Bize, Simon 2016 Aloxe Corton Le Suchot

Bize, Simon 2016 Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru Marconnets

Bize, Simon 2016 Savigny les Beaunes Aux Fourneaux 1er Cru

Bize, Simon 2016 Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses

Chandon de Briailles 2016 Bourgogne Gelée Royale

From declassified fruit from Savigny-Les-Beaune and Pernand-Vergelesses. Destemmed. Though 2016 produced some excellent wines, it was a trying vintage, not least because of the devastating frost of April 26-27. Gelée Royale (Royal Frost) is an assemblage of the hard hit crus in Savigny and Pernand-Vergelesses, which though classified as a Bourgogne, contains some brilliant fruit from Chandon de Briailles' impeccably farmed village and premier cru vines.

Chandon de Briailles 2016 Corton Clos du Roi

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Corton Clos du Roi

From .38 hectares of biodynamically farmed vines averaging over 40 years old, high on the hillside of Corton. Traditionally the most powerful and long-lasting of the stable of red Corton lieux-dits at Chandon de Briailles. Plummy black fruit, animale funk, wood smoke, and fresh-turned earth. In the mouth ripe red/black fruit flavors mingle with pungent minerality on the vibrant mid-weight palate. There is good sap and firm, but ripe tannins supporting the racy fruit on the long, substantial finish. This has real class and should be sensational after 10-15 years in the cellar. John McIlwain

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Corton Grand Cru Les Maréchaudes

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

Chandon de Briailles 2017 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Île des Vergelesses

3.13 hectares of vines dating from 1938, with an average age of 40 years, in limestone clay soils, well exposed to the east. Île des Vergelesses is considered the finest climat in Pernand-Vergelesses, producing elegant wines that age effortlessly for 20+ years, as a recent tasting of the 1990, 1999, and 2002 vintages showed. The 2017 has a dark ruby robe with an exuberant nose offering bright floral and red and black fruit aromas. The deep-pitched palate offers a fine array of juicy red berry and black cherry flavors with notes of crushed herbs and soil notes framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins and brisk acidity, and a bit of the peacock's tail on the vibrant, layered, expansive finish. Decant now or cellar for 7-10 years and beyond to allow the fruit and structural elements to integrate.  John McIlwain

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

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

Chantal Lescure 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Les Bertins

The Chantal Lescure Pommard 1er Cru "Les Bertins" is from a one hectare parcel of old vines on the Volnay side of Pommard, at the base of the slope in clay over hard  limestone and rocky debris. There is a pre-fermentation maceration followed by a long, slow fermentation with wild yeasts, with aging in 30% new barrels with one soutirage after 18 months. The wine shows a deep red/black color with bright, elegant aromas of blackberry and black cherry, deep and meaty with rose, earth and blood orange. The palate is dense and chalky with round, sappy blackberry and red currant fruit, licorice and minerals, lifted by bright acidity. The finish is long with saline minerals and black fruits lingering on the palate. Decant if drinking now - this very elegant Pommard will benefit from five years of cellaring, then enjoy until 2035. David Lillie

Chantal Lescure 2016 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 is new oak. The 2016 features a melody of tobacco leaf, green pepper and red currant on the nose, elegantly followed by black pepper and cherry. The palate is fresh and dense with ripe plum and rich, velvety notes of licorice and blackberry. The 2016 is a Pommard of delightful acidity and ripe, plump texture, and these notes should shine through even more in a few years of cellaring. John David Crosby

Chantal Lescure 2017 Bourgogne Rouge Les Verduns

The Chantal Lescure Bourgogne Rouge "Les Verduns" is from vines high on the slope adjacent to Pommard "Les Vignots." Vinification is with whole-clusters giving a firm structure to this very classy Bourgogne Rouge. The wine shows elegant high-toned  quite floral aromas of earthy morello cherry and strawberry with hints of spice, mint and rose petal. The palate is earthy and mineral with saline acidity underlying spicy wild strawberry and black raspberry fruit. The finish is long and sappy, dominated by mineral flavors that linger on the palate. This is not a fruit bomb, but is a very satisfying red Burgundy that will benefit from many hours of aeration or cellaring for 3 to 5 years. David Lillie

