated red fruit aromas – accented with flowers too. Rounder than the last wine, and with a subtle but effective padding and richness too – only accented with tannin. Decent minerality too – another very good wine.
Domaine Stéphane Magnien (Morey)
Tasted with Stéphane in March 2012.
2010 Stéphane Magnien, Morey St.Denis
Here is a lovely depth of slightly herbal, dark Morey fruit. Round and quite silky with good concentration. I like this very much.
Here is a lovely depth of slightly herbal, dark Morey fruit. Round and quite silky with good concentration. I like this very much.
2010 Stéphane Magnien, Morey St.Denis 1er Faconnières
The nose delivers very pretty red fruits – quite dark shaded and quite lovely. There’s fine fruit in the mouth too – intense and with very supple structure – this is lovely. Very, very long.
The nose delivers very pretty red fruits – quite dark shaded and quite lovely. There’s fine fruit in the mouth too – intense and with very supple structure – this is lovely. Very, very long.
2010 Stéphane Magnien, Morey St.Denis 1er Cuvée Aux Petits Noix
Here the fruit aroma is higher toned, still red and quite creamy. The fruit flavours are less in your face, more elegant yet with an extra level of structure. Very nice indeed.
Here the fruit aroma is higher toned, still red and quite creamy. The fruit flavours are less in your face, more elegant yet with an extra level of structure. Very nice indeed.
Domaine Méo-Camuzet (Vosne)
Tasted with Jean-Nicolas in March 2012.
2010 Méo-Camuzet, Fixin 1er Clos du Chapitre
The very pretty fruit is bright, clean and red. Just a hint of mineral flavour to add to very pretty and long-lasting fruit. There seems no structural barriers to enjoying right now!
The very pretty fruit is bright, clean and red. Just a hint of mineral flavour to add to very pretty and long-lasting fruit. There seems no structural barriers to enjoying right now!
2010 Méo-Camuzet, Nuits St.Georges 1er Aux Boudots
Very understated aromas. Intense flavours that major on high-toned fruit are very long. Again the structure is buried in the overall package.
Very understated aromas. Intense flavours that major on high-toned fruit are very long. Again the structure is buried in the overall package.
2010 Méo-Camuzet, Corton Perrières
High-toned aromas of dark fruits that become more and more gorgeous with time in the glass. Mineral, fine, rather impressive wine – in its shiny suit of armour – not a trace of fat, just rippling, taught muscle.
High-toned aromas of dark fruits that become more and more gorgeous with time in the glass. Mineral, fine, rather impressive wine – in its shiny suit of armour – not a trace of fat, just rippling, taught muscle.
Domaine Agnès Paquet (Meloisey)
A new domaine for me – tasted, with Agnès who farms almost five hectares, in March 2012.
2010 Agnès Paquet, Auxey-Duresses (Blanc)
Fresh, crisp aromas with a core of warmer fruit. There’s a sweet agrumes flavour – so obviously good acidity too where the flavour lingers well – very nice.
Fresh, crisp aromas with a core of warmer fruit. There’s a sweet agrumes flavour – so obviously good acidity too where the flavour lingers well – very nice.
2010 Agnès Paquet, Chassagne-Montrachet Les Battaudes
The nose is higher-toned versus the Auxey blanc, some herbs in the mix too. Rounder, initially less incisive but there’s a bigger growth of flavour in the mid-palate – quite a big wine. Very nice!
The nose is higher-toned versus the Auxey blanc, some herbs in the mix too. Rounder, initially less incisive but there’s a bigger growth of flavour in the mid-palate – quite a big wine. Very nice!
2008 Agnès Paquet, Auxey-Duresses ‘Patience 03’
Some of the vines for this cuvée are 80 years old, longer time on oak for this wine – but it’s not made every year There’s a deep core of ripe fruit on the nose – but not too ripe! The palate is soft, but with lovely acidity – fine intensity too – and no obvious oak either. Very long – bravo!
