Billaud, Samuel 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains

Brocard, Julien 2017 Chablis 1er cru Vaudevey

Julien Brocard farms his 18 hectares biodynamically, using horsepower in the vineyards when possible. Grapes are hand-harvested and he's very hands-off in the cellar: using spontaneous native yeast fermentation, a mix of larger, wooden vats and foudre for aging, and lower levels of sulfur. Vau de Vey is a 1er Cru vineyard in a valley between the Côte de Léchet and the Vau-Ligneau. Slopes here can get very steep (too steep for horses), and there are lots of large chunks of limestone mixed within the soils. Eastern exposure and the location in the valley makes for a cooler site, fantastic for Chardonnay with a mineral finish. CB

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.

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. 

Chantereves 2018 Bourgogne Aligoté Les Chagniots

Guillaume and Tomoko Bott of Maison Chantre^ves have made quite  a name for themselves over the past few years, carefully seeking out organic fruit sources and making small lots of red and white Burgundy that emphasize purity and freshness over all else. The 2018 "Chagniots" Bourgogne Aligoté is a case in point. This is a parcel of vines just north of Ladoix, less than a fifth of a hectare, farmed organically and largely untilled. The wine is vinified and aged in older barrels without batonnage and very little sulfur. The resulting wine is exceptional - redolent with lemon, orange oil and a touch of under-ripe apricot. There is undoubtedly a sense of oak here but it is balanced with plenty of acidity. The minerality that one associates with the variety is on full display. This is built to age and will reward patience.      Sam Ehrlich

Chevrot 2018 Bourgogne Aligote "Quatre Terroirs"

The Chevrot wines are perennial favorites around these parts and for good reasons. The Chevrot brothers make wines full of energy and personality, with a clear sense of place. The 2018 "Quatre Terroirs" is classic Aligoté - pungent with lemon and seashells and a touch of toasted sesame on the palate. The finish is bright and salty, with something that reminds me of sherbet at the very end. This is lovely and sluggable and practically begging for a clam roll.

Sam Ehrlich

Cruchandeau, Julien 2018 Bouzeron Aligoté Cuvee Massale

Julien Cruchandeau's stock is rising fast among Burgundy insiders. He has developed a reputation for thoughtful and careful work, in the vines and in the cellar, making wines that ultimately drink far above what one might expect from humble appellations. This 2018 Bouzeron is a case in point. The vines are massale selections from the vineyards of Domaine de Villaine and average more than 60 years old.  He vinifies a small percentage in barrel and leaves the rest in tank. The result is shockingly good. The nose suggests lime, with hints of fennel and wildflowers. But listing descriptors is almost beside the point here. What is really notable is the intense sense of structure and minerality - there is great density, almost a chewiness to the material and an intensely chalky finish. There is no shortage of acidity either, even in such a warm vintage. This is fabulous value and not to be missed. Sam Ehrlich

(This is a pre-arrival and will be available for delivery starting Friday).

De Villaine, A.et P. 2018 Bouzeron Aligoté

From the other Co^te. The 2018 Domaine de Villaine Bouzeron has pale yellow green robe.  Lemon blossom, jonquil, rainwater, and powdered grapefruit zest on the expressive nose. The palate is racy and belies the the solar 2018 vintage, shaded more to preserved lemon, sea spray, and nervy stony sapidity, rather than overt fruit. There is a concentration that denotes ageabilty, and a persistent, mouthwatering finish that is deeply stony and satisfying. Lovely with quickly saute´ed scallops and brown butter with braised Greenmarket scallions, but with enough sap to pair nicely with roasted carrots with salsa verde. And yes, the price has crept up, but this is immensely satisfying and given the prices of middling Chablis and village wines is definitely worth a look. Excellent juice. John McIlwain