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

From 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 2017 shows high-toned aromas of ripe black cherry fruit with rose, black pepper, earth and citrus, quite elegant. The palate is dense and earthy with sappy black cherry - intensely mineral with firm acidity, earth and black fruits that linger in the long finish. This is a quite elegant 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 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 it's youth - decant if drinking now, this will really sing in three to five years and until 2030+. David Lillie

Chevrot 2016 Bourgogne Rouge

High-toned, floral and fresh with bright red fruit notes and zesty acidity. A wine of energy and lift rather than mass, this racy Bourgogne shows the buoyant nature of the difficult, but excellent 2016 vintage. Pablo Chevrot and his family make beautiful and fairly-priced Burgundy in every vintage, and are a great domaine for value.  Enjoy with roasted chicken, fricasséed mushrooms, tempura, or milder cheeses. John McIlwain

Chevrot 2016 Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau

Organically farmed, from 50+ year-old vines on silty clays over limestone on the Maranges end of the village. A lovely and floral expression of Santenay, Chevrot's 2016 Clos Rousseau is beautifully expressive with notes of red fruits, earth, and dried rose petals. Less of the mineral funk than one typically associates with Santenay. The palate is supple and harmonious. There is enough structure to reward midterm aging, if you can resist drinking it now on the very pretty fruit. -John McIlwain

Chevrot 2018 Bourgogne Rose 'Sakura'

This Pinot Noir rosé is a blend of the saignée from villages and 1er cru fruit in Maranges, a straight pressing of Hautes Côtes de Beaune fruit, and pellicular maceration of fruit from Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Pale pink, effusive on the nose with aromas of cherry blossom (of course), wild strawberry, cherry, and chalk. Palate is ripe, racy and juicy. Ripe stone fruit and savory herbal notes lend interest. Lip-smacking finish. This is nearly incandescent with bright fruit and crackling energy. A fabulous rosé for an aperitif  or with dinner outdoors on a warm Summer evening. John McIlwain

Comte Armand 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux

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

d'Angerville 2016 Bourgogne Passetoutgrains

De Montille 2015 Beaune 1er Cru Grèves 1.5L

From a 1.26 ha parcel just south of the famed Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus from Bouchard. 100% whole cluster. While I’ll concede to not being a big believer in the 2015 hype, the De Montille Beaune Grèves certainly piques my interest. Dark berry fruit, brambles, a touch of orange oil, and stone on the nose, some sous-bois and a bit of oak. The palate is a mélange of hedge fruits, black cherry, black tea, and notes of blood orange, wrapped around a vibrant cherry pit and a salty mineral core. This has subtle tannins and poised ripeness (nothing overripe, or stewed here, thank you very much!) and delightful freshness given the vintage; all propelling a bright, succulent finish. And if I’m typically no fan of overtly stemmy Burgundy, this makes a compelling argument for the suaveness that can be accomplished by stem inclusion in a solar vintage. This is a lovely Beaune Grèves and a truly enjoyable and expressive wine from the vintage. This should gain in focus and complexity in the mid-term and is a sensational expression of the terroir. Kudos to Etienne De Montille! John McIlwain

De Montille 2015 Pommard 1er Cru Pèzerolles

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 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 Pèzerolles

From 1.35 hectares of organically-farmed vines. The 2016 vintage is 33% whole cluster fermentation aged in 30% new barrels. Pèzerolles is always one of the silkier and suppler expressions of Pommard (due to the limestone soils) with a fine core of stoniness within. In 2016 de Montille has released a beautiful example with a bright, high-toned nose with pretty aromas of wild strawberries, cherry, wet stone, and brown spice. The palate is lithe, racy, and mineral with pure red fruit and stone fruit flavors underlain by a savory, stony core and zesty acidity on a long, expressive, mouthwatering finish. This will benefit from a few years in the cellar and drink beautifully for a decade beyond. 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

