Nuits Saint Georges
Originally known as Nuits, or even Nuits-sous-Beaune, the town was happy to add the name of its finest vineyard, Les St Georges, in the 19th century. There are no Grands Crus, but many fine Premier Cru vineyards, the mayor of the time preferring not to single out any vineyard for the highest status. The most sought-after wines include Les Vaucrains, Les Cailles and Les St Georges itself.
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Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
Maxime Rion now makes most of the decisions at this exemplary estate, although he can call on his father Patrice – approaching his 40th vintage as a winemaker – for guidance. The Rions are a talented, forward-thinking family who were among the first in Burgundy to bottle some of their wines under screwcap, and whose eco-friendly tractor shed boasts solar panels and a rainwater purification system.
This is a fresh, fruit-driven Burgundy from vineyards just above Nuits-St Georges. It is raised exclusively in used oak, which rounds the tannins and accentuates the wild, spicy character redolent of Nuits. Drink now to 2021.
This is a fresh, fruit-driven Burgundy from vineyards just above Nuits-St Georges. It is raised exclusively in used oak, which rounds the tannins and accentuates the wild, spicy character redolent of Nuits. Drink now to 2021.
Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
Situated just above the vineyards of Nuits-St Georges, Les Dames Huguettes is at an altitude of 300 to 450 metres, giving the wine a vivacious freshness and vibrancy. The fruit is crunchy with a cool freshness, chalky tannins and a touch of spice which gives a nod to Nuits. Drink 2019-2024.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Domaine Jean Chauvenet,
For laying down,
The excellent 2014 Lavières is characterised by aromas of black berry fruit and a hint of the savoury spice synonymous with NuitsSt Georges. There are lashings of black fruit on the palate, while the tannins and acidity are assertive, suggesting this will continue to age well, but it works brilliantly now with roast turkey, lamb or game dishes.
Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
A blend of domaine fruit and purchased grapes from a trusted neighbour, this is benchmark Nuits. The nose has sweet Asian spices and spicy, dark berry fruit. The palate is pure, saline and savoury, an elegant and delicate expression of Nuits rather than a meaty blockbuster. Drink 2020-2025.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
This vineyard sits across the road from the house, with quite deep (two metres) topsoil over marne. Very typically Nuits, there’s plenty of black fruit and sweet spice on the nose, while the palate offers red and black cherry, and some floral touches. Weighty, dense and concentrated with a rocky, limestone texture to the tannins; it’s deep, dense, complex and age-worthy. Drink 2023-2030.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Benjamin Leroux,
For laying down,
This is a super vineyard, just north of the town of Nuits, facing south and east, with fine gravel over limestone. There is lots to admire in what Ben has done here; a fine expression of Nuits, combining generosity of spirit with a burly frame. Drink 2022-2027.
It is fair to say that Ben is very happy with 2017, describing it as the kind of vintage he would sign up for every year. The whites, he says, are beautiful, and not far from 2014 in style, with purity, finesse, great definition and balance. He describes the reds as pretty, appealing and with body to support ageing, while highlighting the importance of lower-yielding old vines for serious ageing. He eloquently explains that there is no “black sheep” in 2017, that no village has underperformed. For reason of space, the limited volumes of Grands Crus have not been included in this brochure. Since the 2014 vintage, all white wines are bottled under screwcap.
It is fair to say that Ben is very happy with 2017, describing it as the kind of vintage he would sign up for every year. The whites, he says, are beautiful, and not far from 2014 in style, with purity, finesse, great definition and balance. He describes the reds as pretty, appealing and with body to support ageing, while highlighting the importance of lower-yielding old vines for serious ageing. He eloquently explains that there is no “black sheep” in 2017, that no village has underperformed. For reason of space, the limited volumes of Grands Crus have not been included in this brochure. Since the 2014 vintage, all white wines are bottled under screwcap.
Domaine Naudin-Ferrand,
For laying down,
Damodes is the high vineyard bordering VosneRomanée, where Claire has just over a quarter of a hectare. There is around 50 percent new oak, which adds some structure and spice notes to the delicate, floral red fruit on the nose. Crunchy, energetic and vivacious, but all the while remaining elegant in Claire’s inimitable style. Drink 2021-2026.
After the catastrophic 2016 vintage, which saw her lose around 70 percent of the crop, Claire Naudin is much happier with 2017. She still didn’t get a full crop, though, because the frost had damaged the vine, stunting the following year’s growth and limiting the crop to 80 percent of a full yield. The vintage certainly suits her style, with wines that are all about elegance, finesse and delicacy. These are appetising wines which always give great pleasure, on even the grandest occasions. As ever the wines are made with 100 percent whole bunches.
After the catastrophic 2016 vintage, which saw her lose around 70 percent of the crop, Claire Naudin is much happier with 2017. She still didn’t get a full crop, though, because the frost had damaged the vine, stunting the following year’s growth and limiting the crop to 80 percent of a full yield. The vintage certainly suits her style, with wines that are all about elegance, finesse and delicacy. These are appetising wines which always give great pleasure, on even the grandest occasions. As ever the wines are made with 100 percent whole bunches.
