Visit to Domaine A. Chopin – tasting the 2019s

Arnaud Chopin is a man with strong opinions and a fine portfiolio of wines to back them up.

He is not a young vigneron. But in his early 40s, he’s finding his stride, style and quality at a relatively later age.

And his latest vintages show that it’s never too late to create a pleasure-producing team. These are very good wines.

More Chopin…

The name Chopin is relatively widespread among Burgundy’s winemakers – with current and previous estates like Domaine Chauvenet-Chopin, Chopin-Groffier, and earlier a Grivot-Chopin estate.

Looking further back there are references to the Chopin name in Comblanchien at least back to Danguy & Aubertin (1892) .

To get some background, Clive Coates is always a trusted source. In his 1997 book “Côte d’Or,” Clive writes that the brothers André and Daniel Chopin had divided the Chopin estate (in the 1960s according to Arnaud), with André retiring and his son Yves taking over. Now grandson Arnaud is running the estate, with his younger brother Alban.

Tasting the 2019s from Domaine A. Chopin

The 2019 vintage is a great success for Chopin – as was 2018. The vivid freshness of 2019 is unique, but 2018 also produced a terrific outcome for the domaine, despite some hail trouble.

That said, the 2019s are outstanding: a treat if there ever was one.

It is indeed surprising, the energy and vivacity Chopin manages to cram into its wines these days. More than surprising: encouraging! Oohhhh the hedonistic joy!

I have tasted the 2019s three times, with equally great joy and pleasure each time. I simply must express my delight.

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Domaine A. Chopin Côtes de Nuits Villages Chardonnay 2019

Chopin makes a few interesting whites that should not be overlooked. The Côtes de Nuits Villages is from the Monts de Boncourt vineyard, and has a vivid, mineral feel in the vivacious 2019 vintage. This vineyard is located in Comblanchien on the border with Corgoloin, and seems consistently to show a lovely, mineral profile. While the 2019 vintage is generous, the perfumed, lively, acidic profile of the fruit seems to lead the charge with its beauty. A hedonistic treat, and quite a bargain.

(Drink from 2021) – Good+ (87-88p) – Tasted 08/07/2020 –

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