Burgundy Wine

Winemaker Description

The result of a long history, Burgundy and its wines are known worldwide. Pinot Noir is a native grape variety of the area. Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the regional appellation whose wines can come from any part of Burgundy. This wine exhibits the characteristics of the great red Burgundies.

Our Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021 has a ruby color. Its nose reveals notes of blackcurrant buds. Its round and fresh palate offers notes of cherry for a soft finish.
Food Pairing: Grilled meat - mature cheeses. Winemaker Description.

Expert Review - Vintage 2016 

Neal Martin writes: This delightful 2016 Rully Les Margotes 1er Cru will provide ample drinking pleasure over the next decade. Bright scents of Conference pear and Granny Smith apple on the nose seem to gain intensity with aeration; then, the palate is well balanced with nicely judged acidity. I admire the harmony and precision of this Rully, with just a kiss of lemongrass on the finish. Recommended. Tasted over lunch at Corney & Barrow in London. - Drinking 2022 -2028 - Vinous 90

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, writes: For savvy Burgundy lovers, the Hautes-Cotes de Beaune is a source of great value and a breeding ground for exceptional winemaking talent. Fourth generation Luc Bourgogne is one such grower and winemaker, and Domaine Bourgogne-Devaux is reliably one of the best estates in the Hautes-Cotes. His 2022 Le Clou shows the flesh and friendliness of the vintage with its dark color in the glass and inviting aromas of berries, plums and violets with an earthy bramble complexity. The beauty of the 2022 vintage is the accessibility of the lovely fruit that shines from the glass, with no hard tannins or jagged edges. An elegantly balanced, deliciously flavored red to indulge your love of Burgundy without breaking the bank.

Producer Notes

Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and violet. Like liquid silk on the palate, conveying terrific depth to its flavors of raspberry, warm spices and smoked meat.

Winemaker Description 

With a beautiful pale gold color and green reflections, this Chablis has a powerful, fresh and floral nose with notes of fresh almond and hazelnut, citrus, and white flowers.

The mouth is balanced, minerally, and restrained. The evolution and finish are more subdued, taking on an acid character, with a delicacy highlighted by its great freshness.

Kosher for Passover. 

Producer Description 

The storied Domaine de Montille traces its history in Burgundy back to the 1730s. Hubert de Montille took the helm in 1947 with a drive and passion that eventually earned the family a place in the upper echelon of Burgundy estates.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Etienne de Montille grew the family holdings to 35 hectares and in 1995, took the bold step of transitioning the vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming.

One of the rare Burgundy estates that excels in reds and whites in both the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, along with many more sectors of the region with its sister petit negociant project, Maison de Montille (formerly known as DEux Montilles). 

The winemaking at de Montille has evolved over the years, and the resulting wines are less austere in their youth than in the Hubert era. Today’s wines are fresh and elegant with terroir-transparency and a structure that is built to last.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Neil Martin of The Wine Advocate writes 91-93+ Points |  The 2020 Chassagne Montrachet les Champs Gains has a touch more mineralite on the nose compared to the Les Chenevottes, touches of gypsum and oyster shell intermingling with light white linen scents. The palate is very well balanced and beautifully poised with entrancing white peach and nectarine notes toward the irresistible finish. Yes, Yes, Yes!

Jasper Morris 92-94 Points | Mid lemon. A little more stuffing than the very agreeable Chenevottes, digging deep into fresh yellow fruit, some citrus rind, good acidity, and a particularly appealing intense crisp white fruit finish. Old vines count! 

Winemaker Description 

Founded in 1970 by Marc Colin and his wife Michele, Domaine Marc Colin now spans 15 hectares encompassing 26 appellations in St. Aubin, Chassagne, Puligny, and Santenay. Most of the land was inherited from past generations of Colin and Ponavoy; certain parcels have been in the family for more than 100 years. While the family does own prime territory in Chassagne, home base in St. Aubin features parcels of the very best vineyards, En Remilly and Chatenière, to name a few. These vineyards accrue prestige due to their sloped location; while much of St. Aubin resides on flat ground (rendering less interesting wines) the Colin properties are all situated on finely pitched hillsides. The resulting wines shimmer with savory minerality and luster.

Today Joseph, Caroline, and Damien, the children of Marc and Michele, own and run the domaine. The fourth sibling Pierre-Yves (who made the wine at Marc Colin for 10 years) established his own project in 2005. Sustainable and organic agriculture, older vines, and clay-limestone soils are just some of the components contributing to the quality of the final product. Winemaking style would best be called traditional, though Joseph (who makes the whites) and Damien (who makes the reds) are certainly not shy of innovation. Whites strive for optimum freshness; there is no heavy, ungainly wood here. The red wines are characterized by silky texture, ever-present fruit and a certain roundness with just a kiss of oak. Production consists of 70% white and 30% red with total production maxing out at 120,000 bottles.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Chaumes unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet cherries, cassis and rose petals, framed by a discreet patina of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and vibrant, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a saline finish, it is very promising. (2020). 

