Domaine VERRET Irancy 2017
The Red Burgundy appellation Irancy is closer to Chablis than the Cote d’Or. One of high repute, then out of favor, and in the last 30-40 years on the comeback. The style, as you’d expect from Northern France Pinot Noir, is delicate and “bright.” The Verret is brilliant and bordering on transparent, smells of wild […]
DUREUIL-JANTHIAL Rully 2015
I like the ripe, soft cherry smells and flavors and plush/creamy texture of this village-level wine from the Chalonnaise. The very warm, ripe 2015 vintage trumps the limestone soils and usual “feminine” style of Rully. That, and the nod to new-world winemaking practiced by Vincent Dureuil. Warm spices, candied orange zest and caramel peek through […]
GAVIGNET Hautes Cotes de Nuits “Clos des Dames Huguettes” 2016
Bright, energetic Red Burgundy from a vineyard directly above Nuits-Saint-Georges, on the plateau that designates Hautes-Cotes de Nuits. Feminine style: wild red cherries, cranberry, plums, talc, bay leaf, fresh red roses. Light bodied, intensity (a requirement of good Burgundy), perky acidity, fine tannins. I wish it was a little bit longer on the finish (clocked […]
BESSON Givry “Petit Pretans” 16
I really like the delineation of flavors and richness of the Besson Givry Petit Pretans 2016. From a 30+ year old, Premier Cru vineyard in the Cote Chalonnaise, south of the Cote d’Or, in clay/limestone soil. Sports a deep, dark red, faint liqueur and plum sauce smell and flavor plus tarragon, truffle and black tea. […]
AGNES PAQUET Bourgogne/Pinot Noir 2016
A juicy red cherry and plum nose with a smidge of fresh red rose and talc. The taste is all reds with thumbs-up acidity for Bourgogne and a veil of tannins on the gums at the end. 2016 is a good Red Burgundy vintage overall, especially for “lowly” Bourgogne Rouge. Ripe, but not too much […]
SARRAZIN Maranges 2015
Dark yet bright red cherries and berries, dried violets and red rose petals, pomegranate, sandalwood, dry-aged beef and wheat toast smells and flavors play nicely together in this classic, delicious Red Burgundy. I like its ripeness without suggestions of over-ripe (a possibility for 2015 Red Burgs). Showing intensity, tension, a fine grip of acid & […]
GRYPHEES Moulin A Vent 2016
Deep ruby, brilliant color prepares you for the rich, juicy and (relatively) powerful wine that is to come. Smell and taste ripe, dark red cherries and blueberries, violets, white pepper and black tea. A whisper of rocky-earth gives notice on the 20 second finish, along with more fruit. Medium acidity and tannins. Structured and, while […]
LASSAGNE Julienas 2014
An earth-driven, savory Cru Beaujolais. Not an unusual style in Beaujolais, but not what the casual wine drinker expects from here or from the Gamay grape in general. Think earthy Pinot Noir right off the bat and you’ll be ready for this delicious, intriguing wine. Smell and taste hard cherry candies, dry herbs, black tea, […]
SYLVAIN LANGOUREAU Hautes Côtes de Beaune 2015
Tiny, family run winery outside of Puligny-Montrachet owns and farms over 20 acres in the Cote de Beaune. Their Haute-Cotes is a pure, concise, honest expression of quality Red Burgundy that’s ready to enjoy anytime. Get sweet juicy plums, wild red cherries, pink rose petals, freshly-turned soil. Ideal wine for a Burgundy “experience” on the […]
Domaine GOUFFIER Rully 15
Tiny Red Burgundy producer from the Côte Chalonnaise, south of the Côte d’Or. Seek and you shall find delicious, classic Red Burgundies for reasonable prices. If you know where to seek! Here you’ll get dark cranberries, roasted herbs de Provence, Indian spices, wild cherries. Medium acidity, excellent concentration for Chalonnaise Red Burg (2015 is a […]
BOISSEAU Bourgogne Terres de Chazeux 15
Newer (since 2012) small producer in the Maconnais, southern Burgundy. Farms biodynamic, non-intervention winemaking. This is super-pretty…loaded with wild red fruits, flowers and earth-driven spice. Has a sweet core of fruit to balance its naturally high acidity. Excellent Red Burgundy on a budget.
TAUPENOT MERME Saint Romain 15
This Cote de Beaune village/appellation lies above Meursault. Whites are generally better…generally. This Taupenot Merme Saint Romain delight. Get wild red cherries, dried herbs, a little Pinot spice and taste of the land. Nicely balanced and drinks well in its youth. Looks, smells and tastes like good red Burgundy – as good a compliment as […]
