Burgundy Wine

Expert Review

Vinous 95 Points | The 2017 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has an expressive bouquet that is a dead ringer for a Dujac, conveying plenty of energy and earthy black fruit laced with undergrowth and sea cave scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite a firm backbone. Fresh from the start to the refreshing, elegant, saline finish that gets the saliva flowing. Excellent."

Winemaker Description 

Floral and fruity, the aromas of strawberry, peach, violet and spicy cinnamon are common.

• Practicing organic
• 100% Gamay
• Planted in 1976
• Grown on granite and crushed granite slopes
• High density planting: 10,000 vines/ha
• Saint-Amour is found in the far north of the vine-growing region, where the soil features intermingling granite and clay, schist and limestone. Designated as a Cru in 1946, the region borders the Mâconnais and the site ‘Les Capitans’ is a rare single vineyard that can adorn its name to the label
• Semi-carbonic vinification in cement
• Aged in cement
• Floral and fruity, the aromas of strawberry, peach, violet and spicy cinnamon are common.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Charles Curtis MW of Decanter writes 95 Points | Faiveley has a small parcel in Les St-Georges that it supplements with purchased fruit that it both farms and picks. Faiveley finds the terroir to be a 'hot place, always very ripe', although in 2020 it kept the alcohol to 13.5%. The wine has a cassis and black plum fruit, with elements of earth and fresh saddle leather. With its appealingly dark fruit, it strikes me as typical of Nuits, an impression reinforced by the rich tannic structure. A lovely wine.

Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy 93-95 Points | Half of the fruit is from the domaine, and half is a regular contract. Rich even purple, with a supple, hedonistic, joyous raspberry fruit and some ripe cherry notes. Firmer tannins behind and the typical acidity of the vintage, but so much fruit to cover the bone structure.

Neal Martin of Vinous writes 93-95 Points | The 2020 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Saint-Georges 1er Cru, a mixture of owned and contracted fruit, has a very floral bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry and a touch of violet, building nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, fine energy and poise, slightly chalky in texture with satisfying salinity on the finish. This has a lot of potential. Excellent." 11/21 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | As was the case in 2017, the 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jean has turned out especially well this year. Bursting with aromas of pear, freshly baked bread, orange oil and beeswax and framed by a deft touch of reduction, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny, its fleshy core of fruit girdled by tangy acids. While Michel Coutoux and his daughter Marlène bemoan the impact of climatic extremes on their vineyards—much of the replantings of the 1980s and 1990s, which ought to be entering their prime, will have to be replaced in the near future due to the degeneration of the 161-49 rootstock—the wines of Domaine Michel Niellon themselves remain remarkably unmarked by recent dry, warm vintages. The 2020s are no exception: lively, beautifully balanced and even comparatively tightly wound after their bottling before harvest 2021, they continue a strong recent run at this estate. As ever, bottling is under natural cork. 

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 93 Points | A notably more restrained nose is both cool and pure with its combination of spiced pear, Granny Smith apples, lemon-lime and petrol aromas. There is impressive mid-palate density to the unusually powerful medium-bodied flavors that also conclude in a lemon-tinged and beautifully persistent finish. If I'm being picky, this bone-dry effort could use a bit more depth, but that should reasonably occur if allowed at least a few years of cellaring. *Burghound Outstanding!*

