Billaud, Samuel 2018 Chablis

Billaud, Samuel 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre

Billaud, Samuel 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains

Billaud, Samuel 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Vieilles Vignes

Bize, Simon 2018 Bourgogne Blanc Les Champlains

We are huge fans of the Bize wines and what we have seen of the 2018s so far has us jazzed. The whites are of particular note, considering the warmth of the vintage. They have the poise and freshness that one expects from serious white Burgundy, while still showing the fruit and richness that characterizes the vintage. "Champlains" is a Bourgogne that performs at a high level, from a parcel that Patrick Bize planted himself. It includes about five percent of Pinot Beurrot (known as Pinot Blanc elsewhere) and has a beautifully ripe nose full of white peach and lilies. There is good weight on the palate and more of that stone fruit character, wrapped up in a lovely sea shell-like finish. We opened a bottle the day this arrived  at the store and put it away in not more than thirty minutes.   Sam Ehrlich

Bize, Simon 2018 Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrieres

We are huge fans of the Bize wines and what we have seen of the 2018s so far has us jazzed. The whites are of particular note, considering the warmth of the vintage. They have the poise and freshness that one expects from serious white Burgundy, while still showing the fruit and richness that characterizes the vintage. "Perrieres" is the second of two Bourgogne Blancs that Bize bottles each year and though it sits very close on the hillside to "Champlains," it couldn't be more different. The vines in "Perrieres" are older, the soil very rocky and it always shows spine and crunch in  stark contrast to the richness and plump fruit of "Champlains." The '18 whites at Bize were incredibly successful wines. 

Brocard, Julien 2018 Chablis La Boissonneuse

La Boissonneuse vineyard makes up the bulk of Julien Brocard's holdings, at 11 of his 18 total hectares. This cuvée is sourced from 30-year-old biodynamically farmed vines, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in large foudre.

Brocard, Julien 2018 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses

The Brocard wines have been staples on the shelves here since they first arrived in New York a few years ago. They are the real thing, true Chablis. Certified biodynamic and aged in a combination of steel and wood, they have the mineral intensity that sets Chablis apart from its neighbors and all other white wines . We tasted this particular bottle a couple of weeks ago and while I failed to write a tasting note, I can say unequivocally that it was a showstopper. We were floored. It's as good a 2018 as I have tasted and fantastically ageworthy. Sam Ehrlich

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

Based in the village of Savigny-lès-Beaune with vines in Corton and Pernand-Vergelesses, the estate has roots going back to 1834. Claude de Nicolay, along with her brother François de Nicolay, fashion pure, old-school, age-worthy Burgundy. The vineyard work has been organic since the 1980s and certified biodynamic since 2005 with vines replanted with massale selection. Yields are kept low to express the terroir of each vineyard. 

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Île des Vergelesses "La Vie Est Belle"

Chandon de Briailles 2018 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Saucours-Sans Soufre

This is Savigny Blanc from white rocky soils previously planted to Pinot Noir. Claude de Nicolay has been experimenting more and more with no-sulfur winemaking in recent years and as the quality of vineyard work and cellar work has steadily increased, so has the success level of these bottlings. 

Chantal Lescure 2018 Côte de Beaune Clos de Topes Bizot Bl (12/7)

"Le Clos des Topes Bizot" is a unique spot, 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 without battonage, 10% new. The 2018 Clos de Topes Bizot was kept on the lees longer due to the ripeness of the vintage. The wine shows floral ripe white fruits, apricot and almond; the palate is rich and expressive with white fruits, pineapple, citrus and mineral flavors that continue in the long finish. This is a delicous and affordable white Burgundy to serve with lobster, shrimp, a full-flavored fish dish and white meats. David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2018 Meursault

The Chantal Lescure Meursault is from a tiny parcel called "les Pellands" on deep sandy clay soils over limestone  below "Charmes Dessous." The 2018 finished its alcoholic fermentation in August 2019 and was still in barrel on the lees when tasted in January 2020. The wine shows elegant aromas, very "Meursault" with almond, pear, citrus  and earth. The palate is elegant and bright with lovely minerality below the white fruits, finishing beautifully with firm acidity. This is a lovely Meursault, unblemished by excess oak, batonnage or sulfur and it's an excellent value as well. David Lillie

Chazelles (Domaine des) 2017 Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes

Viré Classé is a privileged location in the Macon that enjoys a fantastic exposure to the sun on a slight slope. This yields wines that have an added weight and complexity compared to your run-of-the-mill Macon-Villages. At Domaine des Chazelles, organic vines with over 50 years of age broadcast dense flavors of golden apple and stone fruit with an invigorating touch of acid. This is a great Chardonnay with concentration and freshness that could age beautifully for years. 