Barrel Sample: (91-93)+Burghound 90 Points |  Very Vosne-like aromas blend nose of clove and anise with those of black cherry, violet and cassis. The plush and lavishly rich medium weight flavors possess fine punch before culminating in a relatively robust, indeed even slightly chewy finale. This is certainly attractive in its fashion but it's not typical for Chaumes. (2020).

Our Professional Review

Bart of 67Wine.com writes | The village of Épineuil is located a few kilometers north of Chablis with a similar Kimmeridgian limestone geology. Dominique Grubbier farms his vineyards organically and his winemaking is highly transparent and elegant in style. His 2022 Bourgogne Épineuil is luminescent and energetic with vibrant red fruits on the nose with underlying mineral notes adding complexity and juicy acidity for balance. Served with a light chill, this is the perfect red wine for appetizers, seafood, light poultry dishes and vegetarian cuisine.

Winemaker Description

Epineuil is a lesser-known area of ​​Burgundy, but which is gaining attention for the quality of its wines, especially the red ones based on Pinot Noir. This area benefits from a unique microclimate thanks to its proximity to the Yonne River, which helps create optimal conditions for the ripening of grapes and the production of wines with distinctive characteristics.

Dominique Gruhier's Bourgogne Epineuil Rouge is produced mainly from Pinot Noir grapes, selected from old vines which give the wine an aromatic concentration and notable complexity. Gruhier's philosophy places great emphasis on minimal intervention in the cellar, with the aim of letting the wine tell the story of its terroir of origin.

At sight, the wine has a light ruby ​​red color, typical of Pinot Noir. On the nose, an elegant and complex bouquet emerges, with notes of red fruits such as cherries and strawberries, enriched by floral nuances and a light spicy touch. The maturation in wood, if used, is managed with discretion so as not to overwhelm the delicate varietal characteristics.

In the mouth, the Bourgogne Epineuil Rouge offers a harmonious balance between lively acidity and fine tannins, with a light but persistent structure. Fresh red fruit flavors blend with earthy and mineral notes, leading to a long and pleasantly complex finish.

Winemaker Description 

This is a lush, expressive Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy's most esteemed producers. Dark cherry fruit and mellow floral notes about, while the palate is elegant and refined. Versatile enough for your favorite dishes, including roasted chicken, herb crusted pork roast, and vegetarian cuisine.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Allan Meadows of Burghound writes 90-93 Points | The hallmark citrus influences of a fine Séchet are on display along with notes of white flower, iodine and ocean breeze. Here too there is fine density to the palate coating flavors that are at once caressing but punchy, all wrapped in a clean, very dry and lemony finish that is presently somewhat youthfully austere.  - Burghound 91-93 ♥️ Outstanding

Winemaker Description 

Liberal ripe Meyer lemon, citrus blossoms and spice aromas are accented by notes of seaside minerality. Flavors are layered with citrus, orchard fruit and clean oyster-shell minerality. A generous wine with great energy and vibrancy and will reward with additional cellaring. Aging: The premiers crus wines are fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak puncheons for seven months.

Expert Notes

Bruce Sanderson writes:  This white shows intensity, offering plenty of succulent peach and floral aromas and flavors. Clean, lemony acidity keeps the palate refreshed, with a chalky feel in the end. Drink now through 2028.  - Wine Spectator 90

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

89-92 points Jasper Morris |  Fresh pale lemon. The bouquet has a little more refinement than the St-Aubin, offering apple, fennel and citrus notes. Clean, lean and pure on the nose, extremely refreshing. While there is little reduction on the nose, the finish has a lively mineral limestone feeling. Drink from 2025-2028. 

88-90 points Burghound | Bright and fresh aromas of resin, petrol and lemon zest introduce slightly bigger and richer though less mineral-driven flavors that are at once generous but reasonably precise on the lingering and agreeably dry finale. This relatively forward effort could use better depth so I would suggest holding it for a few years first. 

88-90 points Wine Advocate | The 2021 Chassagne-Montrachet Cuvée Margot reveals aromas of peach, freshly baked bread, oatmeal and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample palate with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and a slightly lactic finish. 

