A subtle nose hints at iris blossom and dark, brooding but fresh fruit. Beautifully herbal aromatics hover in the background. The palate then combines the sumptuous ripeness in its generous, almost lush texture with exquisite, pervasive freshness. This unfurls like glossy velvet and lingers long with its fresh, tart but ripe heart of cherry.
94 POINTS FALSTAFF
91-93 POINTS JASPER MORRIS
90 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE
This comes from 8 different plots of 40- to 100-year old vines, with the vine-age averaging about 65 years. Many plots are planted with the Pinot Noir Magnien, whose existence dates from 1850, yielding grapes with thick skins, giving little juice. 10% of whole clusters were retained for fermentation, and the wine has aged 25% in new barrels, others having held one or two previous vintages.
This Domaines started in 1987 and current winemaker Charles worked closely with his father Francois before taking over in 2012. Charles is quickly becoming one of the rising stars of Burgundy.
They sue an old clone called Pinot Noir Magnien which manifests itself in the wine with intensity and spiciness. The vineyards are centred in Gevrey with the Grand Cru Ruchottes and some brilliant premier crus lead by the Cazetiers with 80-100 year old vines as well as Lavaux St Jacques, Estounelles St Jacques. He recently added a Premier Cru vineyard in Aloxe Corton called La Coutiere. Charles has a very focussed view on the styles of wines he wants to produce saying: “I search to produce fine wine, not tannic wine – wine you can drink young, and keep if you want”.
Pairing Suggestions: Duck, Goose and Game birds