Browse using the new Vinous website now. Launch →
Swings and Roundabouts: Chablis 2020/2021
France: Burgundy, featured
, Sep 2022
Chablis is a mirror, translating growing seasons into wine with minimal interference compared to elsewhere. The 2020 and 2021 vintages are very different, the latter resulting in wines I thought would not be seen again. So where do you start looking?
Relive the Nightmare! 2008 Red & White Burgundy
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Aug 2022
What lies inside a bottle of Burgundy? You never know until you open it. So, when touring the region, I tasted an eclectic array from the divisive 2008 vintage to see how the wines turned out, finding a few surprises on the way.
The Inflection Point: Mâconnais 2020 & 2021
France: Burgundy, featured
, Aug 2022
With the inception of Premier Crus and more Burgundy lovers appreciating its well-priced wines, the Mâconnais currently has the wind in its sails. But how did winemakers react to two recent vintages that were so different: 2020 and 2021? There is only one way to find out.
Orbiting Satellites: Irancy & Saint-Bris 2020 & 2021
France: Burgundy, featured
, Aug 2022
Not far from Chablis lies a tiny appellation that can be a source of fine Pinot Noirs. Following on from last year’s report, I returned to Irancy and highlight some of its undiscovered gems.
Cellar Favorite: Raiding the Cellar at Inspire Napa Valley
France: Burgundy, France: Champagne, France: Alsace, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Aug 2022
I was thrilled to open this eclectic collection of wines from my cellar during this year’s Inspire Napa Valley dinner at Staglin. It’s a rare treat to take a break from the hectic pace of tasting wines for review and actually drink a few things for pleasure.
Scaling Heights: Duroché’s Lavaut Saint-Jacques 1969-2019
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Jul 2022
Pierre Duroché’s rapid ascent in Gevrey-Chambertin has been startling to witness. So, when he invited me for a vertical tasting of his Lavaut-Saint Jacques Premier Cru, with a couple of “old vintages” thrown in, I made sure my busy schedule was clear.
Domaine Leroy: A Voyage Across the 2019s
France: Burgundy, Verticals & Retrospectives, featured
, Jul 2022
Lalou Bize-Leroy's 2019s are off the charts. Even in 2019, a year marked by several pronounced heat spikes, the wines capture tremendous expression of site. From the village wines all the way to the top Grand Crus, the 2019s are simply breathtaking for their grandeur and sheer personality.
Cellar Favorite: 2011 Domaine Henri Germain & Fils Meursault Charmes 1er Cru
France: Burgundy, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Jul 2022
Over the last few months, I have been drinking quite a few bottles from Domaine Henri Germain. Winemaker Jean-François Germain has really ratcheted up quality in recent years thanks both to the pedigree of his family’s holdings and his conscientious approach. Germain still flies a little under-the-radar, and though prices are increasing, you can still find their wines on restaurant lists at reasonable cost, just as I did with this bottle at Noizé in London.
Côte Chalonnaise – Latest Releases
France: Burgundy, featured
, Jul 2022
As Burgundy prices soar to unprecedented levels, alternatives such as the Côte Chalonnaise are becoming more important. Wine lovers considering the region for the first time will find that it has much to offer.
Cellar Favorite: 2014 Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru
France: Burgundy, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Jul 2022
Let’s be honest. White Burgundy remains a minefield for the average consumer. Prices for the most desirable wines are through the roof, and even paying these prices is no guarantee that wines will age and deliver the most magical experience that only fine, seasoned white Burgundy can deliver.