Visit to Domaine Jean-Marc Millot – tasting the 2019s from cask

Not surprisingly, Alix Millot at Domaine Jean-Marc Millot made some splendid wines in 2019.

The wines live up to my – very high – expectations, and from the entry level to the Grands Echezeaux we find the vivacious style that is the trademark of 2019: hedonistic, in the best sense of the word.

From strength to strength

I have been impressed by the steady progress at Domaine Jean-Marc Millot, driven by the energy Alix has brought to the estate in recent years.

The domaine’s style – wines driven by pure pinot fruit, very elegant, transparent and expressive of their terroirs – is not only intact, but stronger.

While Alix has strengthened and intensified the energy in the wines, this is perhaps one of the wines less prominent sides, despite the quality being very good in recent years.

The 2019s, however, really show what they can do. They have all the energetic oomph one would want or need, and in that sense this is a unique vintage for Millot, and its best so far.

Not only do the wines have tremendous energy, they also have a deep complexity constituted of the same components that create the energy and liveliness. And yes, here I am thinking of the sparky lingonberry and cloudberry notes.

So let’s taste!

Tasting notes for the 2019s from Jean-Marc Millot

The 2018 vintage was ample yield-wise, while the 2019 yields were down by 15-30% – a significant amount.

The lower-level wines really benefitted from the excellent weather in 2019 – no hail this year – and this has taken the Bourgognes and the Côte de Nuits Villages to a higher level. For me, these are among the wines to look for if budget is a consideration.

Domaine Jean-Marc Millot Bourgogne Rouge 2019

The Bourgogne rouge is fresh, vivid, and openly knit, with lovely energy and tension. There is nice minerality with red and dark fruits playfully interacting, and a hint of lingonberries adding to the freshness. Drinking very well.

(Drink from 2021) – Good (86-87p) – Tasted 09/07/2020 –

Domaine Jean-Marc Millot Côte de Nuits Village 2019

The Côte de Nuits Village is showing vivid, fresh fruit – a bit more lingonberry giving the wine a slightly firm note. It is certainly not overripe. Fine and balanced – a vin de soif – with delightful freshness and vivacity.

(Drink from 2021) – Good+ (87p) – Tasted 09/07/2020 –

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Domaine Jean-Marc Millot Savigny-les-Beaune 2019

The Savigny is lively and spicy with a hint of grapefruit – presumably from the oak and Nordic berries. Lingonberries are definitely influencing the bouquet. Intense and quite densely knit on the palate, this reveals beautifully perfumed fruit in the glass. It is showing excellent promise.

(Drink from 2027) – Good+ (87-88p) – Tasted 09/07/2020 –

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Domaine Jean-Marc Millot Côte de Nuits Village “Aux Faulques” 2019

One of my favorite wines from Millot, and representing very good value, the CdNV Aux Faulques is from a terroir located in the centre of Comblanchien (read more about the terroir). The 2019 is deep, intensely spicy, and perfumed, offering lovely complexity. Alix feels that her new destemmer has given this wine a finer, more detailed expression – and this could well be true. This is a delightful glass by any standard, and welcome in the Hog’s cellar.

(Drink from 2026) – Very Good (88-89p) – Tasted 09/07/2020 –

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Tasting Notes for this producer

• Jean-Marc Millot, Clos de Vougeot 2014 October 15, 2016
• Jean-Marc Millot, Echezeaux 2014 October 15, 2016
• Jean-Marc Millot, Cote de Nuits Village “Aux Faulques” 2014 September 30, 2016
• Jean-Marc Millot, Bourgogne 2014 September 30, 2016
• Jean-Marc Millot, Grands Echezeaux 2002 December 2, 2011

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