2018 Red Burgundy
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Tawse,
For laying down,
Tawse is one of the largest proprietors in Mazis, and this is arguably the best example of the vineyard. The oldest vines, aged between 75 and 80 years old and making up 12% of the volume, go in as whole berries, with the remainder de-stemmed. Elegant and sophisticated, but with the classic Mazis spice and wildness, this was picked early and has real freshness and energy. Drink2028-2040.
For laying down,
Lavières refers to the flat, limestone slabs (known as “laves”) which sit just under the topsoil of the vineyard, and which are also found in Les Epenots in Pommard and Cherbaudes in Gevrey. Some of the vines here are 80 years old, and Mark believes the deep roots’ ability to draw water from deep in the soil helped to sustain the vines through the warm, dry summer. Spicy red cherry and floral touches abound on the perfumed nose, while the palate is packed with bright red berry fruit and finishes on a gorgeous, layered, chalky, tannic note. Drink 2022-2027.
For laying down,
Picked between 10th and 12th September, this is a blend of eight different parcels, with 20% new oak and 20% whole-bunch. Many of the parcels are on the stony clay soils to the east of the Route Nationale, giving an elegant and silky Gevrey with an explosive red-fruit nose, crunchy ripe berries and a crisp finish. Drink2022-2028.
David Moreau,
Ready, but will improve,
This is sourced from old Premier Cru vines – some on red clay planted in 1947, some on decomposed granite planted in 1943. The wine is very appealing and perfumed, with the element from granite giving a firm, spicy edge. The wine’s freshness makes it accessible and lovely for early drinking. Drink now to 2024.
David Moreau,
Ready, but will improve,
From the higher section of the vineyard behind David’s house, his 0.68 hectares were planted in 1964 and ’65. Sandwiched between Premiers Crus, this part has a higher proportion of limestone and is better drained than the lower section. There is lovely energy this year, with a mineral bite and then a wonderful creamy finish. Drink 2022-2027.
David Moreau,
Ready, but will improve,
David farms 0.4 hectares here, planted in 1967. Clos Rousseau is one of the best sites of Santenay and lies on the southern extremity of the appellation, where there is limestone under very thin topsoil. Here David’s yields are naturally low due to fanleaf virus, helping to create a wine that is compact, well-structured and capable of ageing very well. Drink 2025-2032.
Jean-Yves Devevey,
For laying down,
This is from three parcels: La Gigotte (0.45 hectares), Les Famines (0.45 hectares) and Les Pluchots (0.4 hectares). This is a sharecropping arrangement, so nine barrels were made, of which Jean-Yves will keep six. He only did 70% whole-bunch this year, but the characterful palate is plush, ripe and silky. Drink 2022-2026.
David Moreau,
Ready, but will improve,
David’s 0.9 hectares of vines, planted in 1963, sit on a complex geological fault line and its makeup is hard to establish. The vineyard sits just above a limestone quarry, but there is marne (a sedimentary calcite and clay) as well. The wine has a really interesting bouquet (which David relates to grape hyacinth), adding a grassy note to the already purposeful character. Drink 2025-2032.
Domaine Jean-Noel Gagnard,
Ready, but will improve,
This wine’s objective is immediate pleasure. It is all about maximising the juicy red fruit and minimising the tannins, and the immediate impression is of strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant, although red Chassagne’s heavier soils do bring a gentle, earthy grip to the party. Irresistible. Drink now to 2023.
Sebastien Magnien,
For laying down,
From a small parcel planted in 1990, these young vines were picked early on 25th August. The wine has a fine spiciness and a tannic backbone which supports the wine well into the finish. The wine is rich but in no sense over-mature, with a floral, Parma violet note. Tasty and a touch piquant. Drink 2022-2027.
Dominique Lafon,
For laying down,
This comes from one parcel of Les Lurets, which partially borders Meursault. The vineyard is mostly classified as village, but the higher section is Premier Cru and is bottled separately. It is late to ripen and so has a sense of discretion among the pretty notes of rose and redcurrant. Drink 2021-2026.
Sebastien Magnien,
Ready, but will improve,
One of the best sites in the Hautes Côtes, this vineyard is south-facing and stony. The old vines regulate the yields. The 2018 offers a lovely contrast between vineyard site and vintage, with the cool, chalky notes of the clos sustaining a nose of kirsch and cinnamon. The finish is surprisingly serious. Drink now to 2024.
Sebastien Magnien,
For laying down,
Sébastien’s vines are neatly positioned at the top of the vineyard, and so abut the Premier Cru of Ronceret. He only has 0.13 hectares, so no more than three barrels are made in a good year. It’s easy to forget this is just a village wine with its classic pillowy perfume and generous supple flavours. Drink 2021-2026.
Sebastien Magnien,
For laying down,
This vineyard is above the Premiers Crus north of the village of Pommard, towards Beaune, with a lovely southerly exposure. It is quite high at 300 metres' altitude and stony, with limestone; Sébastien’s 0.4 hectares was planted in 1934. The wine offers pure blackcurrant notes, but with a confident, fresh, mineral line and bright tannins beneath. Drink 2022-2027.
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur,
For laying down,
The fruit for this is sourced from over two hectares of village vineyards across Echards, Aussy and Petits Gamets, although the latter will be replanted this year. With 20% new oak, this offers very pleasing Volnay florality. It’s always a bit more serious than is initially apparent. Highly satisfactory. Drink 2021-2027.