Some of the vines for this cuvée are 80 years old, longer time on oak for this wine – but it’s not made every year There’s a deep core of ripe fruit on the nose – but not too ripe! The palate is soft, but with lovely acidity – fine intensity too – and no obvious oak either. Very long – bravo!
2010 Agnès Paquet, Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Hardly an barrels used here – “I’m not looking for complication or extra depth, just a nice crunchy fruit”. Wide, fresh and bright pinot fruit. In the mouth the flavours are quite linear, though clean, tasty and indeed nice. I think Agnès has achieved her aims!
Hardly an barrels used here – “I’m not looking for complication or extra depth, just a nice crunchy fruit”. Wide, fresh and bright pinot fruit. In the mouth the flavours are quite linear, though clean, tasty and indeed nice. I think Agnès has achieved her aims!
2010 Agnès Paquet, Auxey-Duresses
From the same parcels of vines as the domaine’s white. Pretty, high-toned red berries on the nose. In the mouth there’s more padding versus the Bourgogne – more tannin too. Fine fruit that is also the main constituent of a good finish. Nice wine.
From the same parcels of vines as the domaine’s white. Pretty, high-toned red berries on the nose. In the mouth there’s more padding versus the Bourgogne – more tannin too. Fine fruit that is also the main constituent of a good finish. Nice wine.
2010 Agnès Paquet, Pommard Les Combes
There’s an extra depth of fruit on the nose – and quite elegant fruit at that. In the mouth the fruit is rather cool – i.e. not particularly sweet – yet it delivers a gorgeous after-taste before gently fading. There’s a little tannin, relatively fine grained that never jars. Good wine.
There’s an extra depth of fruit on the nose – and quite elegant fruit at that. In the mouth the fruit is rather cool – i.e. not particularly sweet – yet it delivers a gorgeous after-taste before gently fading. There’s a little tannin, relatively fine grained that never jars. Good wine.
Domaine Pavelot (Pernand)
Tasted in March 2012 with Lise Pavelot,
2010 Pavelot, Pernand-Vergelesses
The nose is high-toned and quite floral. In the mouth this starts agreeable and clean then slowly begins to fill your mouth. Very pretty wine with a little understated tannin – actually this is very nice/pretty.
The nose is high-toned and quite floral. In the mouth this starts agreeable and clean then slowly begins to fill your mouth. Very pretty wine with a little understated tannin – actually this is very nice/pretty.
2009 Pavelot, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er En Caradeaux
The nose is deeper and darker than the villages. In the mouth there’s more structure, you might even say a hint rustic – but tannin fades. The flavour really expands in the mid-palate – impressively so – I’d buy this!
The nose is deeper and darker than the villages. In the mouth there’s more structure, you might even say a hint rustic – but tannin fades. The flavour really expands in the mid-palate – impressively so – I’d buy this!
2009 Pavelot, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Les Vergelesses
The nose shows both depth and density, some dark herbs too. There’s lots of structure here, but it’s underpinned with super intensity – mouth-watering flavours in the finish. Very good, but don’t expect a shrinking violet.
The nose shows both depth and density, some dark herbs too. There’s lots of structure here, but it’s underpinned with super intensity – mouth-watering flavours in the finish. Very good, but don’t expect a shrinking violet.
2009 Pavelot, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Ile des Vergelesses
More understated but also more complex aromatics than the last wine. Full impact. No gaps left in your mouth – of-course there is also a lot of structure, but it’s ripe enough and is backed by dark, mineral flavours. Wow! But this is DEFINITELY not a wine for the next 10 years.
More understated but also more complex aromatics than the last wine. Full impact. No gaps left in your mouth – of-course there is also a lot of structure, but it’s ripe enough and is backed by dark, mineral flavours. Wow! But this is DEFINITELY not a wine for the next 10 years.
Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut (Ladoix)
Tasted with Vincent Ravaut in March 2012.
