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Domaine de la Romanee Conti (DRC),
For laying down,
La Tâche, Grand Cru:The Domaine purchased most of the 6.06 hectares La Tâche in 1933, completing the vineyards by exchanging small plots in Les Gaudichots. It stretches from the top to the bottom of the mid slope band which contains the Grands Crus, thus covering a complexity of terroirs. It is a more flamboyant wine than Romanée Conti but needs a minimum of 10 years for all its aspects, including the tannins, to integrate. Average production per annum: 1,870 cases (monopole)
Dujac,
For laying down,
The 2009 Chambertin is flat-out stunning. It boasts gorgeous textural finesse and sheer energy from the very first taste. Blue and black fruit lead to spices, mint, licorice and tar as the wine explodes from the glass.
Next to some of the other grand crus in the Dujac lineup, the Chambertin often comes across as quite obvious. Some of the wine’s subtler qualities emerge, but only over time. Layers of fruit crescendo to the palate staining finish. The Chambertin combines power and finesse to a degree seldom seen, even in Burgundy. This is pure sophistication. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2044.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Apr 2012
Next to some of the other grand crus in the Dujac lineup, the Chambertin often comes across as quite obvious. Some of the wine’s subtler qualities emerge, but only over time. Layers of fruit crescendo to the palate staining finish. The Chambertin combines power and finesse to a degree seldom seen, even in Burgundy. This is pure sophistication. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2044.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Apr 2012
Olivier Bernstein,
Ready, but will improve,
Olivier Bernstein owns no vineyards, working on contracts for grapes instead. His 2009s are certainly very ripe, though his gift for winemaking is clear. A man to watch.
Very dense rich purple colour. Thick texture, though fresher on the palate than the first nose suggested. There is plenty of detail in here, swimming in a sea of ripe fruit. Black cherries coat the mouth.
(Jasper Morris MW, BBR Buyer)
Very dense rich purple colour. Thick texture, though fresher on the palate than the first nose suggested. There is plenty of detail in here, swimming in a sea of ripe fruit. Black cherries coat the mouth.
(Jasper Morris MW, BBR Buyer)
Domaine de Bellene,
Ready, but will improve,
From ancient vines, planted in 1904, this Beaune from Domaine de Bellene has rich, blackcurrant fruit, amazing length and a glorious silkiness. It is fresh at the finish, despite the evident richness of fruit. A magical, harmonious wine.
This wine, from the fabulous 2009 vintage, is only just starting out in life. The sunshine character of ’09 is such that the wines are enjoyable from the start, but will age brilliantly.
Domaine de Bellene is the private domaine of Nicolas Potel, established in Beaune since 2007. The title pays homage to the ancient pagan god Belenos, after whom Beaune takes its name.
The domaine is based in some marvellous old cellars, renovated to an ecologically admirable standard (‘Haute Qualité Environnementale’), on the Dijon road out of Beaune. The vineyards are being converted to organic farming, with some biodynamic elements and now cover 22hectares. The wines are made using a high proportion of whole bunches which helps build the structure of the wine to support the generous fruit.
This wine, from the fabulous 2009 vintage, is only just starting out in life. The sunshine character of ’09 is such that the wines are enjoyable from the start, but will age brilliantly.
Domaine de Bellene is the private domaine of Nicolas Potel, established in Beaune since 2007. The title pays homage to the ancient pagan god Belenos, after whom Beaune takes its name.
The domaine is based in some marvellous old cellars, renovated to an ecologically admirable standard (‘Haute Qualité Environnementale’), on the Dijon road out of Beaune. The vineyards are being converted to organic farming, with some biodynamic elements and now cover 22hectares. The wines are made using a high proportion of whole bunches which helps build the structure of the wine to support the generous fruit.
Maison Camille Giroud,
Ready, but will improve,
Burgundy 2009 Best Buys - Outside The Box
The southernmost appellation of the Côte d'Or deserves to be better known for its characterful reds – especially those from perfectly exposed vineyards, such as Le Croix Moines. Enjoy the balance of rich red fruit and ripe tannins for structure.
(Jasper Morris MW, BBR Buyer)
This muscular wine is from a very small but really quite special vineyard, high on the hillside in Maranges. Look not for delicacy but appreciate the compact, chunky body and the density of the fruit.
The southernmost appellation of the Côte d'Or deserves to be better known for its characterful reds – especially those from perfectly exposed vineyards, such as Le Croix Moines. Enjoy the balance of rich red fruit and ripe tannins for structure.
(Jasper Morris MW, BBR Buyer)
This muscular wine is from a very small but really quite special vineyard, high on the hillside in Maranges. Look not for delicacy but appreciate the compact, chunky body and the density of the fruit.
The vines currently average 45 years old. About a third of the holding remained in ungrafted vines until 1946, with two cuvees being produced – a regular Richebourg and a version labelled Richebourgs Vieux Cépages. When these vines were grubbed up and replanted after the Second World War, cuttings were taken from La Romanée Conti which was also being replanted.