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | What a joyful red Burgundy. Full black and red raspberry fruit. Juicy and mouth-filling in spite of the lightness of touch, due to the lively acidity. Gentle tannins underline this beautifully. Fresh and lively finish. From an 11-hectare monopole site. From organically grown grapes. Vinified with 20% whole cluster and 30% new oak. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | On my recent visit, I also took the opportunity to taste Faiveley's emblematic 2022 Mercurey La Framboisière, a rich and supple wine evocative of raspberries, plums and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and enveloping, with, as I wrote of its 2019 predecessor, all the charm but less of the frivolity that this cuvée has historically displayed. Jérôme Flous and his team have produced another compelling range of 2022s, and it's hardly surprising, given the high level of vineyard management chez Faiveley or the skill and precision brought to bear in the winery and the cellar. As is often the case up and down the Côte d'Or, the style is more delicate and sensual than was the case in 2020, and the wines seem set to offer broad drinking windows.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes | A monopole of Domaine Faiveley. A ripe and very fresh nose speaks of crushed cherry, dark raspberry and a spicy top note. The vibrant and delicious middleweight flavors possess good volume, indeed the word fleshy comes to mind, all wrapped in a clean, dry-in-the-best sense, and lingering finish. This is already drinking well though it has the density to repay mid-term keeping. This is one to look for as it offers fine value.

Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau is a family run certified organic estate located in the Mâconnais region of Burgundy. Frantz and his wife, Caroline Gon, is one of the most talented winemaking teams in all of Burgundy, farming organically and crafting minimal intervention, terroir driven wines of distinction. All the work in the vineyard is done by hand. Caroline got her winemaking savvy working for Dominique Lafon at Héritiers du Comte Lafon, who had a great influence on her ability to express the unique character of the vineyards through her wines. 

Clos Saint Pancras is a two hectare plot located near Montagne de Clessé, Viré and the Saône River. Rich and fleshy textured, the 2023 Mâcon-Villages has a lovely bouquet of white peaches, orchard fruits, citrus blossoms, and wild flowers with subtle suggestions of marzipan and hazelnut. Creamy and complex in the glass, with sublime elegance and sophistication, this is a perfect wine for adventurous food pairings and casual sipping. Makes an excellent pairing to seafood, poultry and classic French cream sauces.
Bart Hopkins

Producer Description 

Domaine Billaud-Simon have been producing some of the very best examples of Chablis since 1815.

Characterised by elegance, concentration, purity, balance and freshness. It is intensely aromatic with remarkable tension and cellaring potential.

The aromas are a wonderful mix of citrus fruits, floral notes and the classic mineral notes that are a Chablis signature. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Wine Spectator 97 Points | This is distinctly floral, with peach, lime blossom, citronella and mineral aromas and flavors. Sleek and elegant, offering intensity through the lingering aftertaste of lemon and orchard fruits. Shows terrific length and harmony. Best from 2026 through 2036. 30 cases imported.

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | Round and juicy with aromas of plums, cherries, black raspberries, violets and peppery spice on the nose. Well balanced and harmonious in the mouth  with sappy fruit and supple tannins on the long satisfying finish. A very solid performance from the Sarrazin brothers!

Winemaker Description 

Domaine Bernard Dubois is a tiny domaine of 7 hectares that is based in the village of Chorey-Les Beaune. The current owner and winemaker, Jacques Dubois, is the 5th generation of his family to make wine in this small village. Jacques continues his family’s tradition of making terroir-pure wines from their small parcels around Chorey and Savigny. The wines are terroir pure, mineral focused beauties with depth and immense clarity.

Aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and violet. Lythe and silky, offering expressive flavors of blueberry, licorice and spices.

Winemaker Description 

Domaine Bernard Dubois is a tiny domaine of 7 hectares that is based in the village of Chorey-Les Beaune. The current owner and winemaker, Jacques Dubois, is the 5th generation of his family to make wine in this small village. Jacques continues his family’s tradition of making terroir-pure wines from their small parcels around Chorey and Savigny. The wines are terroir pure, mineral focused beauties with depth and immense clarity.

Rich purple in color with ruby highlights. Aromas of strawberries, cherries and blueberries. Lively on the palate. Structured, supple and round. Pairs well with poultry and rich cheeses.

Winemaker Description 

Grégoire Bichot’s philosophy was to rule out the use of any chemical pesticides and weed killers when taking over this vineyard, in order to respect the environment and the Jurassic soils in which the delicacy of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourishes so well. His aim is to encourage the plant’s natural balance so that the fruit can develop the subtleties and aromas particular to each specific terroir that it grows in. The harvest itself is a vital moment in the quest for quality and aromatic expression. 