Domaine Chantal Lescure 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Chouacheux

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

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

Fery, Jean 2017 Savigny-les-Beaunes Ez Connardises Vieilles Vignes

Germain, Henri 20176 Bourgogne Rouge

Lafon 2017 Monthélie 1er Cru Rouge Les Duresses

Lafouge 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Les Chanlins

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Pommard En Brescul

Maison en Belles Lies 2017 L'Etrange Rouge

Pierre Fenals has slowly patched together a collection of vineyards in Burgundy, with some tiny plots he owns and others he manages and farms. L'Etrange is Pinot Noir, with a touch of Aligoté and Gamay, fermented with native yeasts and vinified and bottled without the addition of sulfur. Opened recently with friends, this was ready to go, with bright red fruit, and perfect acidity. I sophisticated and classy Burgundy, clean and direct, and most likely best for short term consumption (1-5 years), while waiting for the Maranges to age!   Eben

Maison en Belles Lies 2017 Maranges Rouge

Morey, Pierre 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands Epenots

Morey, Pierre 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

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

Rateau 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes

Dark forest and hedge fruits on nose, earthy and brooding with game aromas. Taut and mineral, with a core of pungent soil notes of black tea, cherry pit, spice and stone on a dense mid-weight palate. Tightly wound, energetic, on the attack; savory and dark-fruited on the finish. This is a bit reserved at the  moment and benefits from a substantial decant or 5-10 years in the cellar. John McIlwain (June 4, 2019) - What a difference a few months make. This Bressandes has uncoiled to reveal pure wild raspberry and red currant flavors, the nose has become more expressive, exhibiting more floral plum and spice notes. There's a quite a bit more charm here while the underlying balance remains impeccable. Tasted recently alongside another dozen Beaune 1ers, this showed exceptionally well. John McIlwain

Rateau 2018 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 2018 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 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 ten to fifteen years. David Lillie

Rateau 2018 Beaune Les Beaux et Bons

Jean-Claude says this wine, sourced from lieux-dits Beaux and Bons on the Pommard side of Beaune, always shows aromas of "cerises noires" (black cherries).  The 2018 has a dark ruby, verging on purple robe. The ripe, lush nose offers plummy dark fruit aromas with notes of violet, cassis, and spice box. The palate also tends towards black fruits (there's that black cherry!), savory herbal notes, and a brooding earthiness beneath the ripe, exuberant fruit. There’s a lot to sort out here, but this has nice flair and concentration, if not delicacy. Give this a bit of time to knit and this should be a satisfying bottle with coq au vin or perhaps braised duck legs. John McIlwain

Rateau 2018 Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune Rouge

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 medium red/garnet color and very floral aromas of berry fruits - crushed raspberry and strawberry, quite pretty and a bit riper than usual in 2018, 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 juicy acidity and minerals.  The wine is quite elegant and refreshing and at 12% alcohol it's a perfect Pinot for this summer's cookouts and picnics. Enjoy! David Lillie

Rollin 2016 Pernand-Vergelesses Rouge

Rossignol, Nicholas 2015 Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds

Rossignol, Nicholas 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets

Voillot, Joseph 2015 Volnay 1er Cru Les Fremiets

Voillot, Joseph 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Les Champans

Dark ruby robe. A mélange of red and black fruit, forest floor and freshly turned earth on the nose with a faint whiff of anise and mustard seed. The midweight and concentrated palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate, and animale flavors, underlain with a deeply mineral core and a long mouthwatering, moderately tannic, expansive finish. This is fabulous Champans and what it may lack in overt polish, it makes up in mineral frankness and lift. This should age effortlessly and is cracking traditional Burgundy! Voillot’s 2016s are not to be missed! John McIlwain