A dry and fruity wine, easy to drink. Its color is pale gold with greenish hues. Very fresh aromas reminiscent of citrus (lemon or grapefruit); small pleasant touches of fern or coriander are found as well. On the palate, dry and fruity, with mineral notes. Pleasant and long aftertaste. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

92 Points Wine Spectator | Pure and silky in texture, revealing lemon, apple, mineral and oak spice flavors. Seamless and balanced, with lively acidity guiding the lingering aftertaste of citrus, orchard fruit and spices. Drink now through 2030. 2,715 cases made, 543 cases imported.

OH! The caves of Bailly Lapiere, one of the major producers of Cremant in Burgundy.

The spectacular caves have supplied the stone for some of the greatest architectural works in Europe including the Pantheon, Notre Dame de Paris, Chartres Cathedral and more. The underground extraction probably began at the end of the medieval period and finally ceased around the beginning of the 20th century. The caves and their history are astonishing.

Bailly, a village in the Auxerrois region of Burgundy, is the birthplace of the Crémant de Bourgogne AOC. Bailly Lapierre has been in operation since 1972 in an underground quarry; the cellars are 50 metres underground, quarried deep in the heart of the famed Tonnerre stone, an enchanted, magical setting in which to watch over Crémants as they age. 430 grape growers provide the grapes for their Crémant (pinot noir, chardonnay, gamay, and aligoté). The wine goes through full malolactic fermentation and ages for 12 months in-bottle prior to release, giving it a wonderful roundness. It is clean, pure, and refreshing. Organically grown.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

88-91 Points Burghound | There is a smoky character to the white orchard fruit and more floral-inflected aromas that exhibit a touch of matchstick. The rich, lightly stony and reasonably well-detailed medium-bodied flavors terminate in a saline, balanced, dry and lingering finale. Like the Maltroie, this isn't especially dense and needs to develop more depth, but it is certainly pretty.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Allan Meadows of Burghound writes 92 Points | Once again moderately generous wood can be found on the slightly riper aromas of petrol, white peach and citrus confit. There is both excellent volume and verve to the bigger-bodied flavors that possess evident power on the clean, very dry and impressively persistent finish that also exhibits just enough warmth to mention. Good stuff. 

Expert Ratings

Winemaker Description

Lightly touched by wood aging, this ripe wine is both crisp and rich. Its briskness brings in a mineral edge while the ripeness produces the rich apple and apricot fruits. This full wine is ready to drink. Matured on fine lees with regular stirring, this wine amazing body and smooth richness that is so important to its balance. 

This Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes (old vines) possesses the cardinal qualities of Burgundy’s best white wines. The grapes selected for this wine come from vines on the Cote d’Or that are more than 20 years old. The predominant white flower and citrus nose leads to notes of honey and dried fruit. The palate is very well balanced, skillfully blending vivacity and roundness.

Critic Notes

90-92 Points Burghound | Allen Meadows writes:  An ultra-fresh nose features notes of both red and dark currant that enjoy pretty top notes of violet and rose petal plus a touch of earth. There is excellent precision to the super-sleek and precise middle weight flavors that terminate in a balanced finale that is less rustic than usual and with only a touch of rusticity. This offers especially good quality for its level and is recommended. From 60+ year old vines; note that this now has the 1er portion declassified into it and the domaine will continue to do this going forward; the 1er portion accounts for about 2/3 of the cuvée.  

90-92 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | William Kelley writes:  Offering up aromas of raspberries and plums mingled with sweet spices and petals, the 2020 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Fourneaux is medium to full-bodied, seamless and concentrated, with tangy acids and a long, fragrant finish. As readers may remember, this cuvée derives from a single parcel, two-thirds of which is classified as premier cru. 

Winemaker's Notes: The Fournaux vineyard is classified as 1er cru and village depending on the parcel. Chandon used to make a Fournaux 1er Cru, but as of 2018, they started to blend two thirds 1er Cru fruit with one third village level to make a 'super' Savigny village, preferring this blend to making two different cuvées. It's aged for 18 months in neutral barrels. 80% whole cluster. Very pretty with nice density and complexity. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wine Spectator | Harmonious and buttery this white features creamy lemon peach baking spice and sweet butter flavors. Well-balanced and integrated this is very approachable now yet with vibrant acidity underneath and a lingering tangy mineral-laced finish. Best from 2025 through 2038.

B.S.Burghound 91 Points |There are vague Chablis-like hints of iodine and seashore to the ultra-fresh aromas of green apple white flower and citrus peel. There is both good volume and richness to the focused and moderately powerful flavors that deliver fine length on the mineral-driven appealingly dry and youthfully austere finale. At present the mid-palate isn't especially dense though I suspect that with age it will flesh out significantly. (Drink starting 2030).

