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.

A wine we've backed for years now, from a single vineyard in the Hautes Cotes. This shows good ripeness but yet still excellent intensity of fruit. There's a nice lift on the finish: a brilliant example from the Hautes-Cotes.

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.

Frankly, this is utterly gorgeous, a wine of such charm and weight, a nice little touch of acidity. This has major staying power, what’s not to like! Wonderful length and class here.

This is made from 40 year old vines from Morey, Chambolle and Vougeot. OKA is the name of one of the Arlaud draught horses. This cuvée is matured for 18 months with only 25% new oak. Intense notes of red fruits, raspberries. Delicate and silky on the palate, with a long, fine finish.

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.

One of the most sought-after wines every year, this always delivers huge complexity from the start. It is so deep and concentrated, and with such a sustained finish you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve had a sip.

One of the most sought-after wines every year, this always delivers huge complexity from the start. It is so deep and concentrated, and with such a sustained finish you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve had a sip.

This can often have the broadest shoulders of the Rousseau grands crus, and is certainly one that requires some serious ageing. Magnificent.

This can often have the broadest shoulders of the Rousseau grands crus, and is certainly one that requires some serious ageing. Magnificent.

Rousseau’s Gevrey might be their least grand cuvée, but it remains nevertheless one of the most sought after wines, and a window onto their supreme style which can be drunk a little earlier than their premiers and grands crus.

Voluminous and with profound length, this is an exquisite wine from the Rousseau cellar, with layers that build up in a subtle, but melodic crescendo.

The Ruchottes always abounds with small red berry fruit, making it a lively and vibrant grand cru. It nevertheless has the gravitas of its grand cru status, and will evolved for many years in bottle.

Only five domaines own Clos St Jacques, and Rousseau’s wine is frequently the pinnacle. This shows the complexity, suave power, and finesse of a grand cru. Such incredible freshness.

Only five domaines own Clos St Jacques, and Rousseau’s wine is frequently the pinnacle. This shows the complexity, suave power, and finesse of a grand cru. Such incredible freshness.

Lavaux St Jacques is a lovely vineyard on the Combe de Lavaux which enjoys the cooling influence of the cold air drawn down the valley. Beautifully floral on the nose and totally delicious.

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.

In Aux Allots we find the domaine’s oldest vines, though how old precisely is unknown. The family bought the vineyard which sits on the Vosne-Romaéee side of the village in 1969. It had been planted long before then, although the exact date has been lost to history. This wine has an enthralling depth of berry fruit, with a minty lift on the nose, and just a hint of licorice adding a further dimension. Textural and complex, this is an outstanding Nuits-St-Georges.

This is a flagship wine of the domaine, and at two hectares represents around a third of production. It’s an incredibly steep site just above Les Vaucrains which had been abandoned since the phylloxera crisis until Bertrand terraced and planted it in 2001. There is slightly darker, fuller fruit than that found in the 2019, but with the brightness of acidity it feels balanced and very complete, unforced and charming.

This parcel in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, right next to Axelle’s cellar, sits at 450 metres altitude. The isolated parcel is naturally low yielding anyway, and, she says, naturally pruned by the local deer. As a result, it's an Aligoté with the yield of a grand cru, Axelle laments in jest. The vines are around 50 years old and around 10% of the vineyard is an old Burgundian variety, Melon de Bourgogne, more commonly found in Muscadet these days. The wine is energetic and delicious, brimming with apples and apricots, and a lacy, fine texture.

Fragile old vines planted in 1964 produce a wine of surprising structure from this site. The concentration of fruit, the frame of tannins, and the long drive on the back-palate are perhaps more in line with the traditional image of Nuits-St-Georges than Axelle’s Vallerots cuvées. This quintessential Nuits cuvée has superb length, with some welcome Nuits-St-Georges structure giving it power and presence.

Whilst most of the vineyard is terrassed (and goes into the blend bearing that name), a small half hectare section is not, having been planted in 1984. It might be difficult to farm, and very hard work to harvest, but it’s well worth it for the wine it produces. It is rich in berry fruit, with a wonderful structure that sees a seamless marriage between fruit, body, tannin and acidity. There is so much purity and energy here. A crystalline snapshot of the more elegant side of Nuits.

What a Bourgogne Rouge this is. It comes from a parcel in Nuits-St-Georges, at the south end of the commune, not far from Les St Georges. The soils here are stony and poor, not as deep as some Bourgogne vineyards can be, and make a superbly balanced wine, sweetly fruited and with a wonderful fluidity.

A rare Vosne-Romanée from Axelle whose vineyards mostly lie in Nuits-St-Georges. As gorgeous as it is scarce, with deep velvety fruit and a long, refined finish.

Bruno Clair has an impressive 10 hectares in his home village of Marsannay. He bottles five separate cuvées, including this wonderful iteration from a single parcel at the southern end of the commune, on the slope that rises up behind the village. Its name (meaning “fat heads”) refers not to anybody involved in its cultivation, but rather the large rocks that show through the surface of the clay soil. It is typically the most structured and powerful of the Clair Marsannays, and in 2021 it is muscular and tightly coiled, reminiscent of Gevrey-Chambertin. It has fantastic fruit concentration, and with the structure and freshness to age wonderfully. This is quintessential Marsannay, and quintessential Clair.