Colin-Morey, Pierre-Yves 2012 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Champs Gains

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

Dauvissat, Rene & Vincent 2006 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos

Domaine Billard 2019 Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune La Justice (Chardonnay)

Domaine Billard is not a household name but that doesn't matter around here. They are working hard, farming organically, fermenting with indigenous yeasts and aging the wines using a minimum of new oak. What comes of that work are pure wines that express their place of origin. The 2019 "La Justice" comes from a single parcel tucked up behind Saint-Aubin. The soil is heavy with limestone and the temperature is generally a degree or two cooler than the grander vineyards just to the east. This is beautifully aromatic and leaning to the savory side, full of lemon peel and something like chamomile. On the palate there are more white flowers, green herbs and lemon pith and a feeling of breadth and weight up front that tightens in the finish, leaving a clear stony finish.

Domaine Leflaive 2018 Mâcon-Verzé 'Les Chenes'

Domane de l'Enclos 2018 Petit Chablis

Historically, Petit Chablis was often sneered at as something that rarely resembled Chablis. However, the leaps and bounds that have been made in the vineyards and the cellar mean that the overall quality of this humble appellation has grown exponentially in recent years. This is certainly the case at Domaine de L'Enclos. The estate is young but the Bouchard brothers have years of experience producing serious Chablis from organically farmed vineyards. The warm 2018 vintage produced especially excellent Petit Chablis. The nose and palate are redolent with lemon, pear, white peach and the minerality that makes Chablis unmistakable even within Burgundy. There is more weight than one might find in cooler vintages and leaves you with a general sense of satisfaction. This is very nice and a tremendous value. Sam Ehrlich

Duplessis, Gérard 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains

Lillian Duplessis considers this site as having the greatest potential within his lineup of Premier Cru vineyards and tasting the 2017, one can immediately see why. This wine feels intensely serious and coiled, with very pretty white peach and lemon fruit and just a touch of floral character. It has great length and mineral intensity, and a sea character combined with a sweet richness that reminds me of cooked lobster just pulled from the shell. This is super and will age beautifully. Sam Ehrlich

Duplessis, Gérard 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre

Montée de Tonnerre is often considered the greatest of the Premier Crus of Chablis, situated on the same hillside as the Grand Crus, just a stone's throw from Blanchots. It has great exposure and can achieve an extra dimension of density and richness. Case in point, the Duplessis 2017. The fruit character is still very much in the stone fruit and citrus profile and the mineral component feels precise and filigreed. But there is a great sense of weight and breadth in the middle that gives this extra staying power and intensity. This is excellent and should age extremely well. Sam Ehrlich

Duplessis, Gérard 2017 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos

Les Clos is the sole Grand Cru in the Duplessis lineup and produces wines that will age for many years.  The parcel is less than half a hectare but well situated smack in the middle of the slope, with vines between 35 and 45 years.

Duplessis, Gérard 2017 Chablis Vaugiraut

Vaugiraut is on the left bank of the Serein, south of the village of Chablis and the Grand Cru vineyards above it on the right bank of the river. The south facing amphitheater is protected from winds and exposed to the warmth of the late afternoon sun, both of which assist in ripening. This bottling from Duplessis is unique among their Premier Crus in that it sees no oak: the elevage is entirely in stainless steel. This has a beautiful, exotic nose that shows notes of white peach, dried orange peel, makrut lime, and salty limestone. The palate is structured, but with generous fruit character, displaying white peach and ripe Meyer lemon notes that lead to a very precise, long finish that emphasizes the limestone minerality of Chablis. Truly delicious. Ben Fletcher

Ente, Benoit 2018 Puligny-Montrachet

Fourrier 2018 Bourgogne Blanc

Goisot, Guihelm & Jean-Hugues 2018 Bourgogne Aligoté

Goisot is perhaps best known for their Sauvignon de St. Bris, considered a benchmark for the appellation, as well as riveting Cote d'Auxerre chardonnays that often outperform wines from neighboring Chablis. The Aligoté often goes overlooked, which is a shame, as it is firmly of a piece with the other wines in the range. The 2018 shows the weight of the vintage without obscuring the distinct character of limestone soils. This gleams white-green in the glass and the nose displays lime zest, under-ripe pear. white lilies and something I can only describe as dust from blackboard eraser. On the palate there is more citrus, white pepper, tarragon and a salty chalky finish. This will make a lovely aperitif and a welcome companion to oysters and clams this summer. Sam Ehrlich

Goisot, Guilhem & Jean-Hugues 2018 Sauvignon de Saint-Bris Exogyra Virgula

Estates making serious Sauvignon de St. Bris are as rare as hens' teeth and Goisot sits atop this tiny heap. The appellation, (in the near-vicinity of Chablis) is the only one in Burgundy that permits the planting of Sauvignon Blanc and often gets lost in the ocean of Chardonnay. But when handled right, these can be wonderful, refreshing, salty wines. 2018 was a warm vintage across France and this is a richer style than some previous iterations, redolent with lime curd, pineapple and fresh sage. But the limestone core is what gives this wine its soul. The finish is firm and saline, making this more than a match for almost anything you might be having for dinner. Thinking about a bottle of Sancerre for this evening? You'd do well to consider this instead... Sam Ehrlich