Situated on the slopes overlooking the town of Beaune, the premier cru of Les Grèves is considered one of the best in the appellation. Grégoire’s parcel is just .3 hectares planted in 1961, and true to its pedigree, this wine is rich, structured, and we are confident in its potential for longevity.

Ruby red color, with a rich aromatic expression of red fruit, the 2016 Beaune Les Greves 1er Cru has fine tannin perfectly balanced with the powerful fruit. The wine has good potential for cellaring.

Our Professional Review

Bart of 67Wine.com writes | Earthy and intense with wild strawberry, bramble and forest berry aromas. Firm and well structured with round tannins and that hallmark spicy finish typical of Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 94 Points | A rich, creamy-textured red with ripe-strawberry, chocolate, stone and hazelnut aromas and flavors. It’s full and layered with attractive fruit and lightly chewy yet polished tannins. Flavorful finish. Subtle, yet structured. Try after 2022.

Decanter 93 Points | Bouchard's evocatively named parcel is a monopoly holding that covers 3.9ha on sand and gravel soils in the heart of Beaune Grèves. Picked early but still pretty ripe, this has tobacco pouch and clove aromas from 20% whole bunches, layers of mulberry and raspberry fruit, aromatic 20% new wood and a backdrop of sinewy, granular tannins.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | Revisited from bottle, the 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus is showing very well, unfurling in the glass with a brooding bouquet of dark berry fruit, ripe cherries, warm spices, baking chocolate and subtle soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, deep and muscular, it's rich and powerful, with ripe tannins and a voluminous core of fruit, concluding with a long, heady finish. When I tasted this wine from barrel, Bouchard's Frédéric Weber observed that analytically this 2018 is very similar indeed to the 1947 vintage of l'Enfant Jesus, and in its controlled but overt ripeness the analogy seems even more obvious from bottle.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Intense and tightly wound, this red displays a laser beam of cherry and berry fruit, with an underlying mineral element and steely structure. It's concentrated and long yet needs time to reveal all its facets."
Wine Spectator 

Allen Meadows Burghound 92 Points | Discreetly mentholated, ripe and brooding aromas speak of poached plum, spice and plenty of freshly turned earth scents. The medium-bodied flavors possess good delineation and an attractive mouthfeel before terminating in a lingering, youthfully austere and mouth coating finish that is shaped by a firmly tannic spine. This slightly warm effort is a big and very serious Beaune that is going to require plenty of time to arrive at its full apogee. Worth checking out.

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This wine's shy nose reveals only lemony hints of chalk. Touches of Mirabelle appear on the palate alongside more notions of chalk and lemon, presented against a textured backdrop on a taut body. The finish is dry, subtle and enticing.

Winemaker Description 

Domaine Mia is one of the largest estates on the Côte Chalonnaise. It covers around twenty hectares, spread over appellations full of surprises and rising nuggets of Burgundy in Mercurey and Rully. Mia Subotic took over her father’s estate and renamed it Domaine Mia in 2020. The estate has been certified organic by Escort since 2019, and she has now embarked on a Biodynamic pathway in her strive to embrace nature and extend the vitality and energy of the vineyard. She wishes to write a new chapter in the Domaine by infusing it with her own special touch, made of passion, commitment, modernity, and femininity. Mia, therefore, bearer of new impulses of her generation, intends to push the natural philosophy of the estate even further by committing it even more to Biodynamics.

An aromatic white Burgundy with a brilliant color tinged with green, the 2022 Mercury Les Rochelles has an intense and complex nose revealing notes of white fruits and peppery spices. On the palate it is rich, yet bright with a long mineral finish. Lobs

Winemaker Description 

Beautiful ruby color. This wine has pleasant, fresh, red-fruit aromas on the nose, which we also savor on the palate. It has a rich and very ripe substance, with fine round tannins. Its a very well structured and pleasant wine.