Winemaker Description 

Magnificently concentrated, a very fine nose with aromas of acacias, honeysuckle blossoms and nuts. Very pure and powerful with superb depth that will age up to 10 years.
Serve with shellfish, lobster, foie gras and poultry dishes in creamy sauces.

Domaine Antonin Guyon is one of the most prestigious estates in the Côte d’Or, as well as one of the largest family-owned wineries in the region. It was started in the 1960s by Antonin Guyon with parcels of land in Gevrey and Meursault. Today, the massive 47 hectare property is controlled and operated today by Antonin’s sons, Dominique and Michel and produces wines of impeccable quality from 15 different appellations, which includes many renowned villages from the region. An exceptional range of Premier and Grands Crus.

WINEMAKING & VINTAGE NOTES

The Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru vineyards straddle the communes of Pernard Vergellesses and Aloxe-Corton and enjoy a south westerly exposure. The soil here is white marl, and almost pure limestone. Grapes are hand-harvested and then carried to the winery in small boxes, where they are sorted. Fermentation is carried out at 64-68°F in oak casks. Lees are stirred in the casks twice a week. Wines are aged in 50% new French oak. Winemaker Description. 

Burghound 91 Points | Here too the nose is elegant, pure and layered but with more floral and spice nuances adding breadth to the cooler and more restrained aromas. There is both excellent intensity and density to the mineral-driven flavors that terminate in a bone-dry, sneaky long and balanced finale. This too is really very good. 

Winemaker Description 

Domaine Lucien Muzard & Fils is run by the dedicated duo of brothers Claude and Hervé Muzard, the ninth generation to manage this family estate that traces its history back to 1645.  The 2023 Bourgogne is sourced from three parcels Planted in the 1950s located in Santenay, lower Chassagne, and in the Hautes Cotes de Beaune, all blended together at harvest. 

The 2023 is already drinking deliciously with silky red fruits and elegant tannins. A fabulous expression of Bourgogne Rouge and a terrific value!

Winemaker Description 

The Domaine Génot-Boulanger plot used to be home to walnut trees, trees that particularly appreciate limestone soils and moisture, at least as much as the vines of this wine. The aging notes are balanced by the minerality of this wine.

The tasting reveals a wine that is characterized by aging notes. Minerality can be detected on the nose, accompanied by notes of sweet spices. On the palate, the wine presents a beautiful fatness and power.

Winemaker Description 

Domaine Frédéric Esmonin, from Burgundy's Gevrey-Chambertain appellation, is a true family collaboration that consists of Frederic, his father, André, and his mother, Michele. They have been farming their 10-acres of family vineyards for generations and selling their fruit to the likes of Drouhin, Jadot, and Leroy. In 1988 they began to commercialize their own labels today they are producing consistently high-quality, beautiful wines that represent a great value considering their pedigree.

Supple in texture, the 2023 Clos Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin red boasts cherry, black currant, graphite, and earth notes. Starts out very elegant for the appellation, picking up firm tannins and more weight on the long finish.

Winemaker Description 

The Bourgogne Blanc from Domaine Leflaive has the particularity to only come from vineyards located in the town of Puligny, making it easily one of the best Bourgogne Blanc you could get your hands on. This is the perfect first step into the Domaine Leflaive’s unique offerings. All vineyards are farmed biodynamically. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Allen Meadows of Burhound | A very pretty nose freely reveals its aromas of apple, pear and lemon rind. The succulent, delicious and appealingly vibrant middleweight flavors possess a relatively refined texture while displaying fine depth and length for a wine of this level. The 20% addition of young vines from upper-level vineyards clearly helps and overall, this is excellent.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 90-92 Points | Elegant and cool aromas include those of lemon, green fruit, pepper and wisps of iodine. The lush, round and generously proportioned flavors are supported by bright acidity on the saline and citrus-tinged, dry and sneaky long finale. This moderately dry effort could use better depth, but more should develop with time in bottle.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Tim Atkin 90 Points | This wine can be enjoyed young (2-3 years old) with fish or poultry terrines, or with grilled or poached fish. It also goes well with asparagus, which is normally difficult to match, as well as exotic cuisine: it can handle curries or tandoori dishes and it also balances out the mellow and subtle texture of sushi. Or you could simply drink it as a splendid pre-dinner drink. It harmonizes well with goat cheeses, as well as Beaufort, Comté, or Emmental. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Burghound | A much more floral-inflected nose freely offers up its aromas of cool and ripe pear, apple and zest. There is good richness if not quite the same density to the more finely textured middleweight flavors that conclude in a crunchy bitter lemon-tinged finale. Lovely and understated.