Arlaud 2016 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

50+ year-old vines from the top of the Mazoyères section of Charmes-Chambertin, beneath Latricières, adjacent to Domaine Leroy's vines. 20% new oak. This is also a step-up from the already excellent 1ers. Effusively aromatic, with scents of perfectly ripe orchard fruit. Pure cherry, red and black plums, spice box, and game notes. The nose is kaleidoscopic, layered, and dazzling for Charmes. The palate is equally impressive, with layer after layer of perfectly ripe Pinot fruit, vying with a profound stoniness for attention. This has a deeply mineral core and has the lift to carry all the stoniness. Finely-grained tannins and succulent acidity run through the finish. This is great Charmes! Needs 10-15+ years, but just electric. Wow! John McIlwain

Arlaud 2016 Clos St. Denis Grand Cru Grand Cru

From biodynamically farmed 45+ year-old vines. Aged in 1 year-old barrels. The 2016 Arlaud Clos St. Denis is perfumed and earthy at the same time. Stony, deeply fruited, gorgeous nose. Exuberantly aromatic, with aromas of roses, game, black cherry. Fabulous concentration. This has Grand Cru breed. Pungent stoniness and dense orchard fruit on the palate. Dazzling intensity and sap over a profoundly mineral core.  Great persistence and the classic 'peacock's tail' on the lingering finish. This is sophisticated, energetic, and displays great nascent complexity at this stage. Again, wow! This is excellent juice and will be glorious in 10-15 years. John McIlwain

Arnoux Lachaux 2016 Vosne-Romanée

Arnoux-Lachaux 2016 Bourgogne Pinot Fin

Tasted on a raw rainy night, perhaps better suited to Barolo or St. Joseph, but curiosity get the best of me. The nose is initially reticent (dampened?), but given a hour open begins to reveal a small forest’s worth of wild berries and hedge fruit—fraises de bois, red currant, wild raspberry and the like with a floral component to boot. Very pretty, the mid-weight, lithe palate is replete with pure crunchy red fruit flavors, sousbois, and pretty spice character underlain with chalky minerality and mouthwatering acidity. There are ripe, but sneaky tannins within lending a bit of earnestness, lest you think this nothing but bright fruit and flowers. This is a lovely Bourgogne Rouge and is a good indication of the change of style at Chez Arnoux-Lachaux, emphasizing purity and energy, rather than extraction and emphasis. Cracking with a pan-roasted veal chop and morels, better still with the cheese course on this sodden spring night. Charles Lachaux is a young grower to watch with well-situated old vines, diligent farming and a deft hand in the cellar! John McIlwain

Audoin, Charles 2018 Marsannay Rosé

Bachelet, Denis 2016 Bourgogne Rouge

From two plots planted in 1977 and 1986 in limestone clay soils.  100% destemmed and aged in used barrels. Domaine Bachelet is one of the greatest growers in Burgundy and this Bourgogne  shows all the breed and class of a Gevrey villages. Highly recommended.

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

Bouchard 1996 La Romanee Grand Cru

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

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

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

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

Cathiard, Sylvain 2016 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Murgers

Chantal Lescure 2016 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

From 50+ year0old vines in the upper part of the Clos (Lieu-dit "Montiotes.") Terroir pebbly clay/limestone. The 2016 Clos Vougeot has a vividly deep ruby robe. The nose is circumspect via reduction and youth. With air aromas of  blackberry, black currant, and violets emerge. The palate is tightly wound with notes of espresso, mustard seed, cherry stone, Earl Grey, and ripe black fruit.The finish is long expansive and supple with mouthwatering acidity and a savory mineral character. This has structure to resolve, but the ripe intense fruit to knit with time in the cellar. Grand Cru class and a compelling Clos Vougeot for the patient. John McIlwain

Chantal Lescure 2016 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes

From the village portion of Les Damodes on the Vosne side of Nuits St. Georges. Dark ruby verging on purple robe. The nose offers aromas of plum, blue fruits, blood orange rind, a touch of iron, with a bit of oak. The mid-weight palate has bright acidity, flavors of black currant, plum skin, cherry stone, and a pungent earthiness on a long, faintly grippy finish. This has good density and punch on the mid-palate with a fine core of soil notes. This is clearly young, but balances mouthwatering acidity, Nuits St. Georges tannins, and beguiling dark, ripe forest fruits. Decant now or allow the elements to knit. This has a lot of flair and should make for a classic expression of Damodes with 5-7 years in the cellar.