Wine runs deep in the Faiveley familys blood, as they have been deeply rooted in Bourgogne, its history, and its culture for almost two centuries now. Their values have remained unchanged over the last seven generations and are based on a deep attachment to the Bourgogne region, an instinctive passion for the terroirs, and an innate respect for man and his work. Today they are one of the largest owners in Burgundy, with holdings spreading from the Cte de Nuits to the Cte Chalonnaise, featuring polished, collectible reds and whites with exceptionally high ratings.

Domaine Faiveley vinifies it Bourgogne Pinot Noir from grapes grown in the domains vineyards as well as selected grapes and musts from its partner winemakers. A quality control is made on each plot we have reserved so that we can check the quality of the grapes and the professionalism of our winegrower partners.

Winemaker Description

A flattering nose with aromas of small red berries (strawberry, raspberry). A fresh and elegant palate with crunchy fruits and fine tannins.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 94 Points | More restrained and notably cool aromas are comprised of freshly sliced plum, dark currant and pungent earth and sauvage nuances. There is more volume, power and muscle to the bigger-bodied flavors that possess excellent underlying tension, all wrapped in a youthfully austere and very saline-inflected finale. This is excellent and notably more structured; indeed, it will need at least 15 years of cellaring and 20 would not surprise me to reach its full maturity. This is most impressive.

Winemaker Description 

The domaine exploits a 0.3-hectare plot of 70-year-old Pinot Noir in this steep, rocky-soiled vineyard that sits just above the village’s old quarry. Alexandre retains one-third whole clusters in the vinification here, employing just 30% new oak during the 20-month élevage and bottling without fining or filtration.

This distinctive wine shows Nuits-Saint-Georges’ intensely mineral side, with chiseled tension and just-so black fruits on an energetic frame.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes | A spicier and slightly more deeply pitched nose of plum, black cherry and similarly subtle earth influence gives way to bigger and richer medium weight flavors that also possess fine tension on the impressively long finish. This isn't quite as refined but there is a bit more here and this too is an excellent Bourgogne that will need at least 2 to 3 years of patience. One to buy.

Winemaker Description 

Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc Les Sétilles (family garden) has become one of the most popular items in the entire Frederick Wildman portfolio. Year in/ year out this wine represents impeccable quality and unsurpassed value in the French wine category. This wine exceeds expectations of even the most discriminating of palates.

Les Sétilles is sourced from vineyards within the communes of Puligny Montrachet and Meursault, with each village representing roughly half of the final blend. Grapes are sourced from multiple plots within each village in an effort to maximize complexity of the final wine.

Vintage consistency is the goal with this wine so the blending of lots and aging technique will vary according. Roughly 60% of the wine is aged in Allier oak, only 10% of which is new. The remaining 40% of the wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve clean varietal character.

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. 

The palate is very well balanced, skillfully blending vivacity and roundness. Meyer lemon, golden apple, peach, toasted oak and fresh cream. Medium in body, with medium-plus intensity and nice viscosity on the palate.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Jasper Morris MW of Inside Burgundy writes 91-94 Points |  90% whole bunch vinification. Mid purple, with a nose which shows the whole bunch a lot by giving some crushed strawberry on top of the darker fruit of Nuits-St-Georges. The latter appears further back on the palate but the tannins remain refined. Good length. Drink from 2028-2034.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 90-93 Points | Here the unreadable nose is marked by firm reduction. More interesting are the beautifully textured, rich and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that possess an abundance of sappy dry extract on the lingering finish that isn't quite as complex but is very well-balanced. (Drink starting 2031).

