Bachelet, Jean-Claude 2017 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Champlots

Billaud, Samuel 2017 Chablis

This is a classically styled, elegant Chablis from a blend of three parcels;  one by Chapelots, one in La Pargue, and one in front of Vaillons from 80-year old vines. 100% Chardonnay fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Brocard, Julien 2017 Chablis 1er cru Vaudevey

Brocard, Julien 2017 Chablis Grand Cru Preuses

Brocard, Julien 2018 Chablis La Boissonneuse

From 30 year-old biodynamically farmed vines.Fermented with native yeasts, aged in foudre.

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

Chantal Lescure 2017 Cote-de-Beaune Clos de Topes Bizot Blanc

From vines high on the slope in Beaune just above the 1er Cru L'Ecu, facing east, in a terroir of clay and pebbles over limestone. Harvested by hand into small crates, slow fermentation (4 to 8 months) with wild yeasts, 15 month élevage in barrel, 10% new. The 2017 Clos de Topes Bizot is an elegant white Burgundy, reminding me of a good Pernand-Vergelesses, showing lime-flower, pear, herbal, almond and high-toned citrus aromas with a hint of oak. The palate is dense and very mineral with wet stone, white fruit, herbal and citrus flavors with crystalline purity and terrific length. This is a a real Burgundy of terroir at a very reasonable price! David Lillie

De Montille (Maison) 2016 Bourgogne Blanc

De Villaine, A.et P. 2017 Bouzeron Aligoté

De Villaine, A.P. 2014 Bouzeron Aligoté

A bright and briny Bouzeron from  Aubert de Villaine displays the chalky, ground oyster shell nerviness of the Aligoté grape. The 2014 offers aromas of sea breeze, Meyer lemon peel, lemon verbena, and white fruits on the nose. Citrus fruit and saline character mark the racy, brisk palate with a long chalky lifted finish. Enjoy with fresh goat cheeses, or a platter of raw oysters. John McIlwain

Fery, Jean 2017 Savigny-les-Beaunes Ez Connardises Blanc VV

Fichet 2017 Auxey-Duresses Blanc

The 2017 Auxey-Duresses Blanc displays a cool-toned nose with aromas of Meyer lemon, white flowers, crushed herbs, and white peach skin. The palate is juicy, supple, and sapid with ripe stone fruit flavors buoyed by a fine bead of chalky minerality on a long, energetic, and detailed finish. Generous, bright, and delicious now, this should really shine with a few years in the cellar. John McIlwain

Fichet 2017 Rully Blanc

Guillemot-Michel 2017 Viré-Clessé Charleston

First produced in 2016, this cuvée is made from 100 year-old vines planted by Pierrette's grandfather after the First World War. In his honor, we wanted to vinify these vines that he planted as he made it himself, in old demi-muids (600 liter barrels). "Charleston" is thus fermented and aged for one year in a 10 year-old demi-muid. After the next harvest the wine is transfered to a cement vat for 6 additional months of aging.

Guillot, Julien (Vignes du Maynes) 2016 Macon Chardonnay Clos Fourneau

A new wine from Julien Guillot at the Clos des Vignes du Maynes, the 2016 Macon "Clos Fourneau" is 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Gris. The wine shows floral, honeyed aromas of pear, white peach and candied citrus. Ripe stone fruits on the palate are wrapped in bright citrusy acids with chalky mineral flavors that continue in the finish with  lemon and stone. Try this with melon and prosciutto or a full flavored fish such as halibut or monkfish. This will improve with a long decant or three to five years in the cellar.

Jacqueson, Paul et Marie 2018 Rully Blanc

Jacqueson, Paul et Marie 2018 Rully Blanc 1er Cru Grésigny

Lafouge 2016 Auxey-Duresses Les Boutonniers

"Les Boutonniers" is contiguous with Meursault "Meix Chavaux" on shallow soils of clay, high in iron, over the limestone bedrock, usually giving a somewhat lean and very "mineral" white Burgundy, but still with a bit more fat and fruit expression than the Lafouge  "Les Hautés."  The 2016 shows very floral aromas with pear, citrus and stone. The palate is crystalline, supple and dense, with nice weight on the palate, with pretty white fruits leading to a long finish with citrus peel, spice and mineral flavors. This is a lovely, very refreshing Burgundy to enjoy with grilled fish, roast chicken and goat cheeses. It's delicious now and will cellar nicely for eight to ten years. DL

Lafouge 2016 Meursault Les Meix Chavaux

Les Meix Chavaux is located beneath Les Luchets and adjacent to Les Chevalières. Lafouge's vines are 80 years old, planted in calcareous clay producing Meursault with  textbook richness and minerality. "The bouquet is lovely, offering up a deep and youthful blend of pear, apple, hazelnut, a fine base of soil and a touch of lime peel in the upper register. On the palate, the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and complex, with a fine core and very nice focus and grip on the long easy-going finish." John Gilman  "The View from the Cellar."