De Villaine, A.et P. 2018 Bouzeron Aligoté 1.5L

Domaine des Crets 2014 Macon - Chardonnay En Bout

Finding Burgundy wines that feel genuinely ready to drink is ever more difficult in the current market. It's largely a question of economics -prices have gotten so high that quick turnover is essential - but it's nonetheless a shame. There are few greater pleasures than a really excellent bottle of Burgundy, red or white, that has been given the chance to reach maturity. That's why this 2014 Macon from Domaine des Crets is so exciting. Des Crets is a small domaine owned by Francois Lequin of Domaine Lequin Colin in Santenay. The vineyards are farmed organically (moving towards certification) and the winemaking is simple - native yeasts, unhurried fermentations and very little new oak. The results are outstanding. This is brimming with oyster shell notes, pineapple, lime curd and creme fraiche and the balance of the excellent 2014 vintage is on display. The acidity here adds tension and energy and after six years in bottle, the mineral character of the region is well exposed. If you need a reminder of how great white Burgundy can be with a bit of patience, then look no further. Amazing value here.       Sam Ehrlich

Domane de l'Enclos 2016 Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy

Here's a rarity, a new organic grower in Chablis. Brothers Romain and Damien Bouchard whose father Pascal is a famed negotiant. In 2015 their father sold the winery and passed on his vines to the sons who've built a new winery and begun the process of organic certification. The wines are fermented with natural yeasts and aged in stainless steel and bottled with minimal sulfur. The 2016 Beauroy 1er cru from the left bank of the Serein river is bright, high-toned and redolent of white flowers and sea spray on the nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and nervy with punchy flavors of lemon zest, apple peel, and chalk on a galloping finish. This has great tension between the pungent mineral notes and ripe orchard fruit with a compelling, cool savory herbal notes. The Bouchard brothers are vignerons to watch. John McIlwain

Dominique Cornin 2017 Macon Chaintre Serreudieres

Duplessis, Gérard 2016 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons

Fichet 2008 Meursault Chevaliers

Fichet 2014 Meursault

From multiple lieux-dits across Meursault. 10% 15% new oak. The 2014 Meursault villages shows plenty of the verve of the vintage. Aromas of white flowers and orchard fruit dominate the nose, with hints of wet stone and a discreet note of oak adding interest. The palate is vibrant and ripe with warm pear and citrus flavors underlain with a stony, nearly saline minerality. This is a lovely village level wine and should shine with 3-5 years in the cellar. John McIlwain

Fichet 2017 Meursault Les Tessons

Fichet 2017 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Referts

If you were to ask me which white wine producer in the Co^te d’Or brings me the most joy at the table, there are a few growers whose wines would come to mind, but ultimately despite my love for Germain, Leflaive, Pierre Morey, Niellon, Ramonet, Roulot, and others, I have to confess that Fichet consistently lights up my glass. The 2017 Puligny Referts 1er is no exception. Reductive and taut in opening, within a hour it offers all of the classic aromatics of Puligny: lemon blossom, honeysuckle, sweet pea (chlorophyll), sea spray, and a whisper of mint(?). The palate is similarly composed, with a perfect equipoise between savory driving minerality and an extravagant flush of yellow and white stone fruit. Expansive and exuberant? Sure! Yet containing layer after layer of nuance? Absolutely. This was magnificent with lemon scented ricotta stuffed ravioli and favas from our friends at the Simone and their Simone-A-Go-Go delivery. And shimmered with the Cooper River King Salmon, sugar snap peas, and spring onions. Take joy where you find it, friends. And do give Tina a call if you are in Manhattan. The Simone delivers on nearly as many levels as this gorgeous Referts from Monsieur Fichet.  John McIlwain

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

(This is a pre-arrival and will be available for delivery starting Friday).

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 Quintaine

We're extremely happy to have the wines of Guillemot-Michel back at Chambers Street! Along with Jean and Gautier Thevenet, and Julien Guillot at Vignes du Maynes, they are making white Burgundies with more depth and minerality than anything comparably priced in the Cote D'Or. The 2018 Quintaine is a gorgeous white Burgundy, showing a brilliant pale gold color and complex aromas of poached pear, almond, candied lemon, kiwi, stone and lime-flower, elegant and quite beautiful. The palate is round and dense, a bit riper than the 2017, with firm acidity, showing cool stone fruits and citrus with caramel, stone and mineral flavors. The finish is long and very mineral, with chalky white fruits lingering on the palate. This is a young wine, give it some time in a carafe if possible. (At a recent tasting, the 1989 and 1990 were showing beautifully, so put a few in the cellar!) Beautiful wine - congratulations to Pierrette, Marc, Sophie and son-in-law Gautier!

