2012 Le Grappin, Beaune 1er Les Grèves Blanc
Quite a deep yellow. A round nose but one that’s also a little anonymous. In the mouth, also round, certainly quite tasty, yet, again a little anonymous versus my barrel tasting – lacking drive, energy and character. I suppose this gives me excuse to try another – here are DIAM seals, so it shouldn’t be a cork problem.
Rebuy – No

2012 Le Grappin, Beaune 1er Les Boucherottes
Deeply coloured and already some deposit of tartrate/tannin in the bottle. Unlike the Grèves, here is a full, energetic nose – primary of-course. Likewise in the mouth but here is a wine of depth, weight and some layers of flavour. A finely balanced wine, indeed a fine Beaune!
Rebuy – Yes

I guess not many of you are still holding your BGO’s from 1999 – but from the right producers they offer a brilliant surprise!

1996 Germain, Beaune 1er Les Teurons
What a surprise! These half bottles have always been a bit too oaky and uninspiring – now, eventually, we have life – and what life it is! There remains more than a hint of oak texture, but now there is a frankly beautiful clarity of fruit – both aromatically and on the palate. Fine acidity and intensity, the tannin texture seems more of oak than grape but this was just a beautiful (3) glass(es).
Rebuy – Yes

Thanks Benoit!