Lamy, Hubert 2016 Bourgogne Blanc Chataigners

Lamy, Hubert 2016 St Aubin 1er Cru Clos de la Chateniere

Leflaive 2017 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

Lignier, Hubert 2016 St. Romain Blanc

Moreau, Bernard 2017 St. Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly

Moreau-Naudet 2017 Petit Chablis

Morey, Pierre 2016 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Morey, Pierre 2016 Bourgogne Aligoté

Morey, Pierre 2017 Bourgogne Blanc

From multiple parcels in limestone clay soils (Les Millerands, En Monatine, Les Herbeux, Les Malpoiriers, per the importer). Biodynamically farmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts. There's a bit of reduction on opening—a splash decant helps it blow off, revealing a perfumed nose with aromas of honeysuckle, lemon blossom, citrus peel, ripe pear, and spice. The palate is bright and racy with notes of lemon curd, green apple, and wet stone. There’s a fine bit of the electricity, vibrancy, and precision of the 2016 vintage present and plenty of charm to this snappy Bourgogne. John McIlwain

Morey-Blanc 2017 St. Aubin 1er Cru

Rateau 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Coucherias

Beaune 1er Cru "Les Coucherias" is high on the slope on the site of an old quarry and much of the sub-soil is limestone tailings, permitting root penetration and drainage, with a topsoil of mixed clay and limestone "marnes blanches." In biodynamic agriculture since 1979, the vineyard is a south-facing semi-circle—a very warm spot. The 2017 has a pale green gold robe. The nose offers an array of stone fruit and citrus peel aromas with a hint of mineral spice. The mid-weight, punchy palate shows a melange of stone fruit and green apple flavors with a pungent sense of minerality driving the long, concentrated finish. There's plenty going on here with ripe fruit and floral overtones vying with an overt stoniness for attention. Just cracking with a wild mushroom risotto, and a natural match for chicken, roasted cod, or even blanquette de veau. Give a quick decant now or better still in 2-3 years and beyond. John McIlwain

Rateau 2018 Cote de Beaune La Grande Chatelaine

About a kilometer or two northwest of the Beaune 1er Crus, La Grande Chatelaine is a cooler site with soils comprised of clay over limestone. Stone fruit and pear skin, white flowers and wet stone on the nose. Bright and fresh aromatically. The mid-weight palate is racy (especially given the vintage) and rainwater fresh with orchard fruit and lemon oil flavors, dancing astride sapid herbal notes with a clinging stoniness on the long, mouthwatering, expansive finish. Delicious with mezze maniche and sautéed fresh white corn, spring onions and grape tomatoes. And I can see this pairing beautifully with grilled sea bass or pan-roasted scallops. This is lovely vibrant Chardonnay with a sense of place and worthy of a look, though I’d drink in the mid-term while the fruit is singing, say until 2025. John McIlwain

Thenard 2007 Montrachet Grand Cru Le Montrachet 1.5 L

VigneEnVie (Texier) 2018 Vin de France Calico (No SO2)

Bize, Simon 2016 Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru Marconnets

Bize, Simon 2017 Savigny les Beaunes

Bize, Simon 2017 Savigny les Beaunes Aux Fourneaux 1er Cru

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Corton Grand Cru Les Bressandes

From 1.12 hectares spread across four parcels situated mid-slope above Les Maréchaudes with vines averaging 35 years. Deep limestone clay soils give classic Corton density and structure to the wines from the climat. The 2017 has a dark ruby robe and fine aromas of violets, wild strawberry, and raspberry with bosky notes of underbrush and freshly-turned earth and a bit of the classic Corton spice. The dense but expressive palate offers a mélange of ripe forest fruits, sour cherry, wild blackberry, blood orange peel, mustard seed and forest floor on a deeply mineral and coiled mid-palate with pungent soil notes driving a long, tangy, vibrant finish with a bit of the peacock's tail. Though young, this is displaying nascent complexity and bodes well for long aging.  When the elements knit, this should be sensational and drink beautifully for the better part of two decades. John McIlwain *Pre-arrival, wine arrives 5/28*

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Corton Grand Cru Les Maréchaudes

From a .4 hectare plot, located beneath Corton Bressandes. Ferruginous clay over limestone. Les Maréchaudes was planted between 1974 and 1979 and plowed by horse. Typically the most precocious of the red Corton grand crus at Chandon de Brialles, Les Maréchaudes can be enjoyed after just a few years in bottle, though it will improve over 12-15 years and beyond. The 2017 has a lovely nose offering aromas of crushed strawberry, red plum, black currant, and game. The palate shows a sweet ripeness and expressiveness with pretty flavors of stone fruit, wild raspberry, mustard seed, underlain with a tactile sense of earthiness and Corton spice. The supple fine-grained tannins lend a sense of gravitas and well-integrated acidity offers lift and brightness to the long, lingering finish. A buoyant and vibrant Maréchaudes! John McIlwain *Pre-arrival, wines arrive 5/28*