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!

One of Gervey’s brilliant grands crus. It is often one that opens up fairly early on. The beautiful Dujac style here means it should enjoy a very long drinking window.

Malconsorts is considered by many as equal in quality, and certainly as in-demand, as most grands crus, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a finer example than Dujac’s.

Combettes sits on the border of Morey and Gevrey, surrounded on all sides by grands crus. There are many theories as to why this isn’t a grand cru itself, most of which centre on the political angle (a popular theory is although in Gevrey, it is shared amongst many growers from Morey, and the powers that be in Gevrey enjoyed snubbing it for grand cru status).

A true Morey grower, it's no surprise that the example here is a real benchmark.

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.

This wine from the Côte Chalonnaise is one of the bargains of Burgundy. It performs every year, and offers excellent value. The 2021 is so fragrant with attractive wild strawberry and rose petal aromas. On the palate, this is expressive, plum and berry-fruited, with ripe, silky tannins and a long, saline finish.

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 most exciting Hautes-Côtes de Nuits out there. It comes from a parcel in Concoeur-et-Courboin, on the hills just above Vosne. It has crunchy red fruit, and light and fragrant body, with fine but peppery tannins giving it agile length. Lovely energy and vibrancy.

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.

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.

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.

A negociant wine, this has a lovely tannic structure, alongside the generosity of the vintage.

So much more complex, long, and silky than a normal village wine, this shows Maxime's mastery of Pinot Noir, and his home village.

The family’s garden extends out into the Chaumes vineyard, in the centre of the village. Their terrace has a great view of it, which is where Maxime likes to open an older vintage or two when you visit. It might not be the most soughtafter Vosne Premier Cru, but in Maxime's hands it's remarkable.

This high altitude premier cru is astonishing in its energy, and ravishing in its silkiness in 2020. It's a very impressive wine indeed.

One of the most soughtafter wines in our range. Intense, structured, and incredibly pure, the finish goes on an age.

A Nuits that feels so much more Vosne in style. There's the generosity of the vintage, but also so much liveliness and vibrancy. Utterly beguiling.

Gevrey works really well with Maxime's style: this has lots of savoury structure and power, with the silkiness and plush fruit we've come to expect from Maxime.

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.

This comes from a parcel called Basses Mazières, just below Suchots.

Charles has two excellent parcels, of which one is just next to the château in the sweet spot of the Clos.

Les Murgers is one of the finest positioned vineyards in Nuits, in the heart of the hillside on the Vosne-Romanée side of the town.

High up the hill, on the limestone, this is one of Vosne’s most highly-regarded premiers crus, and always one of the highlights in Charles’s cellar.

A truly exceptional expression of Romanee-St-Vivant, that demonstrates why this vineyard, and this address, are both at Burgundy's pinnacle.

Clos de Vougeot might be a grand cru, but in the wrong hands it can be ungainly and heavy. In the hands of the Grivots, however, it is a finely woven, detailed and poised wine with beautiful power and length. Rose petal and violets perfume the nose, with a little tobacco spice and pepper on the palate spicing up the ripe red berry fruit. Sweetly tender, but also so powerful, with nicely detailed tannins. This has fantastic ageing potential.

Aux Lavières is tucked just beneath 1er Cru Aux Murgers, on the Vosne side of the appellation, and it’s quite a step up on your regular village cuvée. This 2021 shows elegance, energy and density. Excellent grip and saline length. This is delicious now, yet is sure to age wonderfully.

This is a brilliant 2021: pure, concentrated, and energetic. It has a beautiful nose of fresh rose petal, cherry and plum combining. An ample body, and smooth, supple tannins with just a little grip at the back. The depth of fruit and length of finish are equally impressive. Bravo.

This wine has earned a strong following for its superb quality, and will no doubt sell out quickly on release. It is a cuvee that Etienne is particularly proud of in 2021. It is sophisticated yet broody, with a lavish and sumptuous freshness, and a complex profile of rose petal, dried herbs, dark berries and smoke. The tannins are so silky and seductive. It finishes with a gorgeous length, lingering with aromatic beauty long after you have sipped it.

Unlike some Côteaux Bourguignons which are a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir, this is 100% Gamay, from a parcel of very old vines (60-70 years old) the Grivots inherited via the Jayers, one of whom was married to Etienne’s father. Wild red cherry with a slight gamey note on the nose. The palate is nicely balanced and focussed with lively acidity and plenty of juicy red berry fruit.

This is a blend of twelve different parcels across the village, resulting in a wonderfully complete and complex village wine. It has all the requisite fruit and attractive pinot aromas in place for a good Vosne, and such silky tannins, marking it out as one of the best this year.

This is perennially one of the most in-demand wines in Burgundy. It is truly grand cru in stature in 2021. Profound, so complex, with supreme and elegant length. Breathtaking.

This is always one of the prettiest in the Grivot cellar, and in 2021, a great year for Chambolle, it has the structure and concentration to age gracefully. There is a sweet balance between the tannins and fruit, with fresh acidity, great concentration and elegant body. Attractive and enticing.

Beaux Monts is always one of the most impressive wines from this cellar. It is a beautiful vineyard in Vosne, and one of Etienne’s personal favourites. Just five barrels were made of Beaux Monts, as opposed to 16 in 2022. It is vibrant and attractive, with beautifully constructed tannins. The length of the saline finish is impressive. It is a wine of tremendous finesse already, but also one that promises much more in the years to come.

This single vineyard Côtes de Nuits-Village wine is a firm Lay & Wheeler favourite. In 2021 it has an elegant frame, built around aromatic, ripe red cherry fruit. The palate has a straight and incisive mineral line, giving it wonderful freshness. This outplays many wines from grander communes every year, and 2021 is no exception.

Alix’s Echézeaux is a blend of three plots across the grand cru. It shows an incredible level of concentration, elegance and finesse in 2021, with kirsch, rose petal, spice, and black tea all vying for attention. The supple, fine-grained tannins give it magnificent structure.

In spite of appearances, Grands-Echézeaux is much smaller than Echézeaux, and its wines much rarer. It can often, in the right hands, hold the edge in terms of quality. In 2021, this is elegant and refined, with both red and black cherry aromas on the nose. A fine backbone of acidity is expertly balanced with supple, chalky tannins, beautiful fruit concentration and a mineral, fine and long, long finish.

Clos de Vougeot is a huge vineyard, so it matters where you’re placed. Jean-Marc Millot’s plot is in Grand Maupertui, which borders Grands-Echézeaux, often considered the finest part of the vineyard. This is an elegant, expertly balanced wine in 2021, with pomegranate, raspberry, floral notes and salty minerality. Fine and distinguished.

Les Suchots is a decent sized premier cru, and shared amongst many of the finest growers of its village. Yet it’s often Alix’s Suchots that steal the show, and 2021 is just such an example. Supple, pretty tannins, knit together in a complex format, and layered over with concentrated red plum and pomegranate fruit. Such balance and finesse, and a long, evolving finish. This is very, very good indeed.

This comes from two sites in Vosne, one bordering Suchots (Hautes Maizières) and the other Clos Vougeot (Les Violettes). It has a fresh, vibrant drive, with a smooth suppleness to the cherry fruit palate. Voluminous, mineral and sophisticated, and every inch of its prestigious communes.

This comes from two sites in Vosne, one bordering Suchots (Hautes Maizières) and the other Clos Vougeot (Les Violettes). It has a fresh, vibrant drive, with a smooth suppleness to the cherry fruit palate. Voluminous, mineral and sophisticated, and every inch of its prestigious communes.

A classical village wine from this on-the-rise domaine.

A classical village wine from this on-the-rise domaine.

This large seven hectare vineyard in the hills above Nuits-St-Georges has wonderful limestone soils, quite similar to those found on the hill of Corton, though with a much fresher climate, thanks to its elevation. The vines were planted in the 1970s and 1980s, and at full maturity are producing great concentration, and some interesting and complex layers in the wine. It is expressively concentrated, with linear acidity and some power behind the tannin to sustain a long, mineral finish.

This vineyard is a monopole of the estate which has been in the hands of the family since 1860. Where the Brûlées is firm and structured, Clos de Réas is more lithe, mineral and supple, with a sophisticated flavour palette of blood oranges, crushed raspberries, ripe damson and fresh rosemary. It is both luxurious and refined.

This premier cru neighbours Richebourg, and has a lot of limestone on the soil. This gives the wine pretty red fruit definition and drive on the palate. As ever, it is quite structured wine, with good stature promising ageing potential. But there is also Vosne’s classic velvet, silky power in the fruit, matched with some toasty oak.

If you are looking for good value in Vosne-Romanée, you’re on the right track here. It comes from three well-placed parcels, including Aux Réas which extends on from the premier cru, along with La Colombière, and Au Dessus de la Rivière. A more serious, slightly reductive nose makes way for beautiful spicy, black cherry concentration on the palate, silky tannins and a good, firm length.

This is a blend of 4 parcels across the northern sector of the commune, as it borders with Vosne-Romanée. It has concentrated, ripe, mineral dark fruit, and some lifted aromatics.

The Nuits Vieilles Vignes has temporarily lost its Aux Barrières component, replaced this year by the very well-situated Les Longecourts, which is just below Les St-Georges. A heady nose of griotte cherry, with excellent concentration and a deft balance.The wine feels so beautifully smooth, with a lovely deep core of sweet fruit. Classic Burgundy through and through.

This vineyard between Chambolle Musigny and Gilly-lès-Citeaux is one of the best parcels of Bourgogne in the Côte de Nuits. Neighbour Ghislaine Barthod’s Bourgogne Rouge is another exceptional example of this vineyard. Attractive red plum and cherry notes delight on the nose, along with a slightly reductive hint. The palate is fresh with a lovely mineral note and packed full of classic, refined red fruit and a long, fine finish. This wine’s purity and elegance is so attractive. Incredible value if you can get some.

This small monopole vineyard sits opposite the cellar, and it’s where the heart of the domaine lies. It’s amazing, but undeniable, that in a line up that contains some of Chambolle and Vosne’s finest sites, this was the highlight of the cellar. It is so complete and composed, with a sensationally long finish. Don’t miss this.

There can’t be many village parcels with a better position than this. Indeed, the bottom half of the vineyard is premier cru. The top half runs above Les Fuées and meets with Bonnes-Mares at its northern edge. This wine is full of red plum, damson and wild raspberry with a lovely pink peppercorn lift on the nose. 50% whole bunch is expertly judged. The palate is perfectly balanced, with focussed acidity balanced by a pure and concentrated fruit core. This is classical Pinot Noir at its best.

These vines are around 60 years old and come from four parcels, with which Maxime gives a very representative snapshot of the village. It has an attractive nose, with a subtle violet quality that opens slowly in the glass. The palate has concentrated red fruit length, and a particularly elegant, refined character. Utterly delicious.

These vines were planted in 1947, and the wine they have made in 2021 is wonderfully spicy and complex, with perfectly fine tannins. There is a marvellous energy within. Absolutely glorious and shows off just how well suited the terroir of Chambolle was to the 2021 vintage.

This vineyard is in the hills above Vosne, and enjoys a cooler microclimate thanks to its 437m elevation. There is a tiny bit of Pinot Blanc grown amongst Chardonnay here. The wine has a gorgeous lemon verbena zingy freshness, citrusy and lightly grassy, with a chalky palate.

This parcel sits in the mid-slope of the hill of Corton, and is one of its finest vineyards, noted for its elegance and finesse. This has intense floral and spicy notes as the new oak wraps around the wonderful fruit. Wonderfully complex and balanced.

This cuvee comes from 2 parcels in Vosne, half from Les Barreaux and the other half from Aux Communes. 50% new oak is used and the fruit is 100% destemmed. The nose gives off alluring toasty and silky dark cherry notes. On the palate this is elegant, expertly balanced with a long, fine finish. Delicious.

The 2021 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has a detailed, elegant bouquet of expressive wild strawberry, dark cherry and subtle rose petal aromas, Vosne-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, silky elegant tannin, rounded in the mouth, layers of lightly spiced dark cherry fruit merging with orange peel toward the harmonious and persistent finish. A very finely crafted Clos de Vougeot from Méo-Camuzet.

Fixin is a village just north of Gevrey-Chambertin, and is a source of increasingly interesting wines. They often display a dark, wild, brambly character. In this instance it is combined with the classic Méo silkiness.

2021 was a great year for Chambolle and this village cuvée is no exception. The nose is charming and packed with red and dark concentrated berry fruit. Elegant and refined on the palate, this is tender and soft with such silky fruit concentration. The finish is mineral and long. Superb.

Until the 2019 vintage this had been a blend of domaine and purchased fruit, and so was bottled under the négociant label, Méo-Camuzet Frères et Soeurs. From 2020 onwards it comes exclusively from domaine fruit and no new oak is used. It is refined, elegant, and red fruit scented, with great balance and energy, lovely acidity and a pure, fine length.

Nuits Boudots is the most northerly appellation of Nuits-St-Georges and neighbours on Vosne Malconsorts. Half of the vines in this parcel were planted in the early 1950's and the other half in the mid-1960's. In 2021, Boudots wafts from the glass with a classy bouquet of cassis, plums, cinnamon and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is deep and layered, with velvety tannins, a deep core of sapid fruit and lovely structural tension, concluding with a long and youthfully firm finish.

This 2 hectare vineyard lies just below La Tâche towards the centre of the village. In 2021, this has a pretty nose, brimming with dark cherry aromas. It has produced a deep and richly concentrated wine that is complemented by some glossy, toasty oak. Wonderfully long, refined finish.

The 2021 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers has an elegant, focused, precise bouquet that feels neatly integrated with the spicy new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannin that are expressive and attractive, delivering plenty of tension on the persistent, elegant finish. Delightful.

This is the pinnacle of the Ponsot cellar: their most famous and emblematic cuvée, and the one most demanding of time in the cellar. It comes from two parcels: the first is from the Monts Luisants part of the vineyard, which is home to both the oldest (some are over 80 years old) and youngest vines in the blend. The tannins of Monts Luisants are structural and firm, and will gain in tenderness with age. The rest comes from the original Clos de la Roche parcel in the heart of the hillside, which adds expressive fruit to the blend. Less dense on the palate, but with a lithe and silky fruit core, it brings a perfect balance to the finished wine. In all, the cuvée draws from 3.4 hectares, and is vinified in 5 separate tanks. They continue through their élévage as distinct parts, only blended towards the end before bottling.