Guillemot-Michel 2018 Viré-Clessé Retour a la Terre

Created in 2017, this cuvee is issued from grapes in the "Champ-Rond" vineyard, vinified in amphora of 800 liters. The 65 year-old vines are grafted on "Riparia Gloire de Montpellier" an old root-stock obtained in 1880, giving very low yields with magnificent small grapes, of a deep gold color. The 2018 Retour a la Terre presents the exotic notes typical of the domaine with an extra dimension of expression due to the respiration of the amphora. The small grapes of "Champ-Rond" ripen beautifully without a high degree of alcohol -  they are picked on the last day of the harvest, and the elevage in amphora gives the wine a great purity. Tasted at the domaine in January 2020, the wine showed elegant floral, white fruit, apricot, lemon and stone aromas. The palate was round, dense and silky with fabulous length. This is a superb white Burgundy that is delicious now and will cellar beatifully for ten to fifteen years. Highly recommended!  David Lillie

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

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

Leflaive 2017 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

Lignier, Hubert 2018 Aligoté

Merlin, Olivier 2016 Macon - La Roche Vineuse Vieilles Vignes

Morey, Pierre 2016 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Morey, Pierre 2017 Meursault

Morey, Pierre 2017 Meursault Les Tessons

Morey-Blanc 2017 St. Aubin 1er Cru

Prudhon 2017 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Perrières

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 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 2018 Cote de Beaune La Grande Chatelaine 7/10

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

Rateau 2018 Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune Blanc (Chardonnay)

Jean-Claude Rateau makes lovely Biodynamic wines in the Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune in his east-facing vineyard of clay/limestone and marne soils.  Quite racy and bright even in 2018, the wine shows ripe aromas of lemon, almond, stone, spiced pear and apple. The palate is rounder and more ripe than usual, but perfectly balanced with pear, citrus and stone flavors and terrific length. The antithesis of fat, oaky Chardonnays, 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 real Chardonnay of terroir and a great value!  David Lillie

Rollin 2017 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

Rollin 2017 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 1.5L

Rollin 2017 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Sous Frétille

Thenard 2007 Montrachet Grand Cru Le Montrachet 1.5 L

Valette, Bernard 2017 Beaujolais Blanc

Vocoret, Eleni & Edouard 2018 Chablis Bas du Chapelot

Bize, Simon 2016 Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru Marconnets

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

Buisson, Henri & Gilles 2016 St. Romain Rouge Sous la Roche

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*

Chantal Lescure 2006 Pommard 1er Cru Vaumauriens

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

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

Chantereves 2018 Volnay Les Lurets

Chevrot 2017 Bourgogne Rouge

Based in the village of Maranges with vineyards running along the Saône River, Domaine Chevrot has stood the test of time for nearly 100 years. Certified Organic farming with some biodynamic practices, and they have recently converted to literal horse-power for 5ha of vineyard, allowing their beautiful Clydesdale to help with plowing without compacting the soil as much as a tractor. This entry-level bottling is a perfect representation of the savory, earthy qualities you get from the Maranges terroir. The aromas are rustic, in a humble, comforting way. Upon opening the wine brings notes of freshly turned soil and charcuterie, followed by juicy pomegranate and black cherry mingled with moss and savory herbs. I absolutely love and encourage the suggestion from the Domaine to enjoy this wine with "rillettes, a blueberry tarte, a picnic basket, and a wide-brimmed hat." Michelle DeWyngaert

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 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Fremiets

d'Angerville 1993 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs

d'Angerville 1996 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs

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

Lafarge 1997 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes

Lafarge 1998 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs

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

Lequin-Colin 2017 Bourgogne Rouge

Honest Burgundy at this price is an increasingly rare bird these days.  From two vineyards in Santenay with EcoCert certification, this bottle is all about bright strawberry and raspberry fruit, firm acidity and colored around the edges by a dusty mineral freshness. Also bear in mind, though bottled under screw cap, this is aged in older barrels about ten months. The wine needs a moment to uncoil and will benefit from a splash decant. But once it has had some air watch how quickly it disappears. 

