Sylvaine & Alain Nordmand 2018s

Let’s discover Sylvaine and Alain Nordmand! The name has a Nordic/Scandinavian ring to it, but Alain actually comes from the Nievre departement.

Originally from the Nievre in France, Alain Nordmand settled in Macon to develop and manage a 13-hectare vineyard business. Since the company was taken over by Mr. Nordmand in 1993, the vineyard holdings have kept expanding. In 2010 his wife, Sylvaine Nordmand, joined him as a partner and obtained additional family-owned land. The 35 hectares of vineyards are now spread over several areas within the region of Macon that includes Solutré, Chaintré, Prissé, Igé and La Roche Vineuse.

This is a good – and hopefully accurate – description, as the text above comes from the domaine’s website.

Not to beat around the bush, the bottom line is that they made some surprisingly good 2018s that are quite enjoyable. They are 2018s, but still, there is nice energy in them.

Let’s go through the wines tasted!

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Sylvaine & Alain Nordmand Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019

Usually, 2019 is sexier than 2018, and the Nordmand Bourgogne Pinot Noir is fresh, vivid, and lively, with good density for the level. It’s quite airy and transparent, and that creates pleasure with an effortless style. The 14% alcohol seems appropriate, but I wouldn’t want to see it any higher.

(Drink from 2021) – Good

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Sylvaine & Alain Nordmand Macon La Roche Vineuse 2018

I was positively surprised by the freshness of the Macon La Roche Vineuse. It is a typical ’18 Macon – and borderline dense – that balances successfully on the edge. The result is a nice, rich, mineral, spicy Macon. Fine stony minerality and grip in the finish. This is not bad!

(Drink from 2021) – Good+

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Sylvaine & Alain Nordmand Pouilly-Fuissé 2018 

The Pouilly-Fuissé is a step up in energy and liveliness; simply a better wine than the Macon. Its vivid, lively fruit is quite refined, with a backbone of slight reduction and fine minerality. I appreciate this wine for what it is – an enjoyable glass.

(Drink from 2021) – Very Good (87-88p)