This comes from the premier cru part of the Monts Luisants parcel. The domaine chooses not to use that name on the label to avoid confusion with their unusual and lauded Aligoté from there. The vines sit just above Clos de la Roche.

Not far from Petite Chapelle, this comes from an almost half a hectare parcel in the Les Epoitures lieu-dit. It was replanted in 2014, so this is the first vintage. Bright yet elegant, red cherry fruit and very fine lacy tannins.

This is a bright and lively, salty and fruity white from the cool, chalky-soiled village of Saint-Romain.

This can proudly lay claim as the only Premier Cru Aligoté in Burgundy. It’s an unusual wine that has gained a loyal following over the years, and deservedly so, not just for its niche appeal, but also for its superb quality, texture, and freshness. 30% of the blend comes from younger vines, whilst 70% is drawn from the vines planted in 1911. It offers up gorgeous acidity, lively fresh fruit flavours and silky flow in its youth. With age the wine can develop a complex curry/spiced orange character not unlike an old Chenin Blanc or Riesling. A remarkable wine.

This is the most flamboyant, exotically perfumed, and heady of the Ponsot white wines. It has a creamy, silken texture, and delicious greengage and orange blossom notes on the palate. It comes from two parcels, Languettes and Le Charlemagne.

This is a blend of three vineyards from the hill of Corton: 60% Les Paulands, 20% Les Perrières and 20% Clos du Roi. It has an enticing fruit profile that is both juicy and tight, with a defined and elegant finesse. Alexandre explained that he keeps the fermentation temperature a little lower than on the Clos de la Roche, wanting to retain the vibrant fresh red fruits.

This is the pinnacle of the Ponsot cellar: their most famous and emblematic cuvée, and the one most demanding of time in the cellar. It comes from two parcels: the first is from the Monts Luisants part of the vineyard, which is home to both the oldest (some are over 80 years old) and youngest vines in the blend. The tannins of Monts Luisants are structural and firm, and will gain in tenderness with age. The rest comes from the original Clos de la Roche parcel in the heart of the hillside, which adds expressive fruit to the blend. Less dense on the palate, but with a lithe and silky fruit core, it brings a perfect balance to the finished wine. In all, the cuvée draws from 3.4 hectares, and is vinified in 5 separate tanks. They continue through their élévage as distinct parts, only blended towards the end before bottling.

The Monts Luisants vineyard spans village, premier and grand cru (Clos de la Roche) in the commune of Morey-St-Denis. Cuvée des Grives comes from the highest part of the vineyard (around 350m), designated village level. Here, at the top of this hill, tucked just beneath the forest, is the coolest part of the vineyard, and the vines dig deep into the cool Comblanchian limestone.

This draws on a high proportion of young vines, and is one of the earlier drinking in the Ponsot cellar, though it will of course mature with interest if you choose to lay it down. It has a deep fruit core, and such a juicy expression, thanks to the domaine’s low yields and high ripeness levels.

This Chapelle is a highlight in the Ponsot cellar: bursting with red currants and cranberries, with a lively intensity and zippy energy. Light on its feet, but with lithe power and melting tannins. It is a lesson in classical Pinot nobility, unadorned by oak or winemaking overtones.

This Chapelle is a highlight in the Ponsot cellar: bursting with red currants and cranberries, with a lively intensity and zippy energy. Light on its feet, but with lithe power and melting tannins. It is a lesson in classical Pinot nobility, unadorned by oak or winemaking overtones.

This is the pinnacle of the Ponsot cellar: their most famous and emblematic cuvée, and the one most demanding of time in the cellar. It comes from two parcels: the first is from the Monts Luisants part of the vineyard, which is home to both the oldest (some are over 80 years old) and youngest vines in the blend. The tannins of Monts Luisants are structural and firm, and will gain in tenderness with age. The rest comes from the original Clos de la Roche parcel in the heart of the hillside, which adds expressive fruit to the blend. Less dense on the palate, but with a lithe and silky fruit core, it brings a perfect balance to the finished wine. In all, the cuvée draws from 3.4 hectares, and is vinified in 5 separate tanks. They continue through their élévage as distinct parts, only blended towards the end before bottling.

This is the only parcel the domaine bottles separately from the other Gevrey village parcels. That is thanks to its quite incredible situation, and the consistency of quality it delivers every year. It is sandwiched just between grands crus Charmes-Chambertin and Griotte-Chambertin. It’s almost unbelievable it’s only a village lieu-dit. The Rossignol-Trapet vines lie right alongside the Joseph Roty Charmes Vieilles Vignes parcel, but the soil is more like Griotte-Chambertin just to the north. There is just a hint of black fruit depth combined with the red fruit freshness, something reminiscent of cassis and cherries. The tannins are well-formed, offering structure and frame with a slight broodiness, but not imposing too heavily on the fruit. Very fine.

This is one of the most complete Gevrey village wines you will find: multiple parcels scattered around the village which are vinified in three parts. One part comes from the light stony soil at the bottom of the valley, giving a cool elegance; the second is a cluster of parcels in the middle of the village on clay soil, giving body and structure; the third is a group of parcels below the grands crus, giving a complexity and finesse. The vines are all aged between 45 and 85 years, and the concentration and complexity this wine delivers for the price is hard to beat. It is a joyful wine in 2021, with great fresh, wild berry energy and a long dry, mineral finish.