2009 Gaston et Pierre Ravaut, Ladoix
Very pretty high-toned red fruit notes. Fills the mouth – far more density and richness than you are expecting. No mid-palate peak, rather a direct, unwavering line of flavour. This is very nice.
Very pretty high-toned red fruit notes. Fills the mouth – far more density and richness than you are expecting. No mid-palate peak, rather a direct, unwavering line of flavour. This is very nice.
2009 Gaston et Pierre Ravaut, Ladoix 1er Le Bois Roussot
The aromas offer a few herbs set against darker fruit. Some ‘fat’ to the texture here, interest too – very tasty. Does it finish a little fast? I don’t care – it tastes divine.
The aromas offer a few herbs set against darker fruit. Some ‘fat’ to the texture here, interest too – very tasty. Does it finish a little fast? I don’t care – it tastes divine.
2009 Gaston et Pierre Ravaut, Ladoix 1er La Corvée
The fruit is less dark shaded than the Corvée and offers a wider panorama too. A hint of saline minerality – quite mouth-filling. Plenty of structure that’s offset by an ebullient personality. Dark flavours in the finish and just a little dryness to your lips – lovely.
The fruit is less dark shaded than the Corvée and offers a wider panorama too. A hint of saline minerality – quite mouth-filling. Plenty of structure that’s offset by an ebullient personality. Dark flavours in the finish and just a little dryness to your lips – lovely.
2009 Gaston et Pierre Ravaut, Aloxe-Corton Vieilles Vignes
The aromas are quite guarded to start. More sucrosité, less fat yet still a rich core of fruit. This is very well balanced, with the acidity just quietly bubbling below the surface – excellent.
The aromas are quite guarded to start. More sucrosité, less fat yet still a rich core of fruit. This is very well balanced, with the acidity just quietly bubbling below the surface – excellent.
2009 Gaston et Pierre Ravaut, Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru
A wider panorama of aromas (wouldn’t be hard after the tight show of the VV) – flashes of very pretty flowers too. Serious structure below, yet it is supple as well as powerful. Fine acidity keeps the equilibrium – lovely finishing flavour too – an easy buy!
A wider panorama of aromas (wouldn’t be hard after the tight show of the VV) – flashes of very pretty flowers too. Serious structure below, yet it is supple as well as powerful. Fine acidity keeps the equilibrium – lovely finishing flavour too – an easy buy!
Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure (Pommard)
Tasted with David Rebourgeon in March 2012.
2008 Rebourgeon-Mure, Beaune 1er Vignes-Franches
I like the depth of aroma – very, very pretty red fruits. In the mouth this is round, full and also very, very pretty – yum.
I like the depth of aroma – very, very pretty red fruits. In the mouth this is round, full and also very, very pretty – yum.
2009 Rebourgeon-Mure, Pommard
A little more colour. Darker red fruit notes, the nose showing more width than depth. Plenty of power here though the tannin is fine. Mouth-watering dark fruit – lovely stuff.
A little more colour. Darker red fruit notes, the nose showing more width than depth. Plenty of power here though the tannin is fine. Mouth-watering dark fruit – lovely stuff.
2009 Rebourgeon-Mure, Pommard 1er Clos des Charmots
The vines are more than 100 years old. Medium, medium-plus colour. Some minerality augments the dark-red fruit of the nose. Supple, extra width and very fine tannin.
The vines are more than 100 years old. Medium, medium-plus colour. Some minerality augments the dark-red fruit of the nose. Supple, extra width and very fine tannin.
2009 Rebourgeon-Mure, Volnay 1er Mitans
Very nice dark red fruit on the nose – tons of depth too. Here is plenty of tannin, but ripe tannin – lovely balance, lovely wine.
Very nice dark red fruit on the nose – tons of depth too. Here is plenty of tannin, but ripe tannin – lovely balance, lovely wine.