Domaine Sylvain Cathiard,
For laying down,
Another fabulous, imperial purple colour, this starts quietly. Then, there’s a fabulous swathe of rich black and blueberry fruits emerges. The wine has a superb finish, with rounded tannins, while the freshness of the vintage sings out and the persistence is sublime. Drink 2023-2035.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer
Sébastien Cathiard completed his harvest in just three days, beginning on 12th September. He already had good sugar and low-ish acids a week earlier, but not the desired phenolic maturity. He took the decision to run with the vintage and so extracted as much as in other years, in fact punching down more in 2015 than 2014. He also made sure that the malolactic fermentation happened relatively late, so these are backward wines which will require quite a lot more élevage. But they are unquestionably brilliant wines. Sébastien has used less new oak than in the past and with a lighter toast to the barrels.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer
Sébastien Cathiard completed his harvest in just three days, beginning on 12th September. He already had good sugar and low-ish acids a week earlier, but not the desired phenolic maturity. He took the decision to run with the vintage and so extracted as much as in other years, in fact punching down more in 2015 than 2014. He also made sure that the malolactic fermentation happened relatively late, so these are backward wines which will require quite a lot more élevage. But they are unquestionably brilliant wines. Sébastien has used less new oak than in the past and with a lighter toast to the barrels.
For laying down,
A wonderful, bright, dense purple, this has a very intense, dark, ripe redcurrant nose. The same density carries through onto the palate, then juicy dark fruit emerges behind. Overall this is a very pure wine, light on its feet with lovely brisk, but not trenchant, acidity. Drink 2020-2028.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer
Frédéric Mugnier usually begins his harvest with his Clos de la Maréchale but this year he picked his Chambolle vineyards first. There was no change to his vinification process for 2015 given that he employs a light hand in any vintage. Yields were lower than he expected – plenty of bunches but very small grapes – and Frédéric likes the style of the vintage. He notes that the tannins were not quite as ripe as 2005 and thus provide the fresher character evident in 2015.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer
Frédéric Mugnier usually begins his harvest with his Clos de la Maréchale but this year he picked his Chambolle vineyards first. There was no change to his vinification process for 2015 given that he employs a light hand in any vintage. Yields were lower than he expected – plenty of bunches but very small grapes – and Frédéric likes the style of the vintage. He notes that the tannins were not quite as ripe as 2005 and thus provide the fresher character evident in 2015.
Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
A beautiful, bright purple, this has lifted fruit on the nose. Full of energy, there is a beautiful density to the dark, raspberry fruit; very good intensity of flavour through the middle and a lovely finish with a bevy of little red berries lingering on the palate. Very classy this year.
Patrice Rion compares 2014 to a mix of 1979 and 1989 for the aromatics and delighted to have been able to pick a more or less normal-sized crop. He began on 12th September with healthy grapes, reinforced by his system of two sorting tables, one before and one after de-stemming. The amount of new oak has been reduced here, now just 30 percent on most cuvées.
Patrice Rion compares 2014 to a mix of 1979 and 1989 for the aromatics and delighted to have been able to pick a more or less normal-sized crop. He began on 12th September with healthy grapes, reinforced by his system of two sorting tables, one before and one after de-stemming. The amount of new oak has been reduced here, now just 30 percent on most cuvées.
For laying down,
Bright, fresh purple with good density; this has a beautiful, pure, racy bouquet. There is a wonderful sweetness of fruit across the palate, with a coating of velvet, then a gentler, graceful finish.
Frédéric notes that the grapes were very healthy in 2014, with a “correct” yield, lower than 2009 but the best since then. In any case, Frédéric aims to stay below 35 hl/ha, so the wines will always have a desirable intensity. This being a given, the style here reflects the light hand of the winemaker, with minimal extraction during vinification.
Frédéric notes that the grapes were very healthy in 2014, with a “correct” yield, lower than 2009 but the best since then. In any case, Frédéric aims to stay below 35 hl/ha, so the wines will always have a desirable intensity. This being a given, the style here reflects the light hand of the winemaker, with minimal extraction during vinification.
Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
The 2014 glows with an imperial purple. This is absolutely mouth-filling, with ripe, dark fruit. Beautifully balanced, this has a generous style without being plummy – long and very fine.
Patrice Rion compares 2014 to a mix of 1979 and 1989 for the aromatics and delighted to have been able to pick a more or less normal-sized crop. He began on 12th September with healthy grapes, reinforced by his system of two sorting tables, one before and one after de-stemming. The amount of new oak has been reduced here, now just 30 percent on most cuvées.
Patrice Rion compares 2014 to a mix of 1979 and 1989 for the aromatics and delighted to have been able to pick a more or less normal-sized crop. He began on 12th September with healthy grapes, reinforced by his system of two sorting tables, one before and one after de-stemming. The amount of new oak has been reduced here, now just 30 percent on most cuvées.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd