Côte de Nuits 2021: New Releases

This is undoubtedly one of the greatest premier cru sites in the Côte de Nuits. Clos Frantin are the proud owners of 1.75 hectares.

A village Vosne from one of the commune's historic names, who benefit from brilliantly placed vines. They have vines in Les Damaudes and Maizières, at either side of the village, bringing very different characters to the wines.

There are few premiers crus prized as highly as Les Amoureuses. Many put it on a par with grands crus, and as the quintessential expression of Chambolle-Musigny. And in a great vintage for the commune, this comes up trumps.

Clos Frantin owns 0.63 hectares of the Clos, running from the bottom to the top on the south side of the vineyard. This is yet another example where this vineyard shines - sometimes dismissed in the company of other grands crus.

Domaine du Clos Frantin owns a parcel in the Champs Traversins part of this vineyard, high on the hill, which is noted for its fine expression.

Lots of mineral depth here, and there's also plenty of energy on the palate. There's a lovely density here - with notes of wild flowers and also darker frtui.

The 2021 Monts Luisants, from one of Morey's most celebrated vineyards, is lovely in 2021. Lots of whole bunch spice, and there's a fragrance and purity here, too. Very nicely balanced.

Always a favourite, this Vosne is silky and suave, with lots of spice on the palate, and also notes of violets and plenty of mineral lift. A lovely expression that shows off this village beautifully.

This is one of the parcels that Cyprien and his team farm organically all year round and harvest themselves, under the négociant label. It is an excellent village lieu-dit that a number of growers choose to bottle separately, sitting at the southern end of the village. There is a fine depth to the fruit here, which is elegant and finessed. Beautifully balanced. This is delicious now but should age well.

This vineyard is at the north end of the village, on the border with grand cru, Mazoyères-Chambertin. The soils are high in limestone, and produce a wine that is rich in dark wild berries, clove spice and mineral notes. The fruit is particularly vivid in 2021, with great energy on the palate.

This comes from 4 different parcels the domaine owns around the village. It is delicate yet elegant, redcurrant fruit all over, with a lovely savoury note. It has some fine, soft tannins and fresh acidity. 2021 is a vintage where Chambolle excelled and this finessed example from Cyprien is a case in point.

Yet again, this is a stand-out in the Arlaud cellar. In 2021, different plots were harvested at different times, a small amount of whole bunch was used along with 20% new oak. And everything is perfectly in place, the structure is just so to let the fruit sing. Mineral, flowing, and long.

This comes from the very highest point of Mazoyères-Chambertin, which can also be labelled as Charmes-Chambertin. The vines here age between 30 and 65 years old. The nose is open and alluring with sweet spice notes. It has a pleasing volume and weight on the palate, subtle, and long-lasting flavour.

A winner every year. Pure and elegant with delicious, ripe, red plum core. Great energy and vivacity. The vineyard sits just below Clos St Denis, in the heart of the village, and offers up a deep and rich expression of the village.

With Richebourg and Cros Parantoux as neighbours, you can expect great things from this vineyard. Amélie has five separate plots across half a hectare. The site is so steep and inaccessible that no tractors can reach it, and all work is done by horse or hand. The 2021 has elegant, inviting dark cherry aromas with the palate showing such finessed and exceptionally concentrated fruit. It is so persistent and direct on the finish, with Vosne’s powerful, velvet-like tannins.

This steep-sloped vineyard is one of Gevrey’s most highly-regarded premiers crus. It makes a wine of structure and depth, with broad, sumptuous tannins and intense berry fruit. Sadly, this plot that Amélie had been renting for the last few vintages has now been sold, and from 2022 will no longer be part of the range.

Fixin doesn’t have any grand crus, but in Amélie’s eyes, this is a pretty close estimation. It has very shallow soils, and the vines, now aged 30-80 years old, dig deep. Only 5 barrels were made in 2021. The nose is open, aromatic and expressive bringing aromas of violet and dark cherry. On the palate, beautifully concentrated forest fruits interplay with soft, silky tannins. Elegant and fine, this is an incredibly successful 2021.

If Les Crais is her father’s cuvée, then this is Amélie’s. The wine used to go into their village blend, but Amélie has been bottling it separately since 2013. The vines are now 70 years old, and she likes to use a little whole bunch in the blend. Only 3 barrels were made in 2021. It is a wine of handsome proportions, with tender, yet concentrated, red and even some black fruit, savoury spiced tannins, and a long, fine, saline finish.

This wine has been bottled as a single vineyard cuvée by Amélie’s father for many years, and remains the flagship wine of the estate. This vineyard is scarcely over a hectare and sits right in the heart of the appellation, just below the village itself. The alluvial soils, particularly at the bottom of the parcel, are well-draining. The vines are aged between 15 and 70 years, and the 2021 shows a bright and fluid texture, with wonderful drive and the energy of crunchy, red fruit and saline freshness.

