I bought a mixed six-pack of Lachaux’s innaugural (I think) négoce offering. Now this is opened, a solitary Griotte-Chambertin remains since I made a gift of the Chambertin (now you know what sort of gift I expect from you 😉 ) Having enjoyed the NZ style in the last weeks, I thought I would dovetail back into burgundy with something quite ripe – but even here, the accent is very different.

2003 Pascal Lachaux, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Lavaux St.Jacques
Deep colour. Deep and dark, slightly stewed fruit – not in a bad way, rather a way that is hinting of a little aromatic development. Time in the glass brings out a lovely violet aromatic. Concentrated, with decent-enough acidity and even a mineral component. The fruit has a hind of cordial ripeness to it, but this character is rather modest next to the dark, charcoal style oak flavour that abuts it, which also seems to correspond to a salty mid-palate impression. In its vintage context, this is nice enough wine – and very immature wine at that. The mid-palate becomes ever-more succulent with air – good wine. Day two, it was a little spicy and pruney – best on day one.
Rebuy – Yes

Did I mention holiday snaps?

NZ is the reason that the panorama function on my camera was invented:

Until 2010, ask many a Volnaysien which has been their best recent vintage, and a majority will not even mention 2005, rather 2002 gets their rosette. Lets see how that’s going…

2002 Marquis d’Angerville, Volnay 1er Clos des Ducs
Deep colour. The nose begins with fine width, though modest depth, yet there is a good floral aromatic – roses rather than violets. Compact, yet intense and concentrated. High-toned fruit and flowers are the main focus of the mid-palate with a slowly developing depth of concentration. I’d describe it as compact rather than tight but there is much complexity here – the acidity is forward but not dominating. Very good length.
Rebuy – Yes