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. 

Colin-Morey, Pierre-Yves 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes

Colin-Morey, Pierre-Yves 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Ancegnières

Colin-Morey, Pierre-Yves 2018 Meursault

Comtesse de Cherisey (Martelet) 2016 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Hameau de Blagny

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

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

Domaine de Montille 2016 Bourgogne Blanc

The domaine currently known as Domaine de Montille was established in the 1750s, with the de Montille family coming into the picture through marriage in 1863. Now the estate is headed by the current generation, siblings Alix and Étienne de Montille. The Bourgogne Blanc sees up to a year of aging in a mix of used barrel and stainless steel tank. CB

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-Chaintré Serreudières

As much as we love the whites from the tonier neighborhoods of Chablis and the Côte de Beaune, far be it for us to turn up our noses at fine wines of the Mâconnais. The Cornin 2017 Mâcon-Chaintré is a delicious bottle. Upon opening, effusive aromas of honeysuckle, lemon blossom, faint hint of bergamot and wildflower honey emerge on the nose. There’s a fine tension between ripe golden orchard fruit and stoniness on the palate with flush of citrussy brightness on the long, vibrant, lingering finish. While this is immediately appealing, there’s enough mineral detail keep one's attention and enough refreshment to send one back for another glass. Lovely! 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

Frantz Chagnoleau 2018 Saint Veran A La Cote

The Chagnoleau wines have a real sense of class, a testament to their commitment to quality farming. "A La Côte" comes from a parcel of fifty-year old vines farmed only by horse. It is exceptionally pretty, with notes of Meyer lemon, orange blossom and a green aromatic note that reminds me of tarragon (akin to Ramonet's wines). However, what I and my colleagues liked most was the sense of completeness. Everything is in sync here - there is good acidity and great weight and intensity of flavor. The minerality is particularly compelling as well, with a pronounced sea shell character. This is very fine and worth considering for mid-term aging as well as for drinking tonight with dinner. Sam Ehrlich

Germain, Henri 2018 Bourgogne Aligoté

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).

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

Lafouge 2016 Auxey-Duresses Les Hautés Blanc

From a north-facing parcel fairly high on the slope next to Meursault Les Vireuils. The Lafouge "Les Hautés" is a beautifully dense and well-structured Burgundy in this low-yielding vintage. The wine shows a bright gold color with aromas of spiced pear and apple, melon, honeysuckle, stone, flint and lemon zest. The palate is dense and well structured with ripe white fruits, toasted almond, citrus and flinty mineral flavors - quite ripe but with firm citrusy acids and fabulous length.  Serve now with sole meunier, turbot and cod - this will be a beautiful wine with 5 to 8 years of cellaring. David Lillie

Leflaive 2017 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

Lequin-Colin 2014 Santenay Les Hates

White Santenay is always a rare bird and to find one with bottle age at a good price feels a bit like Christmas. The Lequin-Colin wines we have tried have been generally excellent. The farming is first class and the wines feel uniformly restrained and elegant. "Les Hates" sits at the center of the appellation and sandwiched between several excellent 1er Cru sites. This is a nice bottle that shows a touch of reduction when the cork is pulled and then broadens as it opens up, with notes of preserved lemon, sesame and cured ham. 2014 was a truly great vintage for white and red Burgundy alike, notable for a wonderful sense of balance and focus. This won't last, so grab one before these are gone.  Sam Ehrlich

Lignier, Hubert 2018 Aligoté

Marcel Couturier 2017 Pouilly-Loché Le Bourg

There is a host of terrific growers in Mâcon and Pouilly farming organically these days and Marcel Couturier is one of the best. He is meticulous and hard-working and it is reflected in the wine. "Le Bourg" is a  single parcel of vines that  average seventy years old, planted in quite heavy clay and limestone soils. The wine that it produces is quite classic Pouilly, with rich yellow apple fruit, preserved lemon and baking spice. It is certainly the more baroque side of the appellation but that feeling of richness is ultimately an illusion. Like all good white Burgundy, it is held in check by a core of limestone that lends freshness and structure.   Sam Ehrlich

Merlin, Olivier 2016 Macon - La Roche Vineuse Vieilles Vignes

Moreau, Bernard 2015 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot

Moreau, Bernard 2016 Chassagne-Montrachet

Moreau-Naudet 2017 Chablis Les Pargues Vieilles Vignes

Morey, Pierre 2016 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Morey, Pierre 2017 Meursault Les Tessons

Morey-Blanc 2017 St. Aubin 1er Cru

Morey-Coffinet 2011 Chassange-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 1.5L