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Allen Meadows of Burghound: writes 91 Points | A markedly floral-suffused nose speaks of cool and fresh black pinot fruit, rose petal, violet and crushed anise hints. There is excellent drive to the moderately dense medium-bodied flavors that conclude in a relatively powerful, serious and dusty finish that also displays sneaky good length as it returns just as it seems to be dying away. Worth considering. 

Uncover the vibrant character of Burgundy through this expressive Pinot Noir from Domaine Lignier-Michelot. The 2021 Bourgogne Rouge delivers a captivating blend of red berries, floral notes, and a hint of spice, all wrapped in a silky texture with a long, lingering finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Neal Martin of Vinous writes | The 2021 Bourgogne Rouge, contains 50% whole bunches, doesn't need much aeration to reveal quite juicy blackcurrant and bilberry scents; somehow, it's quite steely. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, nicely structured and rather bold for a Bourgogne Rouge, with a sweet cassis finish. Modern in style perhaps, but certainly well crafted. (Drink between 2024-2028).

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes | An even fresher, and much more floral-infused, nose blends both black berry fruit and violet with a spicy top note. Here too there is a beguiling texture to the vibrant and solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that possess excellent depth and persistence for a wine at this level. Warmly recommended. (Drink starting 2024).

Jasper Morris MW of Inside Burgundy writes |  50% whole bunch vinification. Quite a dark centre to the colour. Despite the relatively early picking date, this clearly has ripe fruit on the darker side. Some tannins at the back but not vegetal, and with adequate acidity. Drink from 2024-2026.

Winemaker Description 

This vineyard is east-south oriented in the village of Chenove. The soils are dark brown, dry and contain marls and clay with stones and gravels helping for a good drainage. 

The Clos du Roy vineyard may be the first parcel to get the premier cru appellation in the near future.

The Marsannay Clos du Roy will match very well red roasted or grilled meat. With time, it will also match marinated meat, stews and most cheeses.

From the start, Maison Louis Jadot has always accorded equal importance to each of Burgundy’s appellations, from Grand Crus right through to regional wines. Our aim is to express the true nature of Burgundy through our wines, a terroir that can be both proud of its past and optimistic about its future. In order to produce wines that celebrate their terroir, Frederic Barnier works with a team: Cyril and Audrey. Together they have a large part to play in determining the success of our enterprise. Each influences the creation of our wines with their own particular set of skills, whether technical or commercial, thereby ensuring that Maison Jadot has a bright future ahead of it. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

William Kelley of the Wine Advocate writes 90-92 Points | Notes of cherries, red berry compote, orange zest and peony preface the 2022 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru La Dominode (Domaine Louis Jadot), a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and lively wine with good depth at the core and a mouthwateringly saline finish.

Neal Martin of Vinous writes 90-92 Points | The 2022 Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode 1er Cru is a notch more intense on the nose than the Clos des Guettes, but side-by-side, I find the latter imbued with greater charm. The palate is well-balanced with slightly powdery tannins, attractive and quite plush black cherry and mulberry fruit. It gains weight towards the finish but retains its smooth and sleek texture. Like the Clos des Guettes, this will be difficult to resist in its youth. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Allen Meadows Burghound | From a .94 ha parcel of 25+ year old vines, of which .52 ha is planted to chardonnay in Clos de la Maltroie and Les Places). This is aromatically quite similar to the Chassagne villages if perhaps with just a bit more elegance and complexity. There is excellent density to the delicious and intense medium weight flavors that conclude in a youthfully austere and bone-dry finale that comes up somewhat short. That may change with a few years of bottle aging but at present, this isn’t as harmonious as the best here.

Winemaker Description 

Lucie Cotoux relates that the domaine picked their 0.44 hectares of Champgains in three hours since there was so little fruit on the vines. The concentration however was superb with focused citrusy fruit plenty of mineral and white floral notes and a bit of spice. The texture shows a lovely density and weight and a long powerful finish?this is a very distinctive wine that should show well fairly early and continue to improve for at least a decade. (Drink between 2025-2045).