2009 Rebourgeon-Mure, Volnay 1er Caillerets
The nose has less impact than the Mitans, but offers fine and precise red berry notes. Mineral for sure, plenty of tannin too. Overall a more linear and less enveloping wine than the Mitans – exactly as it should be.
The nose has less impact than the Mitans, but offers fine and precise red berry notes. Mineral for sure, plenty of tannin too. Overall a more linear and less enveloping wine than the Mitans – exactly as it should be.
Domaine Georges Roumier (Morey)
Tasted with Christophe Roumier in March 2012.
2010 Roumier, Chambolle-Musigny
Very pretty fruit aromas with a complimentary floral note. Very fine tannin, pretty (again, sorry!) middle-weight wine. A thing of beauty.
Very pretty fruit aromas with a complimentary floral note. Very fine tannin, pretty (again, sorry!) middle-weight wine. A thing of beauty.
2010 Roumier, Morey St.Denis 1er Clos de la Bussières
High-toned, also with a faint floral aspect to add to the MSD herbs. There is an extra twist of sweetness to the fruit to go with a similar increase in tannin. The mid-palate fruit is gorgeous. Yum, yum!
High-toned, also with a faint floral aspect to add to the MSD herbs. There is an extra twist of sweetness to the fruit to go with a similar increase in tannin. The mid-palate fruit is gorgeous. Yum, yum!
2010 Roumier, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Les Cras
Finer, less full aroma – rather understated. Soft fruit, without soft-focus – very, very pretty (can’t help myself) indeed! Long, subtle finish.
Finer, less full aroma – rather understated. Soft fruit, without soft-focus – very, very pretty (can’t help myself) indeed! Long, subtle finish.
2010 Roumier, Bonnes-Mares
The nose is fine and engaging, but it is hardly preparation for anying exceptional. Swirl around your tongue and wait a little: first you note a subtle undertow of flavour – the panorama is wide but less deep than the other wines – but the flavours are absolutely multidimensional. Wow – where did that come from? Lovely stuff indeed!
The nose is fine and engaging, but it is hardly preparation for anying exceptional. Swirl around your tongue and wait a little: first you note a subtle undertow of flavour – the panorama is wide but less deep than the other wines – but the flavours are absolutely multidimensional. Wow – where did that come from? Lovely stuff indeed!
Domaine Gérard Seguin (Gevrey)
An old domaine, but one that was new to me. Tasted in March 2012, with the son (there’s a daughter too, Chantal) of Gérard and Agnes – Jérôme Seguin – who farms about six hectares of Gevrey, Chambolle and Fixin. These 2010s had all been in bottle for about three weeks, and were not filtered.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Bourgogne Cuvée Chantal
From vines near Chambolle. There are a few notes of dark oak – nothing too heavy. Plenty of structure for a bourgogne, yet their fruit is rather ‘soft-focus’. This is quite an okay wine, but not my style preference.
From vines near Chambolle. There are a few notes of dark oak – nothing too heavy. Plenty of structure for a bourgogne, yet their fruit is rather ‘soft-focus’. This is quite an okay wine, but not my style preference.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Bourgogne Cuvée Gérard
From vines near Gevrey. Again there are a few oak notes, this time welded to darker fruit. The flavour is more incisive, seeming to deliver more intensity and a better freshness than the Cuvée Chantal. I think this is very good.
From vines near Gevrey. Again there are a few oak notes, this time welded to darker fruit. The flavour is more incisive, seeming to deliver more intensity and a better freshness than the Cuvée Chantal. I think this is very good.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Fixin La Place
The nose has nice depth, a hint of musk and even a suggestion of spearmint. Fresh in the mouth with good structure that helps cement a nicely lingering flavour. Very pretty red fruit flavour seems the main distinction between this and the previous bourgogne.
The nose has nice depth, a hint of musk and even a suggestion of spearmint. Fresh in the mouth with good structure that helps cement a nicely lingering flavour. Very pretty red fruit flavour seems the main distinction between this and the previous bourgogne.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Chambolle-Musigny Derrière le Four
Up to 40% new oak may be used here – but you can’t tell! The nose is high-toned and quite mineral – quite a pretty thing. Cool, structured flavours with a nice length of fruit flavour. Good wine.
