Visit to Domaine Patrice Rion: Tasting the 2021s from Cask

Domaine Patrice Rion is located at the entrance (or exit!) to Premeaux, and should be on my list for all vintage tastings, as the quality here is high. Patrice’s son Maxime has taken the purity of the wines up another notch. This is a low-key estate, but mark my words: These wines should not be overlooked.

A bit of background on Domaine Patrice Rion

I got to know Domaine Michele et Patrice Rion via Blair Pethel of the former Domaine Dublere; he’s been friends with Patrice for 35 years. It’s perhaps a strong word to say that Patrice Rion was a mentor to Blair, but I clearly find a stylistic resemblance between Domaine Dublere and Domaine Patrice Rion. I’m not saying they are identical style-wise, but they do share some vital qualities.

The domaine was established in 1990 by Patrice and his wife Michele, and expanded in 2000 when Patrice left Domaine Daniel Rion (his father’s estate). Patrice is now running the estate with his son Maxime.

The style is refined and fruit-driven, with a clear expression of terroir. The wines are pure and offer top-class energy; the best wines show tremendous definition and focus.

Notes from the tasting on November 5

As elsewhere, 2021 was a difficult year chez Rion, as the April frost did significant damage. Several nights of cold down to -8C or even -9C took quite a toll on the southern parts of Nuits-Saint-Georges. I was there, in Les Saint-Georges with Clement Chicotot and Antoine Gouges, and yes, it was cold.

The style of the 2021s here is pure (good sorting) and quite light-footed. But there is nice density on the mid-palate in the bigger wines. I also like the slightly perfumed fruit in many of the wines; there are some key emotional notes brewing here.

So let’s go on with the tasting!

Domaine Patrice Rion Bourgogne 2021

The Bourgogne Pinot Noir is made from bought grapes from the Gilly-les-Citeaux area. This is a light wine by modern global-warming standards, crystal clear and quite lively. It has lightly, but very charmingly, perfumed fruit on the nose. For casual pleasure.

(Drink from 2023) – Good – (84-85p) – Tasted 05/11/2022

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Domaine Patrice Rion Bourgogne Les Bons Batons 2021

The Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons is from Chambolle-Musigny. It’s showing more fruit and weight, and the fruit has the grunt to deliver energy. Delightfully pure fruit, clean and vivid.

(Drink from 2023) – Good – (85-86p) – Tasted 05/11/2022 –

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Domaine Patrice Rion Cote de Nuits Village 2021

The Cote de Nuits Village is a step up in concentration, and is 2021 at its best: lively, vivid, and with good energy. While not hugely complex, this gives me pleasure with its vividness. What’s not to like?

(Drink from 2020) – Good – (85-86p) – Tasted 05/11/2022 –

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Domaine Patrice Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2021

The Nuits-Saint-Georges wines are more masculine, and this one is classic and elegant for its level, with good energy and fine balance. Can it challenge the Chambolles and the wines from Premeaux? If you like, perhaps – but the Premeaux wines are also named Nuits-Saint-Georges!

(Drink from 2025) – Very Good – (88p) – Tasted 05/11/2022 –

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Domaine Patrice Rion Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2021

This village comes from the area south of the village and shows delicious, delicate fruit that has impressive purity and energy. The balance is delightful, and the oak well integrated. The energy is truly extraordinary; this is why I adore Chambolle.

(Drink from 2029) – Very Good – (88-90p) – Tasted 05/11/2022 –

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Domaine Patrice Rion Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras 2021

This comes from the village part of the Cras terroir – i.e., the upper part – from 40-year-old vines that give it relatively rich, energetic fruit. Deep and quite intense, the fruitiness is adorable. Chambolle and 2021 work very well together.

(Drink from 2030) – Very Good – (89-90p) – Tasted 05/11/2022 –

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