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 Beaux-Monts and attractively priced (relative to its neighbors). John McIlwain

Chauvenet 2014 Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains

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

Clavelier, Bruno 2014 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts VV

De Montille 2016 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

From a .29 hectare plot in the upper third of the Clos. One third whole cluster.

De Montille 2016 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Malconsorts

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

Duroché 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin

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

Fery, Jean 2017 Cotes de Nuits-Villages Clos de Magny

Fourrier 2015 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Goulots

From vines planted in 1966 by Champeaux and Combe Aux Moines. Fourrier made some truly beautiful wines in 2015 handling the ripeness and power deftly. This should age effortlessly.

Grivot 2016 Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Beaux Monts

Etienne Grivot seems to have hit new levels in winemaking since 2007. The wines have great class and exceptional energy even in 'difficult' vitages. Beaux Monts is always my favorite of his 1er crus, and 2016 positively shimmers in place. Gorgeous. Highly recommended. John McIlwain

Grivot, Jean 2016 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

50+-year-old vines. Grivot's Clos Vougeot is backwards at this time, but has the fruit and the structure to make for old bones. Great energy is implied within structural elements, give it 7-10 years and drink for another 15.John McIlwain

Gros, Anne 1998 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Grand Maupertuis

Gros, Anne 2001 Vosne Romanee Barreaux

Gros, Anne 2002 Chambolle-Musigny La Combe D'Orveau

Gros, Anne 2004 Vosne Romanee Barreaux

Gros, Anne 2006 Clos Vougeot Le Grand Maupertuis

Gros, Anne 2006 Richebourg Grand Cru

Gros, Anne 2006 Vosne Romanee Barreaux

Gros, Michel 2002 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Grand Maupertuis

Jane et Sylvain 2015 Côte de Nuits Villages Queue de Hareng

The vines are in the lieu-dit "Queue de Hareng" below an old quarry at the top of the slope in Brochon, next to Fixin 1er Cru "la Perrière," on shallow red/brown soils of mountain silt and limestone pebbles over the limestone bedrock. Organic farming, wild-yeast fermentations with minimal SO2. The 2015 Jane et Sylvain Côte de Nuits-Villages is a superb and unusual Burgundy showing intense aromas of ripe strawberry and cherry with rose leaf, brown spice and herbal notes as well as dusty stone and mineral smells which are typical of this vineyard. With aeration the aromas become more pure and fruit-driven and the palate shows lovely black cherry, strawberry and red currant fruit, quite dense and ripe, with a finish that's extraordinarily long and pure. Decant 4 to 6 hours in advance if drinking now, or cellar for 3 to 5 years and drink till 2027. Highly recommended for those who enjoy some minerals in their Burgundy!

Jane et Sylvain 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin

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

Jane et Sylvain 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Fonteny

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

Jane et Sylvain 2017 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain

Jane and Sylvain have done it again! Another beautiful Passetoutgrain, in 2017 from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Gamay, grown in and around Gevrey-Chambertin, organically farmed and quite delicious! The 2017 shows a deep black/red color and very perfumed aromas of black raspberry and  strawberry liqueur with earth and violets. The palate is ripe and bright with deep morello cherry and blackberry, quite sapid and round. Really a refreshing and delicious wine, perfect for picnics and barbecues, served quite cool. This is a fantastic value and highly recommended.

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!

Leroy 1999 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Beaux Monts

Lienhardt, Antoine 2017 Côte de Nuits Villages Les Essards

Lienhardt, Antoine 2017 Côte de Nuits Villages Les Plantes Aux Bois

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Chambolle-Musigny Les Bussières

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin

From vines in the Epointures and Reniard lieux-dits. Classically Gevrey--gamy, earthy, with black fruits and a firm mineral core.

