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
Outstanding+ (96 - 97)
Domaine Georges Roumier, Bonnes Mares 1999
The 1999 Bonnes Mares from Roumier is beginning to unfold .. tar is just receding and the tertiary aromas are starting to show. Still 10 or even 20 years to full maturity, but already showing well. A big wine with intense power and length - really a … [Read more...] about Domaine Georges Roumier, Bonnes Mares 1999
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, La Tâche 2011
I first tasted the La Tâche 2011 from cask in March 2013, and was very impressed - a delightful wine for the vintage. Actually I was slightly nervous to have been a bit too optimistic regarding the 2011s from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti - but … [Read more...] about Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, La Tâche 2011
Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2016
Lets face it - 2016 is both a great and a terrible year for the Montrachet hill. On the Chassagne side the frost was merciless and most of the havest was destroyed in the April frost, while the Puligny side produced at least some Montrachet, and … [Read more...] about Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2016
Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2014
The Third time I taste the Montrachet 2014 from Bouchard and it's still a tremendous wine - and somehow it's slightly difficult to understand the diverging opinions about this wine. It's intense and quite rich currently, lovely balance and intensity … [Read more...] about Bouchard Pere et Fils, Montrachet 2014
Maison Joseph Drouhin, Musigny 2015
The tasting Grandes Maisons Grands Cru during Grands Jours de Bourgogne included the opportunity to taste some of the big wines from the 2015 vintage - wines I rarely have the chance to taste and evaluate from bottle. First out the Joseph … [Read more...] about Maison Joseph Drouhin, Musigny 2015
Domaine Robert Groffier, Chambertin Clos de Bèze 1996
The Chambertin Clos de Bèze 1996 from Domaine Groffier is one of the best and most harmonious wines I have tasted from this somewhat austere vintage. The bouquet is open and expressive offering fine and delicate mature notes - truffle, sous-bois - … [Read more...] about Domaine Robert Groffier, Chambertin Clos de Bèze 1996
Domaine Leflaive, Chevalier Montrachet 2004
The 2004 Chevalier-Montrachet is a magnificent wine - and this example seem very fresh indeed with the classic Leflaive gun-powder in the nose alongside cool and vibrant fruit - sligtly maturing note of ginger and hazelnuts - brought forward by a … [Read more...] about Domaine Leflaive, Chevalier Montrachet 2004