This remarkable village lieu-dit sits directly above Bonnes Mares, Clos de Tart, and Clos des Lambrays. The Clair parcel is situated just above their Bonnes Mares parcel. It’s hard to believe this isn’t a premier cru. Up here there is virtually no top soil at all, and the vines plunge straight into the limestone bedrock. Arthur uses up to 30% whole bunch on the young vine parcel, which he vinifies separately from the older vines, blending later to build layers of complexity. It has a fresh red fruit aroma - cherries and wild strawberries - with tightly-coiled tannins giving the palate a nervous yet bright energy. Superb.

These are the oldest vines of the domaine, and were planted in 1902. It’s an east-facing vineyard that catches the sun all day in its amphitheatre-like form. This precious site was Bruno’s father’s favourite, and is now his son’s, Arthur’s, favourite too. This is beautifully aromatic, with cranberries, cinnamon spice, and floral lift on the nose, and some pure and elegant fruit on the palate. Complex, harmonious and saline. A beautiful wine and a highlight in 2021.

This clos is a monopole of the domaine found right at the centre point of Gevrey, between the grand cru slope and the Combe de Lavaux. The wine has an incredible concentration expressed with exquisite finesse. This is absolutely delicious, with red-fruit power, fine tannins and mineral length. Clos du Fonteny is always one of Bruno’s personal favourites.

Bruno Clair is one of only five producers of this revered premier cru, that many regard as equal to the Gevrey grands crus. The Clairs refer to it as ‘the Prince of Gevrey’. It is steep by Burgundian standards, with clay-rich soil. This wine shows so much depth and suave elegance on the palate. Its cool, controlled nose suggests the moderating influence from the valley breeze. Such luxuriously, silky tannins. Profoundly refined and elegant.

Clos de Bèze is a slightly steeper and warmer site than Chambertin, and the potential heights of complexity and concentration it can produce are remarkable. Most of the vines were planted in 1912, with the rest in the 1970s, which are affectionately still referred to as the young plants. The old vines produce a wine that is perfumed on the nose and gourmand on the palate. It has an almost endless, saline finish, with beautiful supple tannins.

Bruno Clair’s is a Bonnes Mares of distinction: it is the only part to fall within Morey-Saint-Denis (the rest falls within Chambolle-Musigny’s borders). It also happens to be one of the grand cru’s consistently finest examples. The 2021 shows an irresistible concentration of red fruits. The tannins are supple and rounded. There is an unbelievable saline length here. This should enjoy an exciting evolution in bottle!

Pierre has just 0.4 hectares in Charmes-Chambertin, which is divided into five separate parcels, two of which are on the border with Griotte-Chambertin, on more stony soils.

This is arguably the best placed village parcel in the whole of Gevrey, sandwiched between Griotte and Charmes-Chambertin.

Pierre owns the last parcel of Latricières before Chambertin begins, and while attention is usually focused on his Clos de Bèze, this is the wine for those in the know.

This is fast becoming one of Burgundy’s most sought-after wines. The vineyard was planted in 1920, and you can feel the power of the old vines in the glass.

This is fast becoming one of Burgundy’s most sought-after wines. The vineyard was planted in 1920, and you can feel the power of the old vines in the glass.

It’s a wonderful vineyard perched in the middle of the Combe de Lavaux - the cooler south-east facing hillside in Gevrey’s northern sector, right next to one of the finest of all premiers crus, Clos St Jacques.

It’s a wonderful vineyard perched in the middle of the Combe de Lavaux - the cooler south-east facing hillside in Gevrey’s northern sector, right next to one of the finest of all premiers crus, Clos St Jacques.

Duroché owns a sizable 1.2 hectare parcel of this premier cru, and it is arguably the cuvée that best defines the estate. Lavaut balances a freshness, due to its position at the base of the Combe, with an opulence of fruit from the vineyard’s south facing site, and this is a benchmark example.

Duroché owns a sizable 1.2 hectare parcel of this premier cru, and it is arguably the cuvée that best defines the estate. Lavaut balances a freshness, due to its position at the base of the Combe, with an opulence of fruit from the vineyard’s south facing site, and this is a benchmark example.

Faiveley are the largest landowner in this fêted corner of Chambertin, with three parcels to their name. It is one of the consistently most complex wines in their range, and offers staggering ageing potential. In 2021, aromas of sweet baking spice and ripe, red fruit combine leading to gorgeously, supple tannins, a wondrous line of acidity and a long, fine, saline finish on the palate. Utterly charming.

Les Cazetiers lies right alongside Clos Saint-Jacques on the Combe de Lavaux. Its easterly exposure combined with cool, elevated position make for outstanding freshness in the wines. This is serious and broody in 2021. 30% new oak supports the savoury, very pure fruit, and should see this through many years in the cellar. Expertly balanced.

