GUY ROBIN Chablis “Montee de Tonnerre” 2016
I love the savory, earth-driven overtones that roll alongside the preserved lemon, apple butter and lemon custard smells and flavors. Satin texture, depth of fruit and delicious, distinctive flavors of button mushrooms and gravel here. Not super-crisp, rather a Chablis with a strong core of acidity, earth and fruit. I think it’s just about perfect. […]
FRANTZ CHAGNOLEAU Pouilly-Fuisse “Madrigal” 2016
Single vineyard, rocky, higher altitude vineyard in the Vergisson commune of Pouilly-Fuisse. Very much on the racy and “fit” side of Chardonnay with its rocky/mineral-y and crisp citrus rind & blossom character. That said, I’m very critical of the “thin is in” style, finding most to be too much bones and not enough flesh. The […]
BUISSON CHARLES Meursault 2015
Impressive how so much aroma and flavor is packed into the 750 ML bottle. Starts smoky and bright with roasted whole lemons, citrus blossoms, sliced white peaches and fresh from the oven biscuits. Taste lemon sorbet, caramel, buttered wheat toast, roast hazelnuts (naturally!) and apple butter. This is super-intense. If the same wine was a […]
Maison L’Envoye Bourgogne Blanc 2014
There’s an ocean of Chardonnay out there. What to choose of the, oh I don’t know, 50 different Chardonnay labels standing in front of you? Afraid there’s no secret sauce to share with you. I can give tips, however, which leads me to this specific recommendation. Check out a few Bourgogne Blancs when you’re in […]
SARRAZIN Rully “Sans Nom” 2015
Sarrazin’s “Sans Nom” comes from two estate vineyards that give different qualities to the wine. First impression is ripe and fleshy, too much for some tastes. Melons, citrus custard and pineapple with medium acidity. On the back palate and finish the wine “freshens up” with more fresh, tangy citrus, green applesauce and a mineral kick. […]
VINCENT DAMPT Chablis 2015
Pretty, aromatic nose of lemon blossoms, Meyer lemon, mango and lime precedes flavors of the same plus butter pastry, lemon tea and white chalky earth. Has lively acidity, fresh fruit all over the place and just enough “taste of the land” to make it interesting. Undeniably tasty and versatile: good drinking by itself and particularly […]
VINCENT DAMPT Chablis “Cote de Lechet” 2015
I’ve quickly become a big fan of Vincent Dampt’s Chablis wines. His Cote de Lechet, from 55 year old vines growing in limestone and marl (Kimmeridgian soil) is classy, bright, perfectly ripe and earthy (especially on the finish). Get preserved lemons, apple butter, fresh sweat, chalk, lemon thyme and green tea. Round and tingly on […]
Chateau Puligny Montrachet Clos du Chateau 2015
This Clos (enclosed vineyard) is in the village of Puligny-Montrachet, yet is “just” classified Bourgogne. For a true Burgundy “experience,” this is hard to beat for under $40/bottle. Tropical and stone fruits, crushed rocks, citrus blossoms and lemon custard smells and flavors, all elevated by a jolt of acidity just before you swallow. 2015 was […]
GARNIER Chablis 2015
Can’t speak highly enough about this wine. The property and winery is run by two brothers of the Garnier family. Farmed organic, neutral barrel aged. The brothers fit the model of “caretakers” over “winemakers.” Their AC Chablis is full of lemon zest (and a little pulp), crisp green apples, citrus blossoms and that rocky Chablis […]
BERNARD-BONIN Meursault Tillets 15
Husband-wife owned & run, tiny, artisan Meursault house. “Les Tillets,” a village vineyard above the town, is worthy of Premier Cru status (as are many Meursault vineyards). Drink this and understand the power and persistence White Burgundy can offer. Get lemon zest, dried pineapple, apple butter, hard caramel candies and that mysterious, old world rocky/earthy […]
