The 2017 Corton-Charlemagne from Henri Boillot is a delightful wine, offering both true class and hedonistic pleasures. The nose is open and expressive - very charming with lovely orchard fruits, notes of peach and pear, and infused with citrus … [Read more...] about Henri Boillot Corton-Charlemagne 2017
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Burgundy wines without sulphur: Will they drink?
This week I saw a comment from another wine writer who was fighting his way through gallons of 2018 Burgundies, and this rather random note of his made me think (it happens from time to time): "Tasted a few SO2-free Burgundy 2018s during my … [Read more...] about Burgundy wines without sulphur: Will they drink?
Domaine Robert Groffier Chambolle Les Amoureuses “Cuvée Blonde” 2016
The Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses 2016 is a rare bird, but this is not the regular cuvée: It's the special Cuvée Blonde made only in 2016 - and in very limited numbers. The Cuvée Blonde comes from the top part of the Groffier plot of Les … [Read more...] about Domaine Robert Groffier Chambolle Les Amoureuses “Cuvée Blonde” 2016
Domaine d’Eugenie Grands Echezeaux 2014
I have been reluctant to taste the 2014s during the last couple of years, as they have been closed down. I did however have a very pleasant surprise with this Grands Echezeaux 2014, tasted blind in Vosne-Romanée close to its origins. Decanted and … [Read more...] about Domaine d’Eugenie Grands Echezeaux 2014
Côte de Nuits Villages with lovely potential
The Côte de Nuits Villages appellation is both overlooked and somewhat vaguely defined, and other appellations have sometimes taken its credit when the labels are printed. But make no mistake, there are very interesting terroirs in Côte de Nuits … [Read more...] about Côte de Nuits Villages with lovely potential
Domaine Naudin-Ferrand Côte de Nuits Villages «Viola Odorata» 2012
A poetic name - «Viola Odorata» - from the Corgoloin area of Côte de Nuits Villages and the lieux-dits of «En Vireville» (2 different parcels) and «En Fontenelle». This is made from very old vines - 70 to 85 years old. The Naudin-Ferrand Côte de … [Read more...] about Domaine Naudin-Ferrand Côte de Nuits Villages «Viola Odorata» 2012
Dining in Hamburg: the good, the ugly, and a German treat
Earlier this week, a short trip to Hamburg included some wine and dinner experiences of good - and not-so-good - quality. Since Hamburg is an important business centre, I gather some of you readers have the opportunity to go there from time to … [Read more...] about Dining in Hamburg: the good, the ugly, and a German treat
The delicacy and maturity of undervalued vintages
The focus on points and ratings often stands in the way of appreciating and understanding mature Burgundies from "lesser" years. We tend to collect the big, bold, "great" vintages, and that stream of velvet pinot almost washes away the delicate … [Read more...] about The delicacy and maturity of undervalued vintages