Browse using the new Vinous website now. Launch →
Back to Burgfest: 2017 Reds – Blind
France: Burgundy, featured
, Jan 2022
Following last year’s examination of the 2017 Burgundy whites, how did the reds fare under the same peer group blind tasting conditions? As usual, there were a few surprises along the way.
Dance the Quickstep: Burgundy 2020
France: Burgundy, featured
, Dec 2021
Warning: This is a long and detailed report to read at leisure and not necessarily all at once, unless you have time to fill (perhaps while interminably on hold with your wine merchant, waiting to confirm your Burgundy 2020 allocation). The Côte d’Or is at a critical turning point, with changes afoot both inside and beyond the vineyard that have long-term ramifications. Apart from this main introduction, readers can peruse individual Producer Profiles for further information. Before I get down to the nitty-gritty, however, what would my Burgundy report be without the usual preamble?
Don’t Rain on My Parade: Mâconnais 2019/2020
France: Burgundy, featured
, Nov 2021
Mâconnais has experienced highs this year with its first Premier Crus and lows in terms of devastating frost and hail. Although I could not author a full write-up during my two days there in June, this report covers 2019s and 2020s from some of the region’s finest producers.
Chablis’ Satellites: Irancy & Saint-Bris
France: Burgundy, featured
, Nov 2021
Irancy and Saint-Bris are both located within close ambit of Chablis. Rather than lump them in with Chablis, I chose to author a separate report, since the wines are fundamentally different and moreover, well-deserving of focus.
Life on the Margin: Chablis 2019/2020
France: Burgundy, featured
, Oct 2021
There is a quiet revolution underway in beautiful, tranquil Chablis as more young winemakers enter the region and growers aspire to greater heights. The 2019 and 2020 vintages have much to offer, not least for those priced out of the Côte d'Or and wondering where to get their white Burgundy fix.
2019 Burgundy – Further Additions
France: Burgundy, featured
, Oct 2021
After a taxing day’s tasting and heated discussion about the 2017s at Burgfest, I jumped in my car and visited two or three producers that I was unable to see last year after my autumn trip was curtailed by the lockdown.
Back to Burgfest: 2017 Whites – Blind
France: Burgundy, featured
, Aug 2021
The 2017 white Burgundy vintage vies with 2014 as the decade's best. After a year off due to the pandemic, the annual Burgfest tasting was back to examine over 200 wines, all blind, that bestowed the usual ragbag of expected triumphs, unexpected disappointments, outbreaks of euphoria and mass head-scratching.
Value Through Time: Burgundy 1932-2016
France: Burgundy, featured
, Aug 2021
In my round-up of mature Burgundy red and whites encountered over recent months, I examine how its value has changed through history before highlighting notable bottles. Famous names from the Côte d'Or intermingle with kindred spirits from Chablis, Beaujolais and the Mâconnais, as a reminder that longevity is not exclusive to famous and/or expensive names.
Cellar Favorite: 1971 Domaine Bonneau du Martray Corton Grand Cru
France: Burgundy, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Aug 2021
Continuing my quest to taste every wine from my birth-year, I took a bottle of 1971 Corton Grand Cru from Domaine Bonneau du Martray to a La Paulée back in the days when people could crowd into an enclosed space without masks, share bottles and sing meaningless songs at the top of their voices.
Cellar Favorite: 1992 Domaine Laroche Chablis Les Blanchots La Réserve de l’Obédiencerie Grand Cru
France: Burgundy, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Jul 2021
One of the less discovered joys of Burgundy is mature Chablis. Apart from Raveneau and Vincent Dauvissat, a lot of Chablis, even up to its highest echelons, is consumed in its youth.