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Morey St. Denis 1er Cru La Riotte

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Morey St. Denis Trilogie

Lignier, Hubert 2016 Nuits St Georges Les Poisets

62-year-old vines located beneath 1er cru les Cailles. Dark-fruited, mineral, with a sappy core of plum black fruits and a hint of iron.

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

Lignier-Michelot 2016 Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Les Faconnières

Les Faconnières, planted in 1948, is located beneath Clos St. Denis. 50% whole cluster. This is always the most stylish of Virgile Lignier's premier crus with a good deal of the class of the grand crus. The 2016 is effusively perfumed with aromas of black and red hedge fruits, red plum, cassis, spicebox, and freshly turned soil. The mid-weight, concentrated palate is distinctly stony, with a ferrous minerality under-girding perfectly ripe, supple fruit and proceeding to an impeccably balanced and persistent finish. This is a satisfying, serious, albeit lovely Faconnières, which should reward cellaring for 8-10 years and drinking well beyond. John McIlwain

Rateau 2016 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 midweight palate is lithe, racy, and offers up vibrant flavors of dark fruits, crushed herbs, game, and salty soil notes. Great lifted acidity and core of minerality overlain by an assortment of wild berry fruits. This is another great example of the combination of perfume, pure fruit, and detailed earthiness that is a hallmark of the 2016 vintage. Great tension and verve and a bargain at the price. Wonderful with veau aux champignons. John McIlwain

Rateau 2017 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. Ruby robe. The nose offers an intriguing contrast between floral aromas and gamy, sauvage notes. For every rose petal, there’s a contrasting earth tone. The tension is compelling. On the palate ripe cherry and raspberry flavors are underlain by a pungent stoniness on a mid-weight, faintly tannic, but fresh, finish. This is delicious, if brambly, now but should gain in suavity with time in the bottle. I’d choose to pair this with something autumnal and savory. Pigéon? Pintade? Daube? John McIlwain

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

Tardy, Jean et Fils 2016 Echezeaux Grand Cru Les Treux Vieilles Vignes

Taupenot-Merme 2014 Chambolle-Musigny

Trapet 2016 Chambertin Grand Cru

Trapet 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Alea

Trapet 2017 Bourgogne Rouge

Vogue 1988 Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Vogue 1991 Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Vogue 1995 Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Vogue 1996 Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Champs de l'Abbaye 2017 Monthélie Les Sous Roches

Dangin, Bruno NV Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs

Domaine d'Edouard 2017 Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

Domaine Parent 2016 Pommard 1er cru Les Epenots

40% whole cluster, from parcels in Grands and Petits Epenots. The 2016 Les Epenots from organic Domaine Parent has a dark ruby robe. The nose is a touch reticent on opening; with air, lovely black fruit and soil aromas emerge with plum, iron, and crushed herbs giving way to game notes. The palate is densely concentrated with flavors of black cherry, plum skin, black tea, and spice over a vibrant and deeply-pitched mineral core, framed by ripe tannins and leading to an admirably long, detailed finish. This has great purity and energy and should age effortlessly. A beautiful Epenots! John McIlwain

Guillot Broux 2017 Bourgogne Marisa

Marie and Isabel are two young aspiring winemakers from France and the US respectively. They've been working together at Domaine Guillot Broux and this year had the opportunity to make their own special cuvee! 85% Gamay and 15% Pinot Noir, with nice pleasing acidity and fine ripe berry fruit. No oak, just pure varietal and terroir expression! Eben Lillie

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

Tripoz 2016 Bourgogne Rouge Chant de la Tour 1.5L

Vignes du Maynes (Julien Guillot) 2016 Mâcon-Cruzille Rouge Cuvée 910 1.5 L

Vignes du Maynes 2017 Mâcon-Cruzille Manganite

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

Villaine 2017 Bourgogne La Fortune