July 15, 2019
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 cherries and plums along with white pepper, violets and truffle shavings. A core of ripe wild red fruits harmonizes with the elevated acidity. Super food wine that can go so many directions. Salmon and such fattier fishes, pork and chicken gently seasoned, roast root vegetables […]
December 12, 2018
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 from mid-palate to end of the 20 second finish. This is a solid, sexy, drink-me-tonight Red Burgundy. More Information Rully appellation, Cote Chalonnaise, lies a mile from the Cote d’Or. Vincent Dureuil Janthial is here, growing grapes and making out-of-sight white and red Burgundies. Certified […]
December 11, 2018
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 in at 10 seconds, not bad). There is no doubt you are drinking Burgundy, and a good one at that, with the Gavignet Hautes Cotes de Nuits Huguettes. More Information This is one of the hundreds of quality, well-priced wines (French & Italian) imported by […]
October 19, 2018
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. This has plenty of structure and, more importantly, more stuffing than most Givry, especially from an ethereal vintage like 2016. Really nice now, but best drinking won’t start until 2022 I estimate. Here are all my Red Burgundy reviews (Red, White & Sparkling)
April 22, 2018
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 so. I’ve had a lot of classic, honest Burgundies from Agnes Paquet, including a delicious Crèmant. Located in the Cote de Beaune, so I’m assuming the fruit for this Bourgogne comes from here. That’s not too terribly important – what is important is the quality […]
March 28, 2018
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 & tannins and generosity of flavor. This is a wonderful value and a great buy for Burgundy fans. The Maranges appellation, the southern tip of Burgundy’s Cote d’Or, is a great source for value-driven Red Burgundies. I find the really good ones, like this, have […]
March 28, 2018
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 so tasty now, is built to last. “Nice bigness” my notes say. This is an outstanding wine from a excellent vintage for Beaujolais. And a very fair price to boot! Domaine Les Gryphees own and farm hillside, 20-50 year old Gamay vines growing in granite, […]
March 3, 2018
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, soil, red plums and figs. Medium body (full bodied for Gamay) and texture-ific. These “old vines” are in their 50s. Ferment and aging is cement tank and neutral oak.
February 20, 2018
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 cheap.
September 30, 2017
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 ripe vintage in Burgundy – good for drinking young). Enjoy this any time you’d like.
September 25, 2017
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.
September 21, 2017
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 one can make for Burg at this very fair price. More Information Check out all Red Burgundies reviewed on Dan Dawson’s Wine Advisor here. Learn more about Burgundy here.