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Lavières

From 50-year-old vines located mid-slope. 50% whole cluster. The shallow soils overlay flat limestone rocks, giving way to clay subsoils.  The 2017 has a deep ruby robe. The nose is redolent of violets, hedge fruits and spice. The mid-weight palate shows good ripeness and punch with juicy blackberry and cassis flavors and sauvage notes with a pungently mineral—verging on salty—core, finishing with a burst of spice on the long, detailed, lip-smacking finish. This is earthy, though by no means rustic and shows great flair. There is sneaky structure and while this is delicious now, this will benefit from 5-8 years in the cellar. John McIlwain

Chantal Lescure 2006 Pommard 1er Cru Vaumauriens

Chantal Lescure 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Chouacheux

From a 1.5 hectare parcel of 50+ year-old massale selection vines on clay/limestone soils rich in iron, in this excellent 1er cru vineyard at the foot of the slope in Beaune. The 2017 Chouacheux shows very floral aromas of ripe black cherry and plum, with hints of brown spice, citrus zest and earth. There is nicely sappy, chalky fruit on the palate - black cherry, plum, red currant - backed by firm acidity and the ever-present core of minerality found in the Chantal Lescure wines. Decant or open well in advance if drinking now, this beautiful Chouacheux should be best 2024 - 2034.  David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2017 Pommard 1er Cru Les Bertins

From organically farmed vines in Les Bertins in the southern part of Pommard, close to Volnay. Les Bertins has a greater amount of limestone than other Pommard premier crus, and the wines are sometimes a bit lighter and more "Volnay-like" in character. This shows the classic boldness of Pommard and the balanced ripeness of the 2017 vintage with aromas of wild rose, forest air, cherry liqueur and spice. The medium weight palate is dense with cooling minerality and mouth coating, silky tannins framed with sour red cherry and macerated raspberry, finishing with long, delicate notes of spice, rose hips, and black tea leaf. After about two hours open the nose has developed quite a bit: the fruit is lifted and elegant, but complemented by a savory, almost meaty, earthiness and delicate notes of spice. I think that this is a pleasure to drink now and to observe its evolution over a long evening, but it should truly shine in 7 years or more.  Ben Fletcher

Chantal Lescure 2017 Pommard Les Vignots

From south-facing vines situated on the right hill of Pommard, on the Beaune side, in a terroir of clay-marl. These 35 year-old vines grow in high elevation, about 330 meters above sea-level. The grapes are hand harvested and undergo a long fermentation in stainless steel tanks, punched-down and vatted for 18-25 days. The wine ages in a cold cellar on lees in barrels, 30% of which are new. The 2017 shows a deep red/garnet color and complex aromas of ripe strawberry, and black raspberry with earth and spice notes. The palate is round, earthy and nicely textured with deep black raspberry, plum and black cherry liqueur, ripe and round and balanced with earthy minerality. The finish is long and sappy, with firm acidity. This is soft enough to drink well young but will come together nicely with a few years in the cellar. Lovely wine!  David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2017 Volnay (March 2nd)

The Chantal Lescure Volnay is from 50+ year-old vines on sandy clay soils over limestone. Fermentation is with wild yeasts in cuve inox followed by 18 months in barrel, approximately 30% new, bottled without fining or filtration.The wine shows a deep red/garnet color with black cherry, blackberry and red currant aromas, quite floral and elegant with complex hints of earth,  brown spice and tea. With aeration, the palate shows a velvety, chalky texture backed by firm acidity with complex black fruits, mint, bitter chocolate and earth that continue in the long, sappy finish. This is a lovely "village" Volnay that is delicious, if a bit intense in its youth - decant if drinking now, this will really sing in three to five years and until 2030+. David Lillie

Chevrot 2017 Bourgogne Rouge

Chevrot 2017 Maranges 1er Cru Le Croix Moines Rouge

Comte Armand 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux

In the decidedly difficult 2016 Comte Armand's Clos des Epeneaux is a lovely wine in the making, though with a more lifted and energetic character, rather than a stern one. The nose offers aromas of black and red cherries, with cool herbal aromas and hints of oak and spice. The midweight palate is supple, rather than sinewy with loads of black and red fruits, savory earth notes and a cool, yet pungent sense of minerality on a  deceptively long finish. John McIlwain

D'Angerville 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds

D'Angerville 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Fremiets

De Montille 2015 Pommard 1er Cru Pèzerolles 1.5L

From 1.35 hectares of organically-farmed vines. The 2015 vintage is 50% whole cluster fermentation aged in 30% new barrels. Pèzerolles is always one of the silkier and suppler expressions of Pommard, with a fine core of stoniness within. In 2015 De Montille has released a beautiful example. The nose is exuberantly perfumed with intriguing aromas of violets, tea roses, and crunchy red berry fruit. The palate is bright and suffused with ripe red and black fruit flavors, notes of black tea, and spices with a discreet framing of some new oak. The vibrant fruit seems to dance over a deeply mineral core that integrates with time in the glass and culminates in a long, succulent, fresh finish. There's none of the roasted character of some of the 2015s, and this is deeply satisfying in its poise, energy, and balance. Bravo! John McIlwain

De Montille 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens-Bas 1.5L

If ever there was an argument for the elevation of Pommard 1er cru Rugiens to grand cru status, de Montille's Rugiens-Bas certainly makes a convincing case. The 2016 is 40% whole cluster with aging in 1/3 new oak. The robe is a dark ruby, nearing purple. Aromatically, this offers a kaleidoscopic array of dark flowers, black fruits, and deeply earthy scents with more seemingly in reserve. The palate is intensely flavored with plummy fruit, good mid-palate density, firm tannins and a firm core on ferrous minerality on a concentrated, long finish. This is offering good nascent complexity, though the impression is of a Rugiens that is coiled and will need time to reveal its potential. Given the better part of a decade in the cellar, this should be sensational as the magnificent fruit integrates with the significant structure and drink beautifully for another 10-15 years and beyond. John McIlwain

De Montille 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds

From a 1.51 ha parcel in the rocky soils of Taillepieds. Biodynamically farmed 100% whole cluster. Aged in 30% new oak barrels. The de Montille 2016 Volnay Taillepieds is one of the highlights in a vintage full of effusively floral and vibrantly precise Burgundies. The wine has a pale ruby robe. The nose is exuberantly scented with sweet aromas of wild roses, cherry blossom, and perfectly ripe wild cherry. The palate is incisively stony with the breathtakingly pure red fruits framed with mouthwatering acidity and a sapid mineral core. The rising finish is impressively persistent and offers that classic peacock's tail of after-aromas and flavors. The impression is one of energy and lift rather than density or mass, though this has the balance to age effortlessly. An exceptional Taillepieds and a perfect expression of the virtues of the excellent, if difficult vintage! Bravo to Etienne de Montille! John McIlwain

Des Croix 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes

Des Croix 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Cents Vignes

Faiveley 2016 Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru

Ripe, perfumed, and dark-fruited on the nose with a mélange of floral and spice notes and a discreet touch of oak, the 2016 Clos des Cortons has a sensational sense of brightness and complexity. The palate offers a dramatic combination of pure fruit, supple tannins, and vigorous minerality on a layered, harmonious, classy finish. This is lovely and should age effortlessly. Beautiful Corton, indeed. John McIlwain

Germain, Henri 2017 Beaune 1er cru Bressandes

Germain, Henri 2017 Chassagne Montrachet Rouge

Germain, Henri 2017 Meursault Rouge Clos des Mouches Monopole

Lamy, Hubert 2016 St Aubin 1er Cru Derriere Chez Edouard, Rouge

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Pommard En Brescul

Moreau, Bernard 2017 Chassagne Montrachet Rouge Vieilles Vignes

Morey, Pierre 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

From 48-year-old biodynamically-farmed vines from the lieu-dit Les Pétures. The grapes are destemmed and fermented with native yeasts. The 2016 has a dark ruby robe. A mélange of red and black fruits, sous-bois, and freshly-turned earth on the nose with a faint hint of spice. The mid-weight and supple palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate, and game flavors, underlain with a deeply mineral core and a long mouthwatering, moderately tannic, expansive finish.  This is beautiful Santenots and should age effortlessly as the elements integrate. Every year this is one of my favorite Santenots and a sure bet for cellaring. John McIlwain

Morey-Blanc 2017 Aloxe Corton 1er Cru Clos du Chapitre

Rateau 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes

Jean-Claude Rateau has a large parcel in the 1er Cru Les Bressandes on a steep slope facing east with pebbly clay/limestone soils*, conducted in biodynamic farming since 1979. The soil is warm and well-drained giving ripe, structured wines. There is a 21-day cuvaison with manual cap-punching followed by 18 months in old barrels.Even with the minimal extraction practiced at the estate, the 2017 Bressandes shows a dense red/black color and aromas of black cherry and ripe strawberry, quite deep with sous-bois, violet, graphite and citrus. The palate is dense and chalky with blackberry, earth, cocoa and minerals with terrific length of red currant, earth and juicy acidity.  This is a beautiful wine that will give great pleasure in its youth - it's a bit softer than the 2016 -  and should be a superb mature wine as well, perhaps until 2035 and beyond.  David Lillie   *("A formation rare in Burgundy 'la grèze lithée.' An ancient limestone cliff dominated the slope in the distant past, which eroded leaving debris of small pepples which covered the slope at this spot from top to bottom - leaving a steep slope facing east with a soil rich in pepples, deep, warm and dry, where the vines roots penetrate deeply."

Rateau 2018 Beaune Les Beaux et Bons

Jean-Claude says this wine, sourced from lieux-dits Beaux Fougets (clay soils) and Bons Feuvres (iron-rich soils) on the Pommard side of Beaune, always shows aromas of "cerises noires" (black cherries).  The 2018 has a dark ruby, verging on purple robe. The ripe, lush nose offers plummy dark fruit aromas with notes of violet, cassis, and spice box. The palate also tends towards black fruits (there's that black cherry!), savory herbal notes, and a brooding earthiness beneath the ripe, exuberant fruit. There’s a lot to sort out here, but this has nice flair and concentration - give this a bit of aeration and it will be a very satisfying bottle with coq au vin or perhaps braised duck legs. John McIlwain

Rossignol, Nicholas 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets

Rougeot, Pierre-Henri 2016 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain Rosé "Une Table pour Deux"

Passetoutgrain rosé? Not something we see everyday. And this one is a cracker. Racy minerality, bright acidity, and vivid fruit. The nose combines fresh raspberry, sour cherry, and crushed herbs, while the medium-bodied palate features lush, savory minerality, and a lively spicy  finish. Broad enough to enjoy with pan-roasted salmon or chicken paillard, with wild mushrooms, or aged goats cheeses. John McIlwain

Rouges-Queues 2017 Santenay

From 3 parcels of old vines in clay and limestone soils of the Les Saunières lieu-dit beneath Clos Rousseau. The 2017 Santenay has a dark ruby robe and is densely aromatic, with scents of violets, black fruits, black tea, and game. The rich palate is deep and layered offering flavors of blackberry, plum, five-spice, with an underlying mineral character featuring notes loamy earth. This is a generous Santenay with ripe pure fruit flavors underlain by sneaky structure.If drinking now decant or hold for 7-10 years. John McIlwain

Amiot, P 2017 Morey St Denis 1er Cru Ruchots

Arnoux Lachaux 2014 Latricières Chambertin Grand Cru (Arrives 2/10)

Arnoux Lachaux 2016 Vosne-Romanée

Arnoux-Lachaux 2017 Nuits St. Georges Les Poisets

From 60-year-old vines located beneath the Les Cailles premier cru. The soils are limestone marls. Fermented 100% whole cluster, 15% new oak. 

Arnoux-Lachaux 2017 Vosne-Romanée

The 2017 Vosne-Romanée is comprised from a trio of parcels in the heart of the village averaging 50 years old. 80% whole cluster, 10% new oak. Beautiful Vosne spice and lushly aromatic on the nose. Red plum, violets, rose petals, red cherry, hibiscus! The palate is supple and concentrated, with plummy red and black fruits, fine sap, and ripe, serious tannins balanced by a sapid mineral core. This is lovely and should age effortlessly in the midterm. A lovely Vosne villages and well worth a look. John McIlwain

Audoin, Charles 2018 Bourgogne rouge

Audoin, Charles 2018 Marsannay Rosé

Bachelet 2013 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

Bachelet, Denis 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

From 60-70-year-old vines spread across multiple lieux-dits. 100% destemmed, fermented with indigenous yeasts, 20% new oak. Perhaps the most elegant and knit of the Gevrey-Villages. This is at least premier cru quality every vintage and ages effortlessly into deeply satisfying wine. Truly benchmark for the village and a smart choice for cellaring every year. John Mcilwain

Berthaut-Gerbet 2017 Fixin Les Clos

Burguet, Alain 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux

From 32-year-old vines on shallow stony soils. Champeaux is one of the brightest and most vibrant of the Gervrey 1ers. Burguet's is easily one of my favorites. Bright red fruits and violets dominate the nose, the palate is cool, refined, and has great concentration, exhibiting a finely mineral finish. (Verging on cerebral were it not for the prettiness of the fruit.) John McIlwain

Cathiard, Sylvain 2014 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey

Cathiard, Sylvain 2016 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey

Cathiard, Sylvain 2016 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Murgers

Chantal Lescure 2016 Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots

Nestled in between Richebourg and Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Echezeaux, Les Suchots is a premier cru break in the line of grands cru that runs from La Tache to Mazis-Chambertin, this is likely due to the small dip in the hillside that makes the climat cooler. But what a premier cru! The 2016 from Chantal Lescure is begulingly perfumed with aromas of tea roses, exotic spice, wild cherry, and a cool herbal topnote. The palate is lithe and racy with lovely flavors of red fruits and a game, with more of that Vosne spice and a fine grained structure that balances the lush fruit with bright acidity and framing tannins. This is delicious with a quick decanting, but should really shine with a few years in bottle. Gorgeous Suchots and attractively priced (relative to its neighbors). John McIlwain

Chantal Lescure 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Les Mombies

The lieu-dit "Les Mombies" is situated downslope by the road with limestone clay soils. The 2017 Les Mombies is aromatically reticent on opening with notes of black tea, hedge fruits, and soil. With air it becomes more expressive with blackberry, Italian plum, and game. The mid-weight palate offers dark fruit flavors and good concentration over a fine mineral core and tannins that are more crushed velvet than silken, and this has fine fresh acidity and nice lift on the finale. There are plenty of layers here even if full expressiveness is implied at this point. This is a lovely Chambolle "villages" and ought to shine with 3-5 years in the cellar and beyond. John McIlwain

Chantal Lescure 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

From 50+ year-old vines in the upper part of the Clos (Lieu-dit "Montiotes"). Terroir pebbly clay/limestone. 12 btls available.

Chantal Lescure 2017 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Vallerots

A new 1er for me. Apparently Les Vallerots is a near monopoly of Chantal Lescure per Jasper Morris. Dark ruby robe. The nose is a bit inscrutable on opening; with air, notes of black raspberry, plum, cherry pit emerge with a faint whiff on anise. The mid-weight palate is also a bit reserved, though it blossoms to reveal flavors of ripe raspberry, blood orange zest, mustard seed and pomegranate. There’s a fine sense of brisk acidity and stoniness—Les Vallerots is on top of the slope above the center of the village—lending energy to the wine through the mid-palate and on to the finish. There’s great flair here if you allow this to open up. The intersection of fruit and earth is compelling and satisfying; high altitude Nuits-Saint-Georges in character. If drinking now, decant for a few hours or better yet, cellar for 3-5 years. John McIlwain

Chantal Lescure 2017 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes

From the village portion of Les Damodes on the Vosne side of Nuits St. Georges, long-time organic farming, minimal use of SO2. The 2017 "Les Damodes" shows a bright red/black color with very floral aromas of black cherry and strawberry liqueur, with hints of mint, licorice and brown spice. There is deep black cherry, strawberry and red currant fruit on the palate which is chalky, round and ripe and is nicely balanced by bright acidity, a bit of tannin and a hint of oak. This opens up with aeration becoming more complex, with pretty red fruits lingering in the finish. Quite delicious now, this will show best in 5 to 8 years when the tannins and oak have integrated.  David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2017 Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots

 2017 Les Suchots. A bit backwards on opening, mostly showing forest floor and tart berries. But with air, the nose unfurls to offer effusive aromas of wild raspberry, blackberry liqueur, and crushed rose petals. The palate is generous and coltish with ripe flavors of Bing cherry, turned earth, and exotic spices, with good density and a fine core of minerality. Not quite as nervy as the 2016, but this has fine balance, ripe tannins, and sneaky persistence. Delicious with guinea hen in a red wine sauce with mushrooms over grits. But I can see enjoying this with gamier fare. This shows plush fruit and savory soil notes and should gain in complexity with a few years in the cellar. John McIlwain

Chauvenet 2014 Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains

From a .41 hectare parcel planted in 1940 and 1984. Les Vaucrains is situated upslope of the premier crus Les St. Georges and Les Cailles in the middle portion of Nuits St. Georges. The soils are a blend of brown clay, limestone, sand, and rock producing vigorous, powerful, and elegant wines of great ageablity. Vigneron Christoph Drag says of the climat, “the fat clays make it hard to work the earth.” Domaine Chauvenet’s 2014 Vaucrains has a darker robe than Les Perrières. The nose is effusive, offering a kaleidoscopic mélange of black fruit aromas, cassis, brown spices, game and iron; over time notes of crushed blackberry, grilled meat, and wet stone emerge. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied and supple, offering flavors of ripe blackberry, Italian plum, iodine, game, and wood smoke on a long, layered, and mouth-watering finish. There is plenty of power and intensity here, without a sense of weight; deft acidity offers a sense of lift and freshness. This is a beautiful and complex Vaucrains and exciting wine in the making, with a sensational interplay of pure, ripe fruit and savory minerality. While one could enjoy this now, it has the structure and balance to age harmoniously for years. John McIlwain

Chauvenet 2016 Bourgogne Rouge Noyer du Pendu

Chevillon, Robert 2017 Bourgogne Rouge Passetoutgrains

Coudray-Bizot 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux

De Montille 2016 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Malconsorts

From the top of the slope planted in shallow limestone soils. 66% whole cluster. 60% new oak. The 2016 Malconsorts has a deeply-pitched nose with extravagant red and dark berry fruit, spice, game, and sousbois. The tightly coiled palate offers pure wild fruit, sapid earth notes, and layers of spice, black tea, and dense plummy stone fruit flavors overlaying a firm ripe structure, leading to a long explosive finish. This is tightly wound today, but should sing with 10-12 years in the cellar. This is truly impressive and has a long life ahead. John McIlwain

Duroché 2017 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

Duroché 2017 Gervrey Chambertin 1er cru Lavaut St. Jacques

Faiveley 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru

The 2016 Faiveley Clos de Bèze already offers a dazzling array of dark and red fruits, wild berries, pure cherry, and turned earth on the nose. The concentrated palate offers spicy cherry and plum flavors with notes of game, mustard seed, and black tea over a layered and dense mineral core of impressive length and complexity giving way to a long, detailed, stony finish. This will take the better part of a decade to integrate all of its elements, but should provide rewarding drinking for the patient. Excellent Clos de Bèze. John McIlwain