Moreau, Bernard 2017 Chassagne Montrachet Rouge Vieilles Vignes

Morey, Pierre 2017 Monthelie

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

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 Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune Rouge Arrives

From a small parcel of 50 year-old vines in AOC Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune, certified Biodynamic, "lyre ouverte" pruning.  The wine shows a bright red/garnet color and very floral aromas of berry fruits - crushed raspberry and strawberry, quite pretty and a bit riper than usual in 2019, with a bit of orange peel and spice. The palate is bright, and light to medium-bodied with sappy tart cherry and strawberry fruit, finishing with good length of juicy acidity and minerals.  The wine is quite elegant and refreshing - it's a perfect Pinot for summer cookouts with family and friends. Enjoy! David Lillie

Rossignol, Nicholas 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets

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

Voillot, Joseph 2018 Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes

Amiot-Servelle 2016 Chambolle-Musigny

Armand 1976 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux

Arnoux Lachaux 2014 Latricières Chambertin Grand Cru

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. 

Bachelet 2016 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

Barthod, Ghislaine 2016 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Beaux Bruns

Cathiard, Sylvain 2002 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts

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 2016 Bourgogne Rouge Noyer du Pendu

Chevillon, Robert 2017 Nuits St Georges Vieilles Vignes

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

Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1999 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Cuvee Duvault-Blocher

Domaine Jean Fournier 2017 Marsannay Cuvee St Urbain Rouge

Duroché 2017 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

Duroché 2017 Gervrey Chambertin 1er cru Lavaut St. Jacques

Engel, Rene 1996 Echezeaux Grand Cru

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 2011 Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru

Fourrier 2015 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Fourrier 2016 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Fourrier 2016 Vosnee Romanée Aux Réas Vieille Vigne

Fourrier 2017 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Grivot 2017 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

Grivot 2017 Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Beaux Monts

Grivot, Jean 2017 Echezeaux Grand Cru

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

Jane et Sylvain 2017 Bourgogne Rouge

Jane et Sylvain: A refreshingly unpretentious name for a small organic estate in Gevrey-Chambertin. Their Bourgogne Rouge is from 20 to 30 year-old vines in a parcel that has never been chemically treated and always tended organically. The 2017 Bourgogne Rouge shows a brilliant red/black color with elegant, floral, tart cherry, raspberry, citrus and violet aromas. The palate shows the ripeness of 2017 with chalky strawberry and cherry fruit, earthy and very long, finishing with refreshing citrus, mineral flavors and red fruits. Serve this lovely Pinot Noir quite cool over the next five years - it's a delicious wine and a great value!

Lienhardt, Antoine 2018 Bourgogne Rouge

An assemblage of fruit from two parcels in the Côte de Nuits-Villages, as well as some purchased fruit from an organic grower in Fixin, this Bourgogne is an indicator of the potential for greatness in Burgundy in 2018. From the moment the cork was pulled, what was striking was the sense that this was a complete wine, without a stitch out of place. The core of  is one of intense dark red fruit that feels quite concentrated but never overwrought, thanks to a semi-carbonic fermentation using 100% whole bunches. The use of the stems lends an extra aromatic dimension of baking spice and fresh fennel and provides an overall feel of freshness and lift. This is excellent Pinot for the price and should satisfy classicists and hedonists alike.  Sam Ehrlich

