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Cellar Favorite: 2014 M & C Lapierre Morgon Marcel Lapierre Cuvée MMXIV
Cellar Favorites, France: Rhône & Beaujolais, cellar favorite
, Apr 2024
The 2014 Morgon Marcel Lapierre Cuvée MMXIV comes from 2.5 hectares planted in 1907-1910, just after phylloxera. The vines are located in the Le Douby climat, towards Fleurie, which the legendary Marcel Lapierre has intermittently bottled separately since 1999. Authorities refused the maiden vintage since it did not adhere to the typical Morgon style for reasons only known to them. To circumvent demotion into Vin de France, Marcel Lapierre’s son, the then teenage Mathieu, who is recounting this story in the sunny courtyard outside the winery in Villié-Morgon, suggested his father print the vintage in Roman numerals.
Northern Rhône: Where Diversity Ignites the Senses
featured, France: Rhône & Beaujolais
, Mar 2024
Diversity reigns supreme in the Northern Rhône Valley, with each appellation offering unique expressions. Despite climatic challenges, local vintners exhibit remarkable adaptability, ensuring the sustainability of their vineyards and the quality of their wines. This report unearths the distinct characteristics of the 2021 and 2022 vintages, from a high degree of variability of the former to the promising potential of the latter.
Cellar Favorite: 1991 René Balthazar Cornas
Cellar Favorites, France: Rhône & Beaujolais, cellar favorite
, Mar 2024
The Northern Rhône is a region that I would like to know better. There is too little time with Burgundy and Bordeaux under my charge, so I look forward to future reports from my colleague, Nicolas Greinacher. A recent Riesling/Syrah-themed dinner was bejeweled with exquisite bottles and fodder for several Cellar Favorites. This one caught my eye.
Cellar Favorite: 1983 & 1967 Domaine J.L. Chave L’Hermitage
Cellar Favorites, France: Rhône & Beaujolais, cellar favorite
, Jan 2024
Last year was such a treasure trove of amazing bottles that I completely forgot a dinner in February that finished with a pair of outstanding wines from Jean-Louis Chave.
Gigondas: The Southern Rhône Jewel Shines and Adapts
featured, France: Rhône & Beaujolais
, Jan 2024
Gigondas, the Southern Rhône gem, finally moves ahead with the official Gigondas Blanc category as part of the inaugural 2023 vintage. This report unravels the time-consuming AOC adaptation process, delves into the region’s unique terroir and offers a thorough review of the promising 2022 and more mixed 2021 vintages.
Cellar Favorite: 1971 Hospices des Moulin-à-Vent Moulin-à-Vent
Cellar Favorites, France: Rhône & Beaujolais, cellar favorite
, Nov 2023
Held every November, the Hospices de Beaune is Burgundy’s most famous charity auction. It attracts global attention, celebrities and, in recent years, stratospheric hammer prices. Lying in its shadow is the annual Hospices de Nuits auction that unfairly doesn’t attract nearly the same hoopla. Yet I have encountered very fine bottlings. Until the 1971 Moulin-à-Vent was poured, I had no idea that a similar auction was held in Beaujolais. I do not know when the auction ceased and correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems lost in the mists of time.
Vacqueyras New Releases: Walking the Underdog
featured, France: Rhône & Beaujolais
, Nov 2023
In the sun-drenched vineyards of the Southern Rhône Valley, a captivating underdog story has been unfolding for years. Overshadowed by its prestigious neighbor, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the unassuming Vacqueyras appellation has been gaining attention for its affordable, high-quality wines. This report dives deep into the world of Vacqueyras, explores its characteristics, winemaking techniques and the latest four vintages, uncovering why this hidden gem deserves your attention.
Cellar Favorite: 2000 Domaine Cheysson Chiroubles
Cellar Favorites, France: Rhône & Beaujolais, cellar favorite
, Jul 2023
In practically every Beaujolais report, I remind readers that some Beaujolais wines have a propensity to mature in bottle as well as any Pinot Noir from the Côte d’Or. A recent magnum poured at a dinner in Beaune during the week of Burgfest proved that.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape New Releases: Welcome to the Pleasuredome
featured, France: Rhône & Beaujolais
, Jun 2023
Embracing their sun-kissed terroir, the historic vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape continue to produce bold and complex wines. But winemakers face unprecedented challenges as climate change looms and a global shift away from overly alcoholic wines persists. This report takes a deep dive into these present-day challenges and a first-hand look at how winemakers are conquering adversity and shaping their own futures.
The Future Is Beaujolais: 2020-2022 Releases
featured, France: Rhône & Beaujolais
, May 2023
Few wine regions capture the heart, soul and tastebuds like Beaujolais, finally shaking off its association with Nouveau and witnessing a serious upgrade in quality, year-on-year. Tired of Burgundy’s fetishization and its unaffordable wines? Step this way.