Fourrier 2016 Vosnee Romanée Aux Réas Vieille Vigne

Fourrier 2017 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Giboulot, Emmanuel 2017 Hautes Côtes de Nuits Rouge Sous Le Mont

When they’re on the key word for 2017 red Burgundy is charming. There is freshness and life combined with a satisfying juiciness. I hesitate to characterize it a glou glou, as there’s perhaps a bit more substance and gravitas, but thirst-quenching isn’t far off. The 2017 Giboulot Sous Le Mont Hautes Côtes de Nuits has this vibrancy and charm. The robe is a translucent ruby color. The nose is floral and cool-toned with aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate, and rosehip with suspicion of wet stone. The mid-weight, racy palate offers a punchy tart attack with flavors of wild raspberry and sour cherry, with a fine herbaceousness that lends interest while growing in the mid palate and giving way to a salty sense of minerality on the finish. There is some structure within, but the coltish character of the wine has the reins so to speak. This is a lot of fun to drink right now for the energy, but there’s a nice upside for mid-term aging as the underlying structure knits. I’d pair this with lighter dishes and younger cheeses or perhaps pan-roasted salmon. And while this may not have the depth of a Chambertin or the airiness of a top flight Chambolle there is plenty of personality to burn.

Grivot 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

Grivot 2016 Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Beaux Monts

Grivot 2017 Vosne-Romanée

Grivot, Jean 2017 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Jadot 1991 Musigny Grand Cru

Jane et Sylvain 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin

From 45 to 60 year-old vines, certified organic, mostly in En Pallud (below 1er Cru les Corbeaux). The low yields and small berries of 2016 really show in this dense and well-structured Gevrey. The aromas are elegant and deep with chalky black raspberry and black cherry, the palate is dense and concentatrated with fabulous length of black fruits and minerals, Carafe many hours in advance if drinking now, best to cellar five years and drink until 2035+. This will be a superb mature Gevrey and is highly recommended.

Jane et Sylvain 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Fonteny

Jane et Sylvain have a superb, tiny parcel of Gevrey 1er Cru "Fonteny," high up in the southwest corner, separated from Grand Cru Ruchottes by a dirt track, certified organic. We have 36 btls of Fonteny for the vintage - given the structure of the "regular" Gevrey from Jane et Sylvain, the Fonteny will benefit from ten years in the cellar and should become a profound wine when mature.  In January of 2014, I tasted the 2002 Fonteny in the cellar with Jane and Sylvain.Their eldest son was born in 2002, so they saved a bunch for him, but were generous enough to share one with my father and me. It was transcendental - what I refer to as my "religious experience" with red Burgundy, and possibly one of the most memorable wines I've ever tasted. Flowers, stones, dried fruit, the subtle touch of tannin...truly a blissful experience. Jane says the wine has "la finesse du Ruchottes," referring to the Grand Cru vineyard that is literally feet away from the edge of their vines.  Eben Lillie

Lignier, Hubert 2015 Gevrey-Chambertin

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrees

Lignier-Michelot 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Like the rest of the lineup, the 2016 Clos de la Roche from Lignier-Michelot is a wine of nearly startling intensity and purity. The nose is redolent of spicy red fruits, violets and roses, and earthy game aromas with layer after layer of soil notes. The perfectly ripe palate is a mélange of sweet, ripe, pure fruit dancing above a deeply-pitched mineral core of fantastically articulate detail. I love the balance of shimmering energy and mineral intensity here that carries through on the long, sophisticated, rising finish. This has great class and will benefit from 10-12 years in the cellar and beyond. A truly beautiful Clos de la Roche! John McIlwain

Mugneret-Gibourg 2017 Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru

Serafin 1989 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

Tardy, Jean 2016 Nuits St Georges Au Bas du Combe Vieilles Vigne

Trapet 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Alea

Trapet 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin

Domaine Trapet is deeply committed to organic viticulture and makes some of my favorite expressions of Gevrey-Chambertin—just the right balance of deep earth funk and pure fruit. The 2017 is high-toned and pretty on the nose on opening with raspberry and wild cherry aromas with scents of oolong tea and a bit of game following. The palate is ripe and limber with lovely red and black fruit flavors framed by ripe tannins and savory soil notes. There’s fine balance and though this isn’t quite as reserved as many of the other Gevreys, there’s an honest sapid character beneath all the charm and this should be delicious with a few years in the cellar. 2017 is a vintage where the exuberance of the fruit can run away with things but Trapet has managed to maintain pinpoint poise and balance. Lovely juice. Buy a few; drink now with quail, duck breast, squab, or anything featuring mushrooms or age for a few years and enjoy with a cheese course or a veal chop with cèpes. This is a sensational villages and worth a look. John McIlwain