Up to 40% new oak may be used here – but you can’t tell! The nose is high-toned and quite mineral – quite a pretty thing. Cool, structured flavours with a nice length of fruit flavour. Good wine.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Gevrey-Chambertin Le Crais
The nose has a little oak to back the Gevrey soil and powdery red fruit. Again, cool, unsweetened fresh fruit that holds on very well in the finish by dint of some furry tannin.
The nose has a little oak to back the Gevrey soil and powdery red fruit. Again, cool, unsweetened fresh fruit that holds on very well in the finish by dint of some furry tannin.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice
Red fruit but just a hint of reduction too. In the mouth there’s a little more sweetness to the fruit – and nice fruit it is too! Plenty of furry, slightly drying tannin also. There is reasonable balance – wait 12 months before approaching…
Red fruit but just a hint of reduction too. In the mouth there’s a little more sweetness to the fruit – and nice fruit it is too! Plenty of furry, slightly drying tannin also. There is reasonable balance – wait 12 months before approaching…
2010 Gérard Seguin, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
Made with the produce of 60-90 year-old vines. Medium, medium-plus colour. I find soil and minerals – this is a nice Gevrey nose. Quite soft despite the attention of furry, slightly drying tannin. This is okay, but like the first wine I’d like it to be more incisive – but that could be the recent bottling of-course…
Made with the produce of 60-90 year-old vines. Medium, medium-plus colour. I find soil and minerals – this is a nice Gevrey nose. Quite soft despite the attention of furry, slightly drying tannin. This is okay, but like the first wine I’d like it to be more incisive – but that could be the recent bottling of-course…
2010 Gérard Seguin, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Craipillot
The domaine possesses almost one-third of this premier cru, all planted with old vines – the average age is close to 70 years, but the oldest are more than 100… The nose is both finer and wider, majoring on precise red fruit. In the mouth I find this a little soft but the fruit flavour is quite lovely despite the attention of the acidity and tannin – they are slightly in the ascendant today, so wait before opening.
The domaine possesses almost one-third of this premier cru, all planted with old vines – the average age is close to 70 years, but the oldest are more than 100… The nose is both finer and wider, majoring on precise red fruit. In the mouth I find this a little soft but the fruit flavour is quite lovely despite the attention of the acidity and tannin – they are slightly in the ascendant today, so wait before opening.
2010 Gérard Seguin, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Lavaux St.Jacques
Tight, but quite pretty aromas. The structure is fine – not too astringent. This is a very unfussy, medium-weight and uncushioned wine where you feel you are in direct contact with everything. I like it.
Tight, but quite pretty aromas. The structure is fine – not too astringent. This is a very unfussy, medium-weight and uncushioned wine where you feel you are in direct contact with everything. I like it.
Domaine de Suremain (Mercurey)
Tasted with Loïc de Suremain in March 2012, all 2009s from “the core of Mercurey“.
2009 de Suremain, Mercurey
The nose has depth and quite some interest. In the mouth the fruit has good depth and a slight creaminess too. The finish isn’t the longest, but this looks like a nice introduction to the range…
The nose has depth and quite some interest. In the mouth the fruit has good depth and a slight creaminess too. The finish isn’t the longest, but this looks like a nice introduction to the range…
2009 de Suremain, Mercurey 1er Les Crêts
All ‘raised’ in barrels. Lots of high-toned red fruit on the nose. IN the mouth this is a little mineral and is fortified with plenty of slightly drying tannin. Needs a little more time…
All ‘raised’ in barrels. Lots of high-toned red fruit on the nose. IN the mouth this is a little mineral and is fortified with plenty of slightly drying tannin. Needs a little more time…
2009 de Suremain, Mercurey 1er Les Croichots
This is also quite high toned but there’s an addition depth of fruit to the aromas. The fruit is more ebullient across the palate versus the Créts, but retains a powder-coating of tannin. Quite interesting.
