Sometimes we need to go back to basics … Vosne Romanée … and the classical yet updated style of Pinot Noir – a style that accommodates the modern wine making under global warming.
During my tastings at Domaine Edouard Confuron’s wines (first vintage was 2021), I have waited for and encouraged the day when all wines were converted to whole cluster, as I find these cuvées superior to the partly destemmed wines.
In 2024 and 2025, Edouard has gone full whole cluster, and this has to me unleached the full potential.
To me, Edouard Confuron is one of the largest new talents in Burgundy right now, so he should definitely be Flavour of the Year – I can’t wait for him to have more of the top family vineyards?.
The sweet talk and usual politics …
This recognition is my humble attempt to find new estates and wines that have true quality and a vin d’émotion potential.
These are estates evaluated and “judged” very early … and I take chances putting my neck out … still, mostly, I am proud of my choices, but it’s still leaning from the criticism I get from good people who are close to me.
The recognition is mainly given for the work done by a young and talented vigneron who gives us more hedonistic wines—vive vin d’émotion.
While I find the work of young vignerons like Théo Dancer and Charles Lachaux truly admirable, these well-known producers already have the complete attention of the wine world. Furthermore, they have plenty of great vineyards with which to express themselves.
Edouard Confuron has family vineyards, and while some of these are top village wines its not handing him the key to the family domaine.
Finding new talents, new vignerons, and wines is one of the main objectives of the Winehog. Everything should be a question of passion and the love of hedonistic wines … vin d’émotion … the Flavour of the Year should embrace this.
Remember – taste yourself
Let me be very clear: I try to cover a wide range of styles, terroirs and estates … Some, I like more than others, and even my close ones sometimes hate my choices. This is fair, but also a part of the test of time. Sometimes, she is right … or always right – bien sûr!
These are my choices … but taste yourself … Bastian Wolber is not Marthe Henry … and not Cassiopée … some you will love … some you will love to hate. And some new names are hot now … but will also be forgotten!
And the winner is …
This year, the recognition of Winehog Flavour of the Year goes to
Domaine Edouard Confuron
Flavour of 2026
The 2026 Flavour of the Year recognition goes to Edouard Confuron for the reds made in 2024 and the whole cluster-based wines made in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Edouard has created his own style by converting to 100% whole cluster, and while the wines of Confuron-Gindre are good, Edouard’s are just a step or two better.
Edouard is working his own estate on some of his father’s vineyards … and simultaneously helping his father on the family estate Confuron-Gindre.
The first vintage was 2021, and this has been followed by equally impressive 2022s and 2023s and then finally the 100% whole cluster 2024s.
These wines are detailed, complex and carefully made wines … delicate with a lovely terroir expression. Love the expression of terroirs and the different appellations. But first and foremost, they have a lovely energy and a vivid fruit, making you want another glass.
From the Bourgogne Rouge 2024 to the magnificent Hautes Maizieres 2024, I find the same sparkle of vin d`emotion … and this even in a difficult year like 2024.
There is further potential here as more 1er cru vineyards will be transferred from the family estate, and the viticulture still has room for optimisation.
Congrats to Edouard …
The flavour of the Year past winners
Charles Boigelot in 2025
Benjamin Benoit – Le Cellier Saint-Benoit in 2024
Bastian Wolber in 2023
Les Horées in 2022
Domaine Cassiopée in 2021
Marthe Henri Boillot in 2019
- A true vin d’émotion – a Burgundy of passion
- A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable
- A vivacious wine for pure indulgance
- A potential vin d´émotion - frais et léger