Trapet 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea

From four limestone-rich old vine (planted in 1919!) parcels near the border of Brochon. Ostrea is so named due the the proliferation of fossilized oyster shells in the soils. Biodynamically farmed, fermented with indigenous yeasts, 30% whole cluster. The 2017 is effusive on the nose with dark cherry, black raspberry, game, and black tea aromas. The mid-weight and sappy palate is endowed with pretty ripe, berry fruit, with an undercurrent of tangy acidity and fine-grained tannins with a persistent and rising finish. This is a joy to drink now, though there is distinct, if subtle, structure that bodes well for midterm cellaring. This is a more exuberant expression of Gevrey, but there's plenty of meat on these bones even if this more svelte than brawny in character. John McIlwain

Trapet 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea 1.5L

From four limestone-rich old vine (planted in 1919!) parcels near the border of Brochon. Ostrea is so named due the the proliferation of fossilized oyster shells in the soils. Biodynamically farmed, fermented with indigenous yeasts, 30% whole cluster. The 2017 is effusive on the nose with dark cherry, black raspberry, game, and black tea aromas. The mid-weight and sappy palate is endowed with pretty ripe, berry fruit, with an undercurrent of tangy acidity and fine-grained tannins with a persistent and rising finish. This is a joy to drink now, though there is distinct, if subtle, structure that bodes well for midterm cellaring. This is a more exuberant expression of Gevrey, but there's plenty of meat on these bones even if this more svelte than brawny in character. John McIlwain

Trapet 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Capita

The 2017 "Capita" 1er cru is a blend of grapes from 4 sites Clos Prieur, Petite Chapelle, En Ergot, and Combottes. 60% whole cluster, 35% new oak. The robe is a dark ruby to the rim. The nose is floral and effusive offering an intriguing mélange of dark fruits, crushed violet, game, and pastille aromas. The palate is deep and savory  and shows a tangy mineral character, with ripe black raspberry fruit, framed by fine-grained, ripe tannins and driving energy on a long, rising. And while this is showing nascent complexity, there's still plenty coiled within. John McIlwain

Trapet 2017 Marsannay Rouge

From the Grasses Têtes and Grand Poirier lieux-dits. 10-20% whole cluster fermentation. The 2017 Marsannay offers aromas of wild strawberry, Morello cherry, black tea, and cool herbs on the nose. The mid-weight palate is a touch brambly, with wild berry and spice notes vying with a distinct earthy character for attention. The finish is persistent and offers a burst of black fruit and an almost minty character at the end. This leans in the direction of freshness, rather than rusticity and should age wonderfully in the mid-term, say 4-6 years.

Dangin, Bruno NV Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs

What a difference 2 kilometers makes! Bruno Dangin's Crémant de Bourgogne is made from 100% Pinot Noir from organically farmed vines in Molesme, located just beneath the southern border of Champagne's Aube.The limestone rich soils are the same as those of their pricier neighbor to the north.  Boasting a fine bead and soft mousse and aromas of red fruits and autolyse, one would be hard pressed to spot the difference. The palate offers great depth, pure pinot fruit, and a suave, layered, persistent finish. This is a great value in bubbles and will grace the holiday table nicely. John McIlwain

Jacqueson, Paul et Marie 2017 Mercurey 1er cru Les Champs Martin

Jacqueson, Paul et Marie 2018 Mercurey 1er cru Les Champs Martin

Paul and Marie Jacqueson are third generation winemakers in the Côtes Chalonnaise carrying on their grandfather's tradition of crafting high-quality wines from Rully and Mercurey. Today the domaine consists of 13 hectares farmed using organic treatments, all hand-harvested. All of their reds are 100% destemmed and aged in 25% new oak for one year. The 'Champs Martin' shows an elegant balance between density of flavor and remaining light on its feet. The nose is a like a walk through a Burgundian forest; complete with tree bark, wild flowers, raspberry brambles and wild cherry, with a dash of fresh cinnamon for good measure. Lush and concentrated on the palate, but not the least bit weighted down.  Michelle DeWyngaert 

Vignes du Maynes 2017 Mâcon-Cruzille Manganite

Made from massale-selection Gamay Petit Grains planted in 1953, grown on a limestone/clay parcel high in magnesium, in the Clos des Vignes du Maynes in Cruzille, organic since 900 AD, now certified Biodynamic. The energetic Julien Guillot vinifies his reds without sulfur or additives of any kind, producing complex, mineral, elegant wines that transcend their appellation.  The 2017s here are lovely, showing the elegance, purity and balance typical of the estate with the wonderful ripeness of the vintage. The wine shows gorgeous red and black fruit aromas with cranberry, raspberry, earth, stone and musk with hints of mint and spice. The palate is bright and sappy,  beautifully balanced with black raspberry, tart strawberry, citrus, stone and earthy flavors, that continue on the very long finish with chalky red fruits and refreshing acidity. Always one of the greatest Gamays produced anywhere, the 2017 Manganite is a young wine that will benefit from decanting or five to fifteen years in the cellar. Highly recommended! DL