Rossignol-Trapet owns two very fine parcels of this formidable grand cru. The vines were mostly planted in the 1950s, with a small section of young vines planted in 2000, and another small section planted way back in 1919. This is such an attractive wine in 2021, with magnificent structural texture, and a sophisticated length. It builds and builds, and will age with the best. Perfectly judged.

The clay soils of this well-placed parcel produce a wine of depth and power. Like the Etelois, there is some black fruit mingled in with the red, and an expressive, aromatic depth. The tannins provide a little more grip than the village wines, and will demand a few more years in the cellar. There is a spicy accent to the wine, and a long, balanced, saline finish.

Cool air comes down the valley between Morey-St-Denis and Gevrey-Chambertin, meaning Latricières is a little slower to mature than the other Gevrey grands crus. In 2021 it is a highlight in the Rossignol-Trapet cellar. There is such tender, sweet red strawberry and plum fruit on the nose, with a delicate enticing palate. This is fresh and mineral, with a vibrant acidity and energy about it. Graceful tannins make it delicious to drink now, but with some age this will take on even more depth and weight.

This was the first parcel they converted to biodynamics in 1997, so this lovely vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin has now benefitted from over two decades of low-intervention farming. In 2021, it has wonderful, briar fruit and floral aromatics and it’s energetic and light on its feet, with a wonderfully long, mineral finish.

This is one of the handful of Côte de Beaune parcels the domaine inherited from their Rossignol roots in Volnay. Their vines sit at the very top of the cru, in the vineyard’s sweet spot between Aux Cras and Les Grèves. The red stony soil and sunny exposition here make a silky, sweet-scented style of wine. It’s a wine that is vibrant and inviting in its youth, with crunchy tannins, freshness, and a detailed, smooth length.

This is one of the best terroirs among Morey’s premiers crus, just below Clos de la Roche. Slightly smoky, with Morey wildness, this is once again one of the most impressive premiers crus we have.

Stéphane’s parcel of 65-year-old vines lie right in the heart of the old Clos, the original part of the appellation. It's everything great red Burgundy should be: understated, complex, and utterly beguiling.

This premier cru is one of Chambolle’s finest, and right on the border with Morey, just beneath Bonnes Mares. A quarter of the vines are extremely old, having been planted in 1902, with the rest between 1950 and 1980.

This is a blend of two parcels, Les Congées and Clos Solon, with an average vine age over 55 years. It's one of the finest expressions of this vineyard we know: breathtaking for a village wine.

This is the third vintage of this wine in 2021. The vineyards Sébastien took on are now farmed along organic lines. This is a blend of several parcels with vines aged between 10 and 70 years. It is floral, plummy, bright, mineral and charming.

This is the third vintage of this wine in 2021. The 2021 feels fresher and crunchier than the Chaumes with a zingy line of acidity running through the palate, finessed, precise red berry fruit and a long mineral finish.

A fresh, bright, and textured Aligoté from the Hautes-Côtes with a salty bite to the finish. Waxy lemon and pear aromas on the nose. This is the only white in the Cathiard range, and recent purchases mean it will grow in volume in the future.

This comes from five parcels in four different sites, and combined they make a spicy, fragrant, and incredibly long Vosne. In 2021, it abounds with red berries and the scent of peonies. There is great freshness and elegant power here, which will ensure this develops spectacularly over the years to come.

Delicate red fruit on the nose, elegant, fine-boned tanninas and some toasty warmth from a little new oak.

A new addition to the Cathiard cellar in 2021. This comes from 3 different parcels. It has plenty of rich fruit concentration laced with smoky, toasty notes.

This is the flagship wine of the estate, the one on which its considerable reputation has been built. Rich, ripe and spicy on the nose this has the depth, density and structure to evolve magnificently with time. Phenomenally complex, finessed and compelling.

This comes from a parcel between Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée, and contains 40% Gamay and 60% Pinot Noir. It is full of sweet spice and berry fruits with a lovely long finish

This premier cru has an enviable exposure, similar to Clos St Jacques in Gevrey. These 65 year old vines were planted by Sébastien’s great-grandfather when he was a tenant farmer. Fresh crunchy red fruit with some ripe acidity giving it lift and drive. Elegant and aromatic, with silky tannins and a long fine finish.

Suchots of one of the largest and most famous premiers crus in Vosne-Romanée, just below Les Beaux-Monts and Aux Brûlées, with Echezeaux to its north, and Romanée-Saint-Vivant to its south. It makes a structured and spicy wine, with powerful length and wonderful balance.

One of three new additions to the Cathiard cellar in 2019, along with two Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. This comes from a single parcel in Gevrey, Champ Franc. Spicy, floral, saline and sophisticated in 2021.