Lienhardt, Antoine 2018 Côte de Nuits Villages Les Essards

From low-yielding vines located in Comblanchien (probably more famous for its quarries and eponymous limestone than viticulture), planted in the 1960s by Antoine Lienhardt's grandfather. Les Essards is a short distance from another of Antoine's lieux dits, Les Plantes Aux Bois. There is a thin layer of rocky clay topsoil over Comblanchien limestone and the vine rows run from east to west. The nose is floral and expressive with red fruits, wild strawberry, wild roses, hibiscus, blood orange peel, and green tea aromas. The palate is tense and nervy, with tangy red fruit, brambly wild raspberry flavors, and a taut, chalky mineral core. Just this side of tightly wound, this is energetic and displays verticality and brio offering concentration, rather than weight or breadth. I like the brightness here and even in its youth, there’s plenty of nascent complexity, even if it’s implied rather than realized. Give this a quick decant and enjoy with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or wild mushroom risotto. John McIlwain

Lienhardt, Antoine 2018 Côte de Nuits Villages Les Plantes Aux Bois

A mere 200 meters from Les Essards, Les Plantes Aux Bois has clay top soils overlying the hard limestone mother rock. The nose is ample, perfumed, and dark-fruited with aromas of black currant and plum skin giving way to notes of bosky underbrush and spice. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, and elderberry dominate on the ripe, expansive palate. There is good freshness, with fine acidity providing lift and drive on the broad, long, lingering finish. Lovely with a quick decant, but there's plenty of material to justify mid-term cellaring. Light on its feet with good freshness to wake the palate, but enough minerality to whet the appetite of the discerning Burgundy aficionado.  One really senses the richness from the clay soils from this lieu-dit.  John McIlwain

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Baudes

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Lignier, Hubert 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Les Bussières

Lignier, Hubert 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrees

Lignier, Hubert 2017 Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes

Lignier, Hubert 2017 Morey St. Denis Trilogie

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

Michelot, Alain 2016 Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Cailles

Michelot, Alain 2016 Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Chaignots

Michelot, Alain 2016 Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Saint Georges

Mugneret-Gibourg 2016 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Vignes Rondes

Potel 2005 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Gaudichots

Potel 2005 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Malconsorts

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.

Vigot, Fabrice 2016 Vosne Romanee Chalandins

Vigot, Fabrice 2016 Vosne Romanee Colombiere

Vigot, Fabrice 2016 Vosne Romanee Damaudes

Vogue 1998 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Amoureuses

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

de Villaine, A et P 2018 Bourgogne La Digoine

de Villaine, A et P 2018 Bourgogne La Fortune

While the Côte Chalonnaise has long played second fiddle to the Côte d’Or (and third fiddle one supposes to the Côte des Nuits), there’s happy hunting and relative value for those who look. There’s plenty of terroir (even if from a different geological era ), good farming at a number of domaines, and the classic tension between fruit and soil that Burgundy at its best embodies. And if there’s a cream of the crop of to this Côte—and it being Burgundy, there’s definitely a hierarchy—it’s certainly Domaine de Villaine. Monsieur de Villaine's day job certainly gets the lion’s share of the press, but even in the humble south, there’s praise to be garnered and pretty delicious wine to be drunk. And while the Bouzeron is justly famous among the Burg Nerd set, the reds are nipping at the heels of that Aligoté pony. And the 2018 La Fortune Rouge deservedly rates. The robe is a deep ruby hue. The nose offers aromas of dried roses, violet, crushed strawberry, and just a whisper of sweet anise. The palate, while concentrated and displaying the best of the 2018 ripeness, hews the line between ripe and detailed with red and black fruit flavors vying with sapid notes of black tea, game, and powdery tannins girded by a distinctly mineral core. So while this is certainly delicious there is a whole lot of ‘there’ there. And this is manifest in the punchy, lingering, savory finish. The dry extract, persistence, and pinpoint balance give me the impression that this has excellent potential for cellaring, but I have to admit that opening a bottle now is equally compelling. A heck of a bottle with Rohan Duck breast and Japanese turnips and greens, this has enough gras to accompany pork cutlets with a mint pesto à la Highlands Grill or even a medium rare squab with farro. Lovely juice, indeed. John McIlwain

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