Latricières always feels a little cooler than Charmes Chambertin, its neighbouring grand cru. A gentle but cool breeze draws down the valley, keeping freshness and minerality in the grapes. The 2021 has a marked cool crushed raspberry scent, with pretty rose petal notes. It has a beautiful mineral quality running through the densely packed and pure red fruit, giving this wine a wonderful weight in the mid-palate.

This vineyard has been a family monopole since 1874. It is the domaine's flagship wine and one of just two Burgundian Grands Crus to bear the name of its owner (Romanée-Conti being the other). This is so elegant and refined in 2021, with sweet, smoky spice and rose petal around concentrated red fruits, with a long, mineral, saline length.

Mazis is the most northern of the Gevrey grands crus, and is renowned for making some of the most seductive wines amongst them. The Faiveley plot benefits from some very old vines, some of which were planted in 1930. In 2021, this is sleek and seductive with aromas of rose petal and sweet plum. There is a rich, detailed, exotic opulence to the palate and the longest of finishes.

This special cuvée comes from the oldest vines in Faiveley’s Clos de Bèze holding, and was first produced in 2011. The name is an homage to the family’s connection with the artist, Rodin, and the cuvée is only ever produced in tiny quantities. Powerful, deep, and seductive. This will reward the patient.

The fresh, vibrant palate is vivid and tensile, offering slightly chalky tannin and crunchy red fruit. This has a beautiful, elegant structure and wonderful density and saline drive on the finish. Excellent.

This comes from 65 year old vines, which makes for a wine of spicy, seductive, dark-fruited purity. Archetypal Chambolle-Musigny.

Les Fuées enjoys a wonderful position: just alongside Bonnes Mares, and as a result is one of the most sought-out crus in the village. Pretty and layered.

This ‘other’ white grape from Burgundy is enjoying a well-deserved moment: the wines are fresh, vibrant, wonderful for early drinking and offer unparalleled value.This comes from a 50 year old parcel and is 100% barrel fermented. The Felettig example is everything we’re looking for: salty, fresh, and moreish with a nice grip and bite.

A classic example from this cooler region in the hills above the Ladoix-Serrigny in the Côte de Beaune. It is peachy and smooth, quite grapey in style, with lovely roundness and a silky texture.

Mineral and stony on the nose, this starts off with tension on the palate but then explodes with fresh, red fruit concentration. Long and fine on the finish.

This tiny premier cru is set in a dip that was once a quarry (as the name alludes to). Full of red cherries, with an elegant texture and silky length. Structured and complex.

As the name suggests, this is situated in the heart of Chambolle-Musigny. At 0.5 hectares, it is the Felettigs’ largest single parcel. There’s lots of limestone in the soil here, and the 2021 is spicy and elegant, with juicy cherry fruit, and floral detail.

Sumptous and expressive, the 2021 Beaune 1er Cru Les Champs-Pimont delivers generous aromas of raspberries, smoky notes, spices and plums. Elegant and charming, its refined tannins are entirely cloaked in succulent fruit.

The domaine has vines in two plots on either side of Nuits: Les Chariots in the south and Aux Lavières in the north. There is a Chambolle signature woven through the Nuits fruit here; the wine has a nice firm, elegant structure yet remains silky and finessed overall. Great!

This monopole grand cru in the heart of Vosne-Romanée between two Domaine de la Romanée-Conti monopoles - La Tâche and La Romanée-Conti - is the flagship wine of the estate. It is like a basket full of freshly picked strawberries and raspberries. The palate, although it displays this gorgeous summer fruit element, is almost so much more complex than that, with silky, refined tannins, subtle smoky notes and savoury acidity. Extraordinary length, extraordinary wine.

This is one of the greatest sites in Burgundy, and often gives grands crus a run for their money. It has intense aromatics, and a mineral length. Very serious and complex. Great energy, balance - this has serious potential.

One of three grand cru sites in the Lamarche cellar. This is often the most understated. It has a hedgerow wild berry scent in 2021, with a fine elegant texture on the palate. Complex with wonderful balance. This should age gracefully in bottle.

Les Suchots is one of Vosne’s most substantial premiers crus, famous for producing particularly long-lived wines. This shows warm, rich and seductive Pinot fruit - so pure, red fruited and concentrated. There is tannic structure here that will ensure this will age gracefully. Bravo to Nicole for an outstandingly elegant wine.

Nicole has three parcels within this grand cru, one in the northwest corner (where everyone wants to be) tucked up next to Musigny. The three add complexity and layers to the finished wine. This is a highly complete and elegant wine in 2021. Voluptuous, red fruit-packed, with density and length, and silky tannins. The concentration of fruit is off the charts! Superb.