Aux Murgers is close to the border with Vosne, and has some of that appellation’s signature elegance. Half the vines are over 70 years old, the other half 50+. It produces one of the most sumptuous and satin-like expressions of Nuits-St-Georges. Full-bodied, spicy, structured and beautifully voluminous.

The Reignots vineyard sits on the steep incline of the hill as it rises up just above La Romanée. It has very thin, poor topsoil, and the 2021 is concentrated, with plummy, cherry fruit refreshed by chalky tannins and a touch of spice on the finish.

Half of En Orveaux is included within Echezeaux grand cru. This comes from the upper half of the lieu-dit as the slope rises up, classified as premier cru. The views from here are spectacular. It produces a wine with the intense freshness of crushed red berries. A layered and complex palate will reward the patient.

A well-placed village parcel sits right in the middle of the appellation beneath premier cru Les Charmes and produces a complex, seductive, refined, and layered Chambolle, with particularly smooth and silky tannins. Such a long and saline finish, this is delicious!

The grandest wine in the cellar, and also the one made in the smallest volumes. The power and complexity of the fruit matched with the new oak is phenomenal. Amazingly long.

Most of the fruit comes from the Côte de Nuits, with the majority from around Nuits itself, with the balance from the Côte de Beaune. The fruit is the star of the show here - strawberries, raspberries, red plum. It is a fresh and crunchy style of bourgogne, with enough bite to give it a vibrant length. It should drink well from a young age. And it’s an absolute bargain.

This is a balanced and refined Savigny, with a long, plummy, spicy finish. It has 20% whole bunch, helping draw out the tannins in a more gentle expression, which works well here. Perfumed with plum, red cherry and rose petal, with a delicious freshness. Fantastic.

Tuvilains is a lovely vineyard on the Pommard side of the town. Scented with rhubarb and raspberries, with a lot of structure on the palate. There is 20% whole bunch here, and some support from new oak. In 2021, it is spicy, red fruited and light bodied, with a refreshing crunchiness to the tannins.

This parcel actually used to be classified as a village parcel, and winemaker Mark seems particularly fond of it. It is really elegant and refined in 2021, with a hint of Gevrey’s density and spice. There’s a delicious hint of blood orange on the palate giving this a lift, there’s fine grained tannins and a long and pure, fruity finish. It’s one of the best Bourgogne Rouges you’ll find.

This Mazis is sumptuously perfumed with exotic red and black fruit. The palate is effortlessly refined, and has class and finesse in spades. Superbly structured with so much depth and complexity. It is drawn from three parcels, one of which is over 75 years old. The fruit from these very old vines goes in as whole bunch (accounting for around 10%), whilst the rest is destemmed. It is again the high point of the Tawse cellar in 2021, and may well be amongst the wines of the vintage.

This is a very special village lieu-dit. It is sandwiched between two grands crus: Charmes-Chambertin and Griotte-Chambertin. Most people who own vines here bottle it separately, as its character is of such high quality, it approaches premier cru complexity. This has Gevrey’s classical sour cherry density, and a sweet hint of dark cherry fruit on the palate. The fruit was entirely destemmed for this cuvée, and the body of the wine is juicy and fresh. Excellent.

This comes from seven parcels around the village, including La Justice, Forneaux, and Clos Prieur Bas. It is so precise and lengthy, with a lively, spicy, cherry red fruit that seems to go far beyond what a village usually delivers. It’s one of Mark’s favourites in the cellar, and we can see why. A small (25%), well-judged amount of whole bunch adds just a hint of lift. This is fantastic in 2021.

With only 2 barrels made in 2021, this is a floral, more opulent expression of Frémiets. It’s quite a warm site, and needs to be picked early to capture freshness, which fortunately, they have, and its excellent acidity serves it well, meaning this should have a long drinking window.

This is drawn from a couple of parcels on the south side of the commune towards Fixin and Gevrey-Chambertin. In 2021, it has a ripe fruit profile, with red plum and wild strawberry, and some spicy, supple tannins giving it an elegant and fine edge. It has body and impact and is deliciously long with a saline finish.

This comes from two plots: Les Treux and Rouges du Bas. The tiny volume (1 barrel) has a luxuriously toasty feel, with light spicy notes, and a sumptuous length on the palate. Elegant, intense and enticing.

Alluring and seductive dark cherry aromas on the nose. This is powerful and driven, packed full of red and dark fruit concentration, with the brawny swagger of the Clos de la Roche vineyard, and the suave handling of the Marchand-Tawse cellar combined. This is one for the long haul.

This cuvée is the main reason we started buying the wines from Marchand-Tawse. It is a winner every year. 30% whole bunch gives it a translucent purity, and the wine displays an elegant and delicious ripe 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. What a pity it is made in such tiny quantities.

This remote east-facing vineyard sits at an elevation of 400m. Mark explained 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, and fruit ripens slowly. It was harvested last in 2021, with 30% whole bunch fruit used. The result is a delicate, refined plummy nose with an attractive floral note. This is classic Pinot and the floral, sweet spice and damson notes running through the palate make this deliciously approachable now. There is enough fruit concentration and length to ensure this will only improve with time.