Guillemot-Michel 2018 Viré-Clessé Une Bulle

The Guillemot-Michel "Une Bulle" comes from a tiny parcel of old vines on limestone with red clay, high in iron. The wine is a Pet-Nat (Methode Ancestrale) that is bottled after a short period of fermentation, leaving enough sugar in the wine for the fermentation to continue and create the desired bubbles. The wine is aged in bottle on the lees for around 18 months, then riddled and disgorged and re-bottled with a bit more "Une Bulle."  The result is a very delicious aged Pet-Nat showing honeyed aromas of pear and white peach with hints of almond, marzipan and brioche. On the palate the mousse is soft and creamy with flavors of peach and quince  with lime-flower and minerals and a long finish of white fruits, citrus peel and firm acidity. This is a delightful wine to sip by itself or pair with mild cheeses, patés and terrines, fruit desserts..  David Lillie

Lamy, Hubert 2016 Chassagne Montrachet Concis du Champ

When I speak with Burgundy growers about their peers and whose work they admire and find inspiration in, the name Olivier Lamy comes up almost without exception. A relentless innovator and workaholic, Olivier makes remarkable wines. He has pioneered a number of viticultural techniques in Burgundy over the last twenty years, including experimenting with high-density planting (up 40,000 vines per hectare) and the adopting of a pruning model traditionally used in the Loire Valley (designed to reduce the amount of scar tissue on the vine and better protect it from wood diseases). While best known for Saint Aubin, he makes lovely Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay as well. Concis du Champs is a parcel at the bottom end of the slope, with more clay, from 15-year old vines and aged in 600-liter barrels, virtually none of them new. From the very small but brilliant 2016 vintage. 

Lamy, Hubert 2018 St Aubin 1er Cru Clos du Meix

It's not news that I have a weakness for the wines of Olivier Lamy. I seek them out wherever I go, they are always a joy to drink and I'm always excited to taste the new vintage. It makes me happy to report that the 2018 "Clos du Meix" is outstanding. Only the nose really belies the warmth and ripeness of the vintage, hinting more at yellow apple rather than green, with lime and Juicy Fruit gum at the edges. On the palate, the wine is open but taut in the way we have come to expect of this estate. There is great focus, with more sweet lime and stone chalky notes. The finish is detailed and precise, reminiscent of a first-rate Puget Sound oyster. Excellent wine. Sam Ehrlich

Leflaive 2017 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

Manciat 2018 Mâcon Charnay Franclieu

100% Chardonnay. From Jean Manciat's oldest vines, on a gentle, stony slope of clay-limestone soils. Jean considers this to be his finest plot. The hand-harvested fruit is whole-cluster-pressed, naturally fermented and aged on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks--no oak at all here--to feature the fresh, floral, flinty nature of the fruit from this vineyard.

Marcel Couturier 2017 Saint Véran La Cour des Bois

Moreau, Bernard 2018 Bourgogne Blanc

Morey, Pierre 2018 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Morey, Pierre 2018 Bourgogne Aligoté

From two parcels just outside the Meursault appellation borders, the wines here are on average fifty years old. Year after year, this always consistently lovely and age-worthy.

Morey-Blanc 2017 St. Aubin 1er Cru

Morey-Blanc 2018 Saint Romain Sous le Chateau

Rateau 2018 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 2018 has a bright bronze/gold color and lovley aromas or ripe white peach and pear with exotic citrus and herbal notes. The ripe, deep palate palate shows stone,  apricot, pear and almond flavors with lovely density and a firm core of minerality that lingers in the very long finish. Delicious now, showing the lush fruit of 2018, it should cellar beautifully as well. David Lillie

Rateau 2019 Bourgogne Aligoté

No matter the bottling, attention-to-detail always comes first at Rateau. This 2019 Aligote is elegant and full of pleasure, with a surprisingly lush nose of lemon, papaya and orange blossom. There is more citrus on the palate, as well as green melon rind and quinine. The finish is long, cool and full of wet stone. This is lovely and very good value.     Sam Ehrlich

Rateau 2019 Côte de Beaune La Grande Chatelaine

About a kilometer or two northwest of the Beaune 1er Crus, La Grande Chatelaine is a cooler site on the Montagne de Beaune with soils comprised of gravel and 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 but full and dense due to the low yields  of 2019,  with fresh orchard fruit and lemon oil flavors, dancing astride sapid herbal notes with a clinging stoniness on the long, mouthwatering, expansive finish. Serve wth seared scallops, halibut or other full-flavored fish. This is lovely ripe and vibrant Chardonnay from a unique vineyard site - drink over the next 5 to 8 years.