This is also quite high toned but there’s an addition depth of fruit to the aromas. The fruit is more ebullient across the palate versus the Créts, but retains a powder-coating of tannin. Quite interesting.
2009 de Suremain, Mercurey 1er Clos l’Evêque
An impression of warmer fruit on the nose. In the mouth the flavour expands more and has more dimension in the mid-palate. As is the norm here, there’s plenty of tannin, but this is nice wine!
An impression of warmer fruit on the nose. In the mouth the flavour expands more and has more dimension in the mid-palate. As is the norm here, there’s plenty of tannin, but this is nice wine!
2009 de Suremain, Mercurey 1er La Bondue
Again, there’s a warmth to the fruit. IN the mouth I really like the blend of pure fruit and structure – perhaps not the extra dimension of flavour in the mid-palate shown by the Evêque, but this is a very nice package. .
Again, there’s a warmth to the fruit. IN the mouth I really like the blend of pure fruit and structure – perhaps not the extra dimension of flavour in the mid-palate shown by the Evêque, but this is a very nice package. .
2009 de Suremain, Mercurey 1er En Sazenay
Nice aromatic complexity overlaying a sound base of fruit. Quite the highest level of tannin but a bubling baseline of fruit keeps it largely in-check. Another good wine.
Nice aromatic complexity overlaying a sound base of fruit. Quite the highest level of tannin but a bubling baseline of fruit keeps it largely in-check. Another good wine.
Domaine Baron Thénard (Givry)
Tasted with Jean-Baptise Bordeaux-Montrieux in March 2012.
2009 Baron Thénard, Givry 1er Cellier des Moines
Here is a mouthful of wine – full of flavour with a hint of licorice too perhaps. Quite lovely.
Here is a mouthful of wine – full of flavour with a hint of licorice too perhaps. Quite lovely.
2009 Baron Thénard, Givry 1er Clos St.Pierre
High-toned aromas of pretty red fruit. Mouth-filling again; quite some sweetness of fruit that has the balancing hand of structure. An absolute bargain of a wine.
High-toned aromas of pretty red fruit. Mouth-filling again; quite some sweetness of fruit that has the balancing hand of structure. An absolute bargain of a wine.
2009 Baron Thénard, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Ile des Vergelessess
Wide aromatics with very, very pretty red fruits indeed. Mouth-filling; there is lots in here, the structure is quite in control today but there is a very beautiful fruit below.
Wide aromatics with very, very pretty red fruits indeed. Mouth-filling; there is lots in here, the structure is quite in control today but there is a very beautiful fruit below.
2009 Baron Thénard, Corton Clos du Roi
Tight aromas. Wow! This is very silky, yet very powerful stuff too. Few words – great wine.
Tight aromas. Wow! This is very silky, yet very powerful stuff too. Few words – great wine.
2009 Baron Thénard, Grands-Echézeaux
Here is a clean and clear, very lovely fruit note that seems infused with a little almond complexity too. Certainly more welcoming and cushioned than the Corton. I find this a very good GE!
Here is a clean and clear, very lovely fruit note that seems infused with a little almond complexity too. Certainly more welcoming and cushioned than the Corton. I find this a very good GE!
2009 Baron Thénard, Le Montrachet
The nose has great depth for such a small glass, understated complexity too, that draws you in. A little like the nose, this is quite understated yet has a super-wide perspective of flavour and an insinuating complexity. Something new in the glass with each sniff and sip!
The nose has great depth for such a small glass, understated complexity too, that draws you in. A little like the nose, this is quite understated yet has a super-wide perspective of flavour and an insinuating complexity. Something new in the glass with each sniff and sip!
Domaine Trapet (Vosne)
Tasted in March 2012.