The Mazoyères is made with 70% whole bunch and shows Mark’s confidence with the style working well. It is refined and aromatic with a juicy, sweet spice nose. The energy on the palate is dazzling and there is great balance between purity and depth of the red fruit on the palate, an uplifting freshness and the longest of spicy finishes. This is a very fine, jolly wine.

Packed full of red fruit character, with structured tannins that are typical of Gevrey. Herbal, savoury notes run through on the palate with a long, saline finish. Quite Nebbiolo in character and quite delicious.

These vines were planted in 1927, and lie just under Echézeaux and next to Clos de Vougeot and a stone’s throw from Suchots, which all in all is pretty unbelievable positioning for a village parcel. In 2021, 100% whole bunch was used, giving a delicious lift to the fruit. There is great depth and layering to the smoky, plum and damson fruit, topped off with a wonderful blackcurrant drive. The tannins are present but not astringent, giving it a muscular dimension. Very well made indeed.

Floral with a great energy on the nose. The energy follows through to the palate, with a lively core of acidity running through this wine. There is great depth to the fruit and a crunchy grip to the tannins which should see this wine age with grace.

Serious and brooding. Lovely density, and nice mineral texture. Has those grippy Clos tannins, but they’re refined and well rendered. This is elegant and finessed, but doesn’t lose its Clos Vougeot Character. Very long and fine.

Lovely nose of fragrant wild red fruit and rose petal, then velvety and rich with cherry, plum and wild berry fruit flavours. Fresh and complex with lots of depth. Great energy and concentration in the finish.

This was a high point to finish on with Nicolas. It was elegant, smoky, savoury, and spicy with such intense density, power and concentration in the fruit. It is full-bodied with a great acidity and voluminous tannins. A cut-above.

Lavaux St Jacques is a lovely vineyard on the Combe de Lavaux which enjoys the cooling influence of the cold air drawn down the valley. Beautifully pure, fresh fruit on the nose. Powerful structure yet elegant with ripe, silky tannins. Long and finessed on the finish. Delicious.

Clos de l'Arlot is the historic flagship monopole vineyard of the domaine, and Lay & Wheeler is delighted to have an allocation for the first time in 2021. It is efined and delicate, with classic and pure Pinot red fruit, supple tannins, and a long elegant finish.

The domaine purchased this plot of Vosne premier cru in the 1990s, and since then has been making this superb cuvée. An elegant bouquet of ripe wild strawberry and plum notes announce this Suchots arrival. The palate is agile and fresh, with silky, supple tannins. It has a long, fine mineral finish. Impressive.

This monopole vineyard spans over seven hectares of limestone hillside, accounting for almost half the domaine’s production. It has elegant and enticing red fruit on the nose, ripe though not rich. The tannins in this wine are supple and soft. This has astonishing depth, alongside haunting purity on the palate, a melange of wild strawberries, cherries, red plum with a finish that goes on forever. Such perfect balance in this fine, fine wine.

This is one of few prestigious whites of the Côte de Nuits, and comes from one of the estate’s two monopole vineyards. Clos de l’Arlot is the steep, walled, amphitheatre vineyard just next to the cellars. In 2021, the Clos de l’Arlot Blanc is miniscule in quantity, even with the fact that the young vines that formerly made La Gerbotte will now go fully into this famous cuvée. Just 2,500 bottles will be made, rather than the usual 8,000. The 2021 displays a beautiful concentration of fruit - lemon, pear and freshly cut melon. It is precise and elegant with a refreshing salinity on the finish and great energy.

First appearing in 2015, this cuvée is made from the young(er) vines of the Clos de l’Arlot that had once been labelled ‘Petit Arlot’. It consistently proves its worth as a separate bottling with every new vintage. In 2021, it is refined and delicate, with classic and pure Pinot red fruit, pretty little tannins, and a long elegant finish. Everything is in perfect balance.

Like the Suchots, this was another clever purchase that the domaine made in the 1990s, and marks a high point in the cellar. There is a serious amount of wine here, ably supported by some generous oak that will integrate within a few years. This is a grand cru to be reckoned with. Such density! It has a luxuriously amplified volume and concentration. So effortless and elegant - beautiful

A gorgeous garnet colour. Delicate aromas of soft summer fruit, strawberry, cherry and a subtle floral note combine. The palate is full of finesse and balance with fine-grained tannins leading to a long, persistent finish.

This comes from 0.7 hectares of premiers crus across the village: La Riotte, Les Sorbès, and Le Village. The new style of vinification has drawn out the finest qualities of the fruit here: tight red berries, but with a fine silky texture to the tannins, and an elegant thread of acidity.

In his third vintage here, Jacques Devauge has made a Clos de Lambrays for the ages. It has depth, dimension, texture, light and shade. Its many layers build in the palate. Jacques has achieved this nuanced character through vinifying each parcel separately. This is the work of a master crafter.

Maxime is always on the lookout for new opportunities, so it's no surprise he looked to the Hautes-Cotes. This is an impressive example, with plush fruit and lots of energy.