Rateau 2019 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc

Jean-Claude Rateau makes lovely Biodynamic wines in the Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune in his east-facing vineyard of clay/limestone and marne soils.  In the dry, hot 2019 vintage, yields were extremely low so Jean-Claude combined his Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc into this cuvee which is quite round and lucious showing floral aromas with ripe pear, apple and spice with hints of citrus and almond. The palate is rounder and more ripe than usual, but perfectly balanced with pear, citrus and stone flavors, with terrific length and firm acidity. This food friendly wine will accompany everything from oysters and grilled seafood to roast chicken and mild cheeses. Delicious now or cellar for 5 to 8 years. This is a delightful Burgundy and a great value!  David Lillie

Roally (Gautier Thevenet) 2018 Roally Vire Clesse

Domaine de Roally is one of the great estates of the Macon. The original owner/grower was Henri Goyard, who made old-fashioned Chardonnays with a bit of residual sugar, from his superb organically-tended estate on a limestone ridge overlooking the Saone Valley. Discovered by Joe Dressner in 1987, we made a number of visits there until Goyard's retirement in 2000. Sometimes the juice would still be fermenting after 18 months in tank, and a 1989 tasted in 1999 was simply sensational. Gautier Thevenet of the Domaine Bongran took over in 2000 and has happily kept up the quality and style of Goyard. The 2018 is a beautiful wine with aromas of lemon oil, mango, white fruits, spice and honey - really complex and elegant. Lush white fruits on the palate with citrus and minerals. Fabulous length of saline acids, stone and ripe fruit. Superb for current drinking, this should age beautifully for ten to fifteen years. Bravo to Gautier Thevenet! David Lillie

Rollin 2017 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 1.5L

 The Rollin family has been making and bottling wines from Pernand and Aloxe since the mid-1950s and today are one of the best addresses in either commune. These are old-school wines made with a minimum of fuss - treating the vines only when absolutely necessary, hand-harvesting, fermenting only with native yeasts and without slavishly relying on new oak for flavor or richness. Their Charlemagne is a true Charlemagne, with vines on both the Aloxe and Pernand sides. This is notable because the two produce wines of such different character, with the south-facing Aloxe parcels contributing richness and the cooler Pernand side adding tension and freshness but each one delivering the intense chalk character  that distinguishes Corton-Charlemagne.

Sainte Barbe 2017 Viré-Clessé La Perrière

 Jean-Marie Chaland owns two estates in Viré (Macon), Domaine Sainte Barbe and Domaine des Chazelles, both certified organic since 2006. The Sainte Barbe "la Perriere" is made from 35 year-old grapes from a half-hectare parcel near Viré on clay/limestone soils, never treated with herbicides. The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with wild yeasts, the wine ages for 18 months, half in barrel, have in cuve inox. The 2017 shows pretty aromas of pear, apricot, lime flower and stone. There is nice richness on the palate, which is supple and elegant with chalky white fruits, a bit of nectarine, verbena and a hint of oak, with firm acidity, silky fruit and mineral notes in the long finish. This is a stylish white Burgundy that will accompany  any full-flavored fish dish, chicken in sauce and mild cheeses, and it will age nicely for 5 to 8 years.

Tripoz 2018 Macon Loche Cuvee du Clocher

We tasted a sample of this a few weeks ago and the staff was pretty much flattened by it. The 2018 vintage has been characterized by richness and lush fruit but this seems to defy all expectations. It's brimming with citrus fruit that feel like they were just peeled - tangerine and Meyer Lemon - wrapped around river stones and seasoned with sea salt. The racy texture and acid practically crackle with electricity, almost like great dry Chenin or Riesling. Tremendous.  Sam Ehrlich

Vignes du Maynes 2018 Macon-Cruzille Aragonite

Carved from vineyards once owned by the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny and farmed organically by Julien Guillot's family since 1954, Clos Vignes du Maynes is one of the most distinctive growers in Burgundy. Aragonite comes from 40- to 80-year-old Chardonnay vines high on the slope, on thin soils of clay, crystallized limestone, and laced with other minerals. This wine is incredibly aromatic upon opening with aromas of golden pear, green apple, apricot, white grapefruit, honeysuckle, and bergamot; there is a hint of earthy heather honey and butterscotch. On the palate it is quite rich and luscious, in this warm low-yielding vintage, and much more tropical and salty than in years past. In fact, if tasted blind, I could see this being mistaken for a great Chardonnay from the Jura as it has fantastic acidity, and is beautifully textured, long, and mineral. On day two the aromas have softened a bit, and the palate has gained an added savory note that contributes to a still stunningly long finish. The 2018 Aragonite is not to be missed. 

Bize 2018 Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru Les Talmettes

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

Chandon de Briailles 2018 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux

Chandon de Briailles is one of the truly grand domaines of Burgundy, dating back to 1834. Their holdings include vines in most of the best sites in Savigny and Pernand, as well as considerable parcels of Corton Grand Cru and Charlemagne and there seems to be near-consensus that the wines that the estate has produced over the last ten years are the most consistently brilliant that the de Nicolay family has produced. "Aux Fournaux" is named for the 1er Cru that makes up the lion's share of this bottling. This may be labeled villages-level wine but what's inside is considerably more elevated. 

Chantal Lescure 2018 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. (Near Pommard and below "Les Vignes Franches" and the "Cos des Mouches") 2018 is a great vintage for the Chantal Lescure "Chouacheux" which  shows very floral aromas of ripe, fresh red and balck fruits, with hints of brown spice, citrus zest and earth. There is ripe, sappy, chalky fruit on the palate which is silky and elegant with raspberry, red currant and cherry fruit, really lovely and very long - backed by firm acidity and the ever-present core of minerality found in the Chantal Lescure wines. Quite delicious now, this beautiful Chouacheux is highly recommended and should be best 2024 - 2035+.  David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2018 Côte de Beaune Clos de Topes Bizot Rouge (12/7)

"Le Clos des Topes Bizot" is a unique spot with vines planted in 1960,  high on the slope in Beaune just above the 1er Cru "L'Ecu," facing east, in a terroir of clay and pebbles over limestone. The grapes from this high elevation vineyard are harvested late and undergo a short pre-fermentation maceration, aging is in two and three year-old barrels. The 2018 shows high-toned aromas of ripe black cherry and red currant fruit with violet, brown spice, earth and citrus, quite elegant. The palate is dense and earthy with sappy black cherry and black raspberry - intensely mineral with firm acidity, earth and black fruits that linger in the long finish. This is a quite elegant, beautifully balanced and "mineral" Burgundy at a very reasonable price, that will benefit from a few hours open or three to five years of cellaring.  David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2018 Pommard 1er Cru Les Bertins

From organically farmed old massale-selection vines with small grapes, in Les Bertins in the southern part of Pommard, close to Volnay on soils of brown clay over hard limestone and limestone debris. 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 fresh ripeness of the 2018 vintage with aromas of wild rose, black raspberry, cherry liqueur and spice. The medium weight palate is dense with cooling minerality and mouth coating, silky tannins framed with ripe red cherry and macerated raspberry, finishing with long, delicate notes of spice, rose hips, and black tea leaf. This is quite delicious as a young wine but will obviously benefit from five years of cellaring, drink until 2035.

Chantal Lescure 2018 Volnay

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 20% of which are new (500L), bottled without fining or filtration.The wine shows a bright 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 round, velvety, chalky texture backed by firm acidity with violet, plum, cherry and strawberry fruit, mint, bitter chocolate and earth that continue in the long, sappy finish. This is a lovely "village" Volnay that is delicious now, but decant if possible, this will really sing in three to five years and until 2030+. David Lillie

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 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Champans

Domaine des Croix 2017 Beaune

Lafarge 2013 Bourgogne Rouge

Le Moine, Lucien 2013 Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets

Le Moine, Lucien 2014 Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets

Louis Chenu 2018 Savigny-Les-Beaune Vieilles Vignes

The wines of Louis Chenu have received a good deal of very positive press recently and opening a bottle of the '18 Savigny "Vieilles Vignes," it is not hard to see why. The domaine dates from 1914 but the Chenu sisters who run the domaine together have made considerable strides in the vineyards. The farming is certified organic and the winemaking very classic - destemmed, short cold-maceration and minimal new oak. The result is classic Savigny, assembled from five parcels, with red cherry, rhubarb, allspice and lovely mineral structure. The wine is poised, precise and very tasty now but this will certainly improve with a few years in bottle. I also want to give the sisters credit for my favorite winery website that I've seen in a while

(check it out here http://www.louischenu.com/us/apropos-1.htm)   Sam Ehrlich

Moreau, Bernard 2017 Chassagne Montrachet Rouge Vieilles Vignes

Morey, Pierre 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

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

Anne Morey is best known for her brilliant and piercing white wines but her reds are no less lovely. "Clos du Chapitre" is from a parcel on the southeast edge of the village of Aloxe, separated from the first of the Corton Grand Crus by a distance  roughly the same as a city block.

Rateau 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes (12/7)

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 2018 Bressandes shows a dense red/black color and aromas of ripe black cherry and blackberry, quite deep with sous-bois, violet, graphite and citrus. The palate is dense, elegant and chalky with blackberry, earth, bitter chocolate and minerals with terrific length of black fruits, earth and juicy acidity. Given the weight and ripeness of the vintage, the wine still seems balanced and frames the copious fruit in ample acidity and tannin. This is a beautiful wine that will give great pleasure in its youth and should be a superb mature wine as well, with a long life ahead of it...  David Lillie

Rateau 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Reversées

From vines grown in the calcareous clay soils of Les Reversées premier cru toward the bottom of the hill in the center of the slope by Les Teurons. This is a bit more delicate and lower in alcohol than Rateau's "Bressandes" but still quite deep and generous in 2018 showing ripe  black cherry, boysenberry, notes of cherry pit and earth on the nose. The palate is quite dense but still with nice brightness with ripe black fruits, hints of iodine and iron and  soil beneath supple structure. Succulent acidity and savory mineral notes offset the ripeness and lend energy and drive on a rich, palate-coating finish which is very long with elegant black raspberry and red currant fruit.  The purity of fruit and earth notes are finely balanced - this is an excellent Burgundy for the mid-term. A fine pairing with braised chicken thighs with mustard, tarragon, and shallots. A great value from the pioneer of biodynamic Burgundy!

Rateau 2018 Beaune Les Prevoles

Jean-Claude Rateau's domain has been Biodynamic since 1979 and produces lovely light-bodied, old fashioned Burgundies. The 2018 Beaune Les Prévoles (a lieu-dit below 1er Cru Chouacheux and les Tuvilains) was vinified with the stems, bringing just the right structure to this lush and beautiful wine which shows beautiful ripe aromas of cherry and black raspberry with rose, earth, citrus and brown spice.  The palate is chalky and sapid, showing the ripeness of the 2018s, with lush berry fruits enveloping firm acidity and mineral flavors. Really a lovely wine and quite delicous now, full and ripe enough for grilled meats, as well as chicken and pork dishes and cheeses such as morbier, tomme de savoie. This should benefit from a bit of aging but is quite beautiful as a young wine, drink until 2035.  David Lillie

Rateau 2019 Beaune Clos des Mariages

Located toward the bottom of the slope beneath Beaune Grèves and adjacent to Les Cents Vignes, Clos des Mariages is a mix of young and very old vines planted in clay and brown limestone soils. "This fertile soil gives wines that are open and joyous, with delicate spice notes, giving great pleasure in their youth and capable of long-term aging." (J-C Rateau) Indeed the 2019 Clos des Mariages is a gorgeous wine showing a bright mélange of black cherry, strawberry and raspberry with hints of spice, citrus, licorice and violet. The palate shows dense, chalky fruit, sappy and ripe but retaining a nice lightness of body with firm acidity and mineral flavors that continue in the very long, juicy finish. This is absolutely delicious now and should drink well continuously over the next five to ten years. David Lillie

Roche de Bellene 1997 Chambertin Grand Cru

Rossignol, Nicholas 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets

Rouges-Queues 2016 Maranges Rouge 1er Cru Clos Roussots

Located on the lower slopes of the Mont de Sène, abutting Santenay with a sunny south-southwest exposure.  The 40+ year-old vines produce small bunches of grape. Plusher and more effusive aromatically than the Les Fussières, with aromas of black cherry, plum skin, and mineral smoke. The mid-weight palate offers a fine tension between ripe black fruits, ripe tannins, and pungent soil notes on a long, fairly suave finish. This has fine energy and should reward mid-term cellaring. Rouges-Queues makes beautiful, expressive Burgundies that deserve a place in one's cellar. John McIlwain

Vogue 2008 Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Arlaud 2016 Gevrey 1er Cru Aux Combottes

Arlaud 2018 Bourgogne Rouge Roncevie

Arnoux Lachaux 2014 Latricières Chambertin Grand Cru

Bachelet 2009 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Barthod, Ghislaine 2013 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Beaux Bruns

Barthod, Ghislaine 2017 Chambolle-Musigny

Barthod, Ghislaine 2017 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Beaux Bruns

Barthod, Ghislaine 2017 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Chatelots

Bertagna 2005 Corton Grand Cru Les Grandes Lolieres 3 L

Chantal Lescure 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

From 50+ year-old vines in the mid-upper part of the Clos (Lieu-dit "Montiotes"). Terroir pebbly clay/limestone. Tasted before racking/bottling in January 2019. Aromas are floral, meaty, elegant, deep black raspberry, cherry; the palate is dense and deep with ripe black and red fruits, spice, mint, earth, fabulous length, beautiful wine...  DL

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

Chantal Lescure 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Les Mombies

 The lieu-dit "Les Mombies" has limestone clay soils washed down from higher on the slope, the vines average 40 years of age. The 2018 Les Mombies shows lovely freshness in this very ripe vintage with aromas of strawberry and cherry liqueur with hints of darker fruit and game. The fresh, chalky palate offers a melange of red fruits - raspberry, red currant, cherry - with good concentration over an earthy mineral core with fine fresh acidity and nice lift on the finish.  This will be fun drinking as a young wine due to the fresh, vibrrant fruit and ought to shine with 3-5 years in the cellar and beyond.  David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2018 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Vallerots

 Apparently Les Vallerots 1er Cru is a near monopoly of Chantal Lescure on a steep slope in the combe above "Vaucrains" on very shallow stony soils over the limestone at 260m altitude. Aged in approx 30% new oak by Francis Miquel. The nose is initially closed and tight with deep red fruit aromas emerging with notes of black raspberry, plum, cherry pit and a hint of anise.The palate shows deep, dense red fruits with great elegance and energy, a superb combination of fruit and terroir. This will need a long decant if drinking now, best to hold 3 - 5 years then enjoy until 2035+ David Lillie

Damoy 2008 Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru

Domaine Trapet 2018 Bourgogne Rouge

Produced from young-vine Gevrey, this is a terrific Bourgogne. The fruit is bright red, full of wild strawberries and cherries, and the feeling of weightlessness here is what makes Burgundy special. The finish is more salty and cool, after the peppery spice-driven Passtoutgrains. You will be left wondering where the bottle went. Sam Ehrlich

** Wines arrive 12.2.20**

Domaine Trapet 2018 Cote de Nuits-Village Meix Fringuet

This is sourced from vines in Marsannay and the character is distinctly different. The fruit is just a touch darker, with a floral note that suggests violets as well as roses. In the mid-palate, there is a brambly forest-y character that gives extra dimension and savoriness. The sense of limestone here is quite stark and there is good grip and structure, particularly for the level. This will age well in the mid-term and would make a great addition to the cellar at a relative bargain. Sam Ehrlich

**These will arrive Wednesday 12/2**

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 2005 Morey St Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbes

Fourrier 2011 Morey St Denis Clos Solon Vieille Vigne

Fourrier 2013 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Gruenchers

Fourrier 2015 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Gruenchers

Fourrier 2018 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Fourrier 2015 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Combes aux Moines

Gambal, Alex 2005 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

Grivot 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

Grivot 2018 Vosne-Romanée

Grivot 2018 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts

Lamarche 2006 La Grande Rue Grand Cru

Lamarche 2008 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Laurent, Dominique 2002 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru

Le Moine 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Petits Monts

Lignier, Hubert 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Les Bussières

'Les Bussières' sits on the border of Morey-St-Denis, just below the Premier cru 'Les Sentiers'. The vines were planted between 1948 and 1988. Coming from the border between Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-St- Denis lends this bottle a sense of both, the elegance of Chambolle and the savory structure of Morey-St-Denis.

Lignier, Hubert 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrees

From 50-80 year old vines from the 'Les Seuvrees' parcel located right below the Grand Cru Mazoyeres Chambertin.

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

Magnien, Stephane 2018 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers

I have always had a real soft spot for  "L es Sentiers," borne of rosy memories of several vintages from Jacky Truchot. Those wines are long gone but that's ok. We have Stephane Magnien, a prodigious talent with a deft touch for this tiny parcel of Chambolle and his 2018 is fabulous. On the nose, the warmth and power of the vintage is on display, full of red and blue fruit, fresh roses and sassafras. However, the palate shows remarkable restraint, with crunchy red cherry and raspberry fruit and a flash of wood spice giving way to a refreshing bitter note and and a fiercely stony finish. The overall sense of balance and elegance is striking and while this is by no means inexpensive, in the age of tariffs this is a grand value and not to be missed.     Sam Ehrlich

Magnien, Stephane 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis "Grains Fins"

The Morey-Saint-Denis "Grains Fins" is another new cuvée from Stephane Magnien, and it's an absolutely delicious wine! It's made from young vines of Pinot Fin, in the vineyards of "Bas-Chenevery" and "Crais-Gillon" on gravelly soils. There is a 12-month elevage in mostly old barrels, followed by 4 months in cuve inox - only 200 cases were made. The 2018 "Grains Fins" is a terrific wine, surprisingly structured, mineral and dense from these young vines - perhaps the smaller grapes of Pinot Fin brought a bit more grip to this generous vintage. The wine shows a bright deep red/black color, with vibrant aromas of blackberry, earth and ripe morello cherry, very floral, with hints of darker fruit and stone with a fabulous backbone of chalky minerals. The palate has nice grip and density with sappy red and black fruits, with a chalky texture, leading to a firm and very long, lush and mineral finish with hints of licorice and cherry pit. Enjoy this delicious wine in its vibrant youth, or wait a few years then drink until 2030-2035  David Lillie

Magnien, Stephane 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes

2018 is a superb vintage for Stéphane Magnien and in particular for his new Morey-Saint-Denis "Vieilles Vignes," from  50 to 70 year-old vines in "Clos Slon" and "Cognes" on clay/limestone soils.  The wine shows deep, elegant blackberry and black cherry liqueur aromas, quite floral and ripe with mineral and meaty notes. The palate is round and deep with blackberry/cherry/strawberry fruit with hints of earth, citrus and spice, pure, long and well-structured with soft tannins and chalky acidity. Excellent length of black fruits with stone and mineral flavors.  Decant to drink now with a nice steak, best to hold three to five years, drink till 2030+ as this will be a superb mature Burgundy, but perhaps better to drink young for its gorgeous fruit.  David Lillie

Marchand, Pascal 2010 Mazy Chambertin Grand Cru

Meo-Camuzet 2006 Echezeaux Grand Cru Les Rouges du Bas

Meo-Camuzet 2008 Echezeaux Grand Cru Les Rouges du Bas

Meo-Camuzet 2008 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes

Mongeard-Mugneret 2009 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Mortet 2011 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Mortet, Denis 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Mes Cinq Terroirs

Mugnier, Jacques-Frédéric 2009 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Pataille, Sylvain 2014 Marsannay Longeroies

Sylvain Pataille is doubtless the best known producer in Marsannay these days, and with good reason. A consulting oenologist before he started making his own wines, he has a reputation as a brilliant taster and analyst of wines and is equally deft when it comes to vineyard innovation. His success is all the more remarkable considering that he owns no vines of his own but rather leases all his land. "Longeroies" is considered one of the finest sites in the village, frequently cited as a candidate for elevation to Premier Cru status in a reclassification that may never happen. It's a treat to be able to offer this with some age and from a classic vintage such as 2014. This needs a minute to stretch its legs but blossoms with air, with baked red cherries and rhubarb, a touch of sweet soy and clove. The tannins are very fine and nearly resolved but the acidity and mineral spine lend plenty of structure. This still has years ahead of it but what a treat.   Sam Ehrlich

Pousse d'Or 2010 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Feusselottes

Pousse d'Or 2010 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Groseilles

Rateau 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin

From two small parcels in "Aux Eletois" (below Grand Cru Griottes)  and "les Epointures" (below 1er Cru Clos Prieur) on the more fine and aromatic side of Gevrey. The 2018 shows a bright red/garnet color with high-toned aromas of ripe black cherry, black raspberry and red currant with rose, herbal and citrus notes, quite pretty and not over-ripe. The palate shows terrific density of complex red and black fruits with hints of licorice, sous-bois and minerals while retaining a lovely lightness and freshness, with bright acidity under the long vibrant red fruits and mineral flavors that linger in the finish. Grreat fun to drink now, best to wait 5 to 8 years when it will really sing, then drink until 2035 - 2040. David Lillie

Trapet 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Alea

Trapet 2018 Bourgogne Passetoutgrains A Minima

A lovely foot in the door to the Trapet lineup, this is a classic 50/50 split of Pinot Noir and Gamay. It feels exceptionally Gamay-forward, with fresh raspberry and strawberry fruit and a peppery spicy finish. There is a lovely sense of snap and crunch here. Tons of fun and one to stock up on. Sam Ehrlich

**Any orders will not be available until Wednesday 12.2**

Trapet 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin

Gevrey is the only village in the Cote D'Or where the village-level vines fall east of the famous D974 that runs the length of the region. Anywhere else these vines would be Bourgogne-level. Trapet's village Gevrey all comes from vineyards above the road, scattered just below or even among some of the best-known sites in Burgundy. Some of the vines here are 100 years old.

Trapet 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Ostrea

Ostrea is sourced from vines ranging from 50 to 90 years old, from a set of parcels rich in limestone and fossilized oyster shells, from which the cuvee takes its name.

Vogue 2008 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru

Vogue 2011 Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Vougeraie 2006 Charmes Chambertin Les Mazoyeres

Domaine d'Edouard 2018 Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

Génot-Boulanger 2018 Pommard 1er Cru Clos Blanc

It's always a pleasure to taste the wines of a grower steadily through the years, to chart their progress and observe the little adjustments that take wines from good to great. Guillaume and Aude at Génot-Boulanger have been on a steady upward trajectory for some time now but when I tasted this Pommard 1er Cru today, I had to stop and smile. "Clos Blanc" sits on the northern  side of Pommard, adjacent to "Grand Epenots," and takes its name from soil colored white with limestone. The nose is deep with red and blue fruit and on the palate feels round, with beautiful savory spice notes. Pommard has long been considered rustic and burly, so the silkiness here is particularly striking and it feels both complex and eminently drinkable now. This will make a great addition to the holiday table for anyone looking for a special treat. Highly recommended. Sam Ehrlich

Guillot-Broux 2018 Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge

The appellation "Coteaux Bourguignons" covers a lot of ground and can be made up any number of Burgundy's varieties. In this case, it's a fifty/fifty blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay made from organically farmed purchased fruit. This is a lovely juicy quaffer, brimming with pure wild strawberry fruit and while I don't have the specs on the percentage of whole bunches, I'd bet that it's high given the amount of cedar and spice notes. Made and priced for drinking every day. Scoop it up before it's gone. Sam Ehrlich

Tripoz 2018 Bourgogne Rouge Chant de la Tour

The 2018 "Chant de la Tour" comes from a single parcel  that has never been treated with chemicals of any kind, which comes as little surprise based on what's in the bottle. This is my platonic ideal of Bourgogne Rouge. The pure red cherry and strawberry fruit is vivid and lush without being cloying. The expression of limestone is clear and speaks beautifully of the region, with a dustiness in the finish that reminds me of clapping blackboard erasers. Completely delicious.

Vignes du Maynes 2018 Bourgogne Cuvée Auguste

The Vignes du Maynes "Cuvée Auguste" is a superb Burgundy made from massale selection Pinot Fin planted in 1964. The parcel, high on the slope in Cruzille, is on Bathonian limestone with a great deal of calcium carbonate crystal (aragonite) with thin topsoils of clay and silica. Yields of about 20 hl/ha, semi-carbonic fermentation, with zero additives, bottled under nitrogen. 2018 is a superb vintage for the Cuvée Auguste! The wine shows elegant aromas of black raspberry, red currant and wild strawberry with hints of blood orange, rose and brown spice - really lovely. The palate shows a bright and beautiful melange of red currant, strawberry and tart cherry with citrus, earth and minerals, very sappy and dense. Elegant long finish of earth, stone and red fruits. This is a gorgeous wine, and quite delicious now, but cellaring of ten to twenty years should be very interesting. Zero added SO2.  Congratulations to Julien Guillot for this beautiful Pinot! DL

Vignes du Maynes 2018 Mâcon-Cruzille Manganite

Made from Gamay Petit Grains planted in 1953, grown on a limestone 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 2018s here are extraordinary, 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, earth, stone and musk and hints of mint, chocolate and spice. The palate is bright and silky with raspberry/strawberry fruit, citrus, stone and earthy flavors, that continue on the very long mineral finish. Always one of the greatest Gamays produced anywhere, the 2018 Manganite is a young wine that will benefit from decanting or five to fifteen years in the cellar. Highly recommended! DL