2010 Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin
High tones mixed with a few herbs. There is a little reduction on both the nose and palate (all these 2010s are bottled) but with a good blend of fruit and structure. The fruit flavour shining through in the finish.
High tones mixed with a few herbs. There is a little reduction on both the nose and palate (all these 2010s are bottled) but with a good blend of fruit and structure. The fruit flavour shining through in the finish.
2010 Trapet, Latricières-Chambertin
Depth of aroma; very pretty fruit notes that hint towards Leroy. Very impressive fruit flavours that are long-lasting too. The structure is understated, but always present. The type of Latricières that’s very hard to find! Excellent.
Depth of aroma; very pretty fruit notes that hint towards Leroy. Very impressive fruit flavours that are long-lasting too. The structure is understated, but always present. The type of Latricières that’s very hard to find! Excellent.
2010 Trapet, Chambertin
Herby, complex fruit aromas. There’s a depth to the structure, each grain of tannin is coated with flavour and each exerts itself in a mid-palate crescendo of flavour. Very, very good wine, maybe a little better than the Latricières, but it’s a close-run thing.
Herby, complex fruit aromas. There’s a depth to the structure, each grain of tannin is coated with flavour and each exerts itself in a mid-palate crescendo of flavour. Very, very good wine, maybe a little better than the Latricières, but it’s a close-run thing.
Domaine C Vaudoisey (Volnay)
Tasted in March 2012 – I didn’t know the domaine, but these wines are stars!
2010 Vaudoisey, Volnay
Wow – this has a very pretty perfume – red fruits and a fine depth. There’s lots of structure, but there’s no keeping down this fruit – perhaps even a spicy hint of ginger. Lovely villages.
Wow – this has a very pretty perfume – red fruits and a fine depth. There’s lots of structure, but there’s no keeping down this fruit – perhaps even a spicy hint of ginger. Lovely villages.
2010 Vaudoisey, Volnay 1er Mitans
A melange of herbs and fruit on the nose. Despite considerable underpinning structure, this is a wine of elegance and poise – lovely.
A melange of herbs and fruit on the nose. Despite considerable underpinning structure, this is a wine of elegance and poise – lovely.
2010 Vaudoisey, Volnay 1er Caillerets
Ooh – a depth of lovely primary fruit that becomes more complex at the edges. Fresh, pretty fruits, lovely complexity, long and elegantly impressive.
Ooh – a depth of lovely primary fruit that becomes more complex at the edges. Fresh, pretty fruits, lovely complexity, long and elegantly impressive.
2010 Vaudoisey, Volnay 1er Clos des Chênes
Dark fruit that is both complex and wide. Clean, cool fruit in the mouth – again plenty of structure – long finishing on a mouthwatering fruit note. Super!
Dark fruit that is both complex and wide. Clean, cool fruit in the mouth – again plenty of structure – long finishing on a mouthwatering fruit note. Super!
Domaine Joseph Voillot (Volnay)
Tasted in March 2012.
2010 Voillot, Volnay Vieilles Vignes
Lots of herbs float over understated, warm red fruit. After lots of Auxey, this is rather lush and round, showcasing pretty fruit. Yet this wine is seriously put together. Very good.
Lots of herbs float over understated, warm red fruit. After lots of Auxey, this is rather lush and round, showcasing pretty fruit. Yet this wine is seriously put together. Very good.
2010 Voillot, Volnay 1er Fremiets
Deeper aromas, with a nice herb-crust! Sweet, lovely delicacy – and that’s despite appreciable structure. Very nice fruit indeed. Yum!
Deeper aromas, with a nice herb-crust! Sweet, lovely delicacy – and that’s despite appreciable structure. Very nice fruit indeed. Yum!
2010 Voillot, Volnay 1er Champans
The nose is wide and just a little spicy – contemplative! More volume, quite round and with a fine texture. This is lovely.
The nose is wide and just a little spicy – contemplative! More volume, quite round and with a fine texture. This is lovely.