2019 Côte de Nuits

This is a very special village lieu dit. It is sandwiched between two grands crus: Charmes-Chambertin and Griotte-Chambertin. You can really appreciate the calibre of this vineyard in the delicious profile of this 2019, introduced by the sumptuous but cool red fruit fragrance, and followed by a crystalline palate with perfectly expressed velvet tannins. All the fruit was destemmed for this cuvée, and the gentle supporting note of new oak in the background is on song.

This remote east-facing vineyard sits at an elevation of 400m. Mark explains that on a crisp summer morning you can see all the way to Mont Blanc from here. Its position means, although bathed in morning sun, it does not have much hot afternoon sun. The fruit ripens slowly here, and it is often the last parcel of the domaine to be picked. It is suave, refined, and effortlessly elegant.

This wine bursts with cranberries and sweet spice, with the lift of freshly cracked pink peppercorns. The palate has a nice texture with some firm acidity weaving through soft red fruit. The tannins are fairly soft and gentle but provide just enough grip to give the wine a long, detailed finish.

This grand cru needs little introduction. It is, in the eyes of many, the greatest site in Burgundy, where Pinot Noir reaches its apogee.The Tawse Musigny is always a fine-boned wine, and made in an elegant style that means it approaches its drinking window ahead of some neighbours’, but with the signature Musigny svelte-like tannins on full display. Destemmed by hand. Volumes in 2019 are small, and demand will far outstrip supply.

This comes from two plots: Treux & Rouges du Bas. The tiny volume is raised in 100% new oak, and the wine has a luxurious, toasty feel. There is so much body and structure within, which carries the oak brilliantly. It has an intense and lifted nose with dramatic concentration. The palate is bursting with crushed raspberries; there is real power and umph here. Opulent and textured.

Only produced in tiny quantities. This cru did extremely well in 2019, and has produced powerful wines that should last for decades. 50% whole bunch and 50% new oak. Great depth and mineral precision.

This comes from vines planted in the original Clos St-Denis, in the heart of the grand cru. 25% whole bunch is played off against the new oak with commanding skill. A full and energetic wine with plenty of depth.

This sits just below Clos St Denis, in the heart of the village. It offers up a deep and rich nose, laden with wild hedgerow fruit. It is a powerful wine from one of the top performing villages in 2019. Only 450 bottles made.

A wonderfully ethereal, elegant style of Gevrey, sourced from eight parcels across the southern section of the appellation. The density of tannins is silky and refined. It feels light-footed and flowing, with a tantalisingly fresh and balanced length. A small, well-judged amount of whole bunch adds just a hint of lift. Skilfully done.

Most of the fruit comes from the Côte de Nuits, with the majority from around Nuits itself. It is a brilliant crimson colour, transparent and bright. The nose has a pretty red fruit and floral aroma, with hints of blueberries and cinnamon spice. The body is particularly supple with soft, sleek tannins. This should drink well from early on. Juicy and easy to drink.

This has become the signature wine of the domaine and is unquestionably the jewel in the crown of a very strong set of 2019s. It is drawn from three parcels, one of which was planted over 75 years ago. The fruit from these very old vines goes in as whole bunch, whilst the rest is destemmed. This wine is so detailed and restrained, with a supple, fresh texture. Wild berries and light toasty spice. Completely delicious.

This parcel actually used to be classified as a village parcel, and winemaker Mark seems particularly fond of it: there’s definitely a suggestion of that Gevrey spice and structure beneath the refined and elegant Bourgogne fruit. One of the best Bourgogne Rouges you’ll find.