This might just be the best village Vosne out there. It comes from four parcels which host a variety of vine ages. The relatively high proportion of younger vines gives this cuvée an vibrant, juicy structure. It is refined, mineral and beautiful with supple, fine tannins, and fresh high-acid fruit.

Mugneret-Gibourg has just one parcel within this sizable grand cru, planted in 1954, just next to the château. It is one of the finest examples of the vineyard, with depth, elegance, structure, and complexity, dark cherry fruit and a full-bodied, mineral length. Effortlessly superb.

This well-positioned vineyard on the Vosne side of the appellation sits on the slope, enjoying plenty of sunshine and the cooling ventilation of a constant breeze, keeping the fruit in excellent health during the growing season. Impressive fruit on show, brimming with fresh plum and damson, the tannins are fine-grained, mineral and chalky. Lots of elegant depth here and a wonderfully long finish.

This wonderful parcel sits just beneath the cluster of houses in the village centre. It makes such a floral, elegant and long wine in 2021, with a brilliantly deep fruit core. Perfumed and spiced, with great mineral tension.

This is the vineyard that lies right next to the family home and winery, extending out like a garden from the cellar doors. Marie-Christine and Marie-Andrée’s father had rented it to a neighbour, but the well-maintained vineyard came back under the domaine’s control again from 2017. It is a pretty, floral elegant village wine with such fine concentration and a sultry, wild fruit character running through it. Impressive volume and mineral tension.

Ruchottes is a fairly small grand cru, just 3.3 hectares in total. The Mugneret-Gibourg parcel is in Ruchottes du Bas, and in 2021 has made a beautiful wine, with dark cherry density, a wonderful freshness to the fruit and a sumptuous, saline finish.

This comes from just one parcel in Vosne-Romanée, planted in 1955. The wines are yielding such low volumes that the domaine is in the process of replanting, uprooting one quarter of the parcel at a time. The tiny yield in 2021, like the two previous vintages before it, has resulted in a staggeringly concentrated Bourgogne Rouge. It has a sweet, plummy density and elegant, structured fruit, with intense persistence for a Bourgogne. It will easily age for a decade, which is not something you can say of every Bourgogne.

This comes from just one parcel in Vosne-Romanée, planted in 1955. The wines are yielding such low volumes that the domaine is in the process of replanting, uprooting one quarter of the parcel at a time. The tiny yield in 2021, like the two previous vintages before it, has resulted in a staggeringly concentrated Bourgogne Rouge. It has a sweet, plummy density and elegant, structured fruit, with intense persistence for a Bourgogne. It will easily age for a decade, which is not something you can say of every Bourgogne.

65% of the fruit comes from Rouges du Bas, the rest from the Quartier de Nuits section of the Echézeaux grand cru. So elegant and balanced. Effortless concentration, silky tannins and a long saline, persistent finish. Gorgeous.

Mugneret-Gibourg has just one parcel within this sizable grand cru, planted in 1954, just next to the château. It is one of the finest examples of the vineyard, with depth, elegance, structure, and complexity, dark cherry fruit and a full-bodied, mineral length. Effortlessly superb.

This well-positioned vineyard on the Vosne side of the appellation sits on the slope, enjoying plenty of sunshine and the cooling ventilation of a constant breeze, keeping the fruit in excellent health during the growing season. Impressive fruit on show, brimming with fresh plum and damson, the tannins are fine-grained, mineral and chalky. Lots of elegant depth here and a wonderfully long finish.

This comes from a single parcel just across the road from Chambolle-Musigny in Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, called Les Bons Bâtons. It is so red-fruited, with a pretty, fragrant length, lacy tannins and a salty bite. This feels more like a Chambolle than a Bourgogne. Fantastic ageing potential, if you can keep it that long!

This vineyard lies right in the middle of the village. The vines are now 40 years old, and are really hitting their stride. It has superb dark cherry concentration and depth, and a deliciously enticing, long and saline finish

This is one of Ghislaine’s greatest cuvées. The 2021 has a fantastically aromatic nose. It is bursting with gorgeous dark cherry and floral aromas, a fresh cherry acidity on the palate, and soft, seductive tannins. So concentrated, fine and elegant with a finish that just goes on and on. Sublime.

This wine’s power and energy usually dominate when young, but this 2021 is already showing wonderfully expressive purity of fruit and fine supple tannins. It is saline and tender, showing not only great energy but great finesse too at this early stage.

You won’t find much better than this at village level. This is a wine of terrific complexity and nuance, with much of the texture and nuance you can find in her premiers crus, just with a slightly more forward and open, juicy fruit, and lighter tannins. It comes from nine plots across the village, and shows such a wonderful energy in 2021.

This comes from an astonishing 18 different parcels, many in the vineyards facing Chambolle-Musigny.