Pernot 2014 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles

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

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

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

Rontets 2017 Pouilly-Fuissé Pierrefolle

"The Pouilly-Fuissé cuvée Pierrefolle is made from the only vineyard situated outside the Clos at Rontets: this plot is set only 500 meters south and is warmer because of its plain East exposure and the sheltered position from the North wind. This climate has older geological origins, preceding the Jurassic era: it sits on a granitic bedrock and its soil has no clay or limestone. This is why at the beginning of the 1970s it was planted using the Riparia rootstock, which has low vigor and guarantees limited yields and very good quality grapes. All these characteristics produce wines with lower acid, compared to those produced within our Clos. Although larger and somehow more generous, Pierrefolle is always sustained by a precise mineral expression and citrus aromatic note." (note from the estate) This is a beautiful Burgundy and a great food pairing - drinking well now, but five to ten years of aging will be very interesting. Highly recommended. David Lillie

Saumaize-Michelin 2017 Pouilly-Fuissé Vers Cras

This excellent Pouilly-Fuissé is a model of restraint. Coming from a parcel of vines averaging 45 years old,  the fruit hre leans tropical but never feels too lush or sticky. There is a touch of oak spice, particularly upon opening, but dissipating with air. There are notes of ruby red grapefruit, pineapple and an earthy quality reminiscent of modeling clay. The acidity is firm  and bracing and the chalky minerality become increasingly prominent the longer the wine is in the glass. It finishes with a pleasanty pith-like bitterness (almost like very dry tonic water) and is very persistent. If your heart is crying out for Chassagne-Montrachet, then you would do well to consider this delicious wine instead.  Sam Ehrlich

Thenard 2007 Montrachet Grand Cru Le Montrachet 1.5 L

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

Bonneau du Martray 2005 Corton Rouge

Bonneau du Martray 2006 Corton Rouge

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 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 Maranges 1er Cru Le Croix Moines Rouge

Chevrot 2019 Bourgogne Rose 'Sakura'

For Chambers Street acolytes, the Chevrot brothers need no introduction. They are two of the good ones, making really delicious wines from some of the less forgiving terroirs in the Cote de Beaune. We are always big fans of their rosé and the '19 is a banger. The fruit profile leans distinctly pink-red, starting with green strawberries and ending up somewhere around a watermelon Jolly Rancher. It's got plenty of energy and drive. I could rhapsodize further, as this is the kind of rosé I really love drinking in great quantities but it would be superfluous. Just have some. There will be no regrets.     Sam Ehrlich

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 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

Dubreuil-Fontaine 2012 Corton Grand Cru Bressandes

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

Guyon 2012 Corton Grand Cru Bressandes

Guyon 2012 Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roy

Lafarge 1997 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes

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

Launay-Horiot 2014 Pommard 1er Cru Clos Blanc

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

Rougeot, Pierre-Henri 2018 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain Rosé "Une Table pour Deux"

If you have not heard of Pierre-Henri Rougeot, you'd be in good company. The Burgundy echo chamber tends to circulate a handful of names around, creating far more demand than those estates can produce and driving prices through the roof. It's unfortunate, as there are dozens of domaines making some of the best wines this region has ever seen on a consistent basis. The Rougeot wines are a case in point. This  Passetoutgrains rosé from the generous 2018 vintage is Technicolor wine, full of cherry skin, crushed strawberries and orange bitters and terrific length and weight. It's aged in old oak and has an extra dimension of texture that is usually missing in the sea of commodity rosé that's out there. This is lovely wine.  Sam Ehrlich

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

Arlaud 2016 Gevrey 1er Cru Aux Combottes

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, Denis 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

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

Bertagna 2005 Corton Grand Cru Les Grandes Lolieres 3 L

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

Clavelier, Bruno 2013 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras

Collotte 2019 Marsannay Rosé

This delicious Pinot Noir rosé is made from 30 to 60 year-old vines on classic clay/limestone soils in Marsannay. With a floral and deeply red-fruited nose, the 2019 Domaine Collotte Marsannay rosé is exuberant, verging on effusive. Wild cherry and rose petals give way to a cool citrus peel aromas. Somewhat rich, the racy, medium weight palate shows hints of cherry, herbs, and a hint of mineral funk. It's long and savory with a pleasing hint of cherry pit on the lively finish. This should be wonderful on warm summer evenings with a variety of lighter dishes.

Cruchandeau, Julien 2018 Haute Cote de Nuits La Cabotte

Julien Cruchandeau continues to quietly impress in 2018. This Hautes-Cotes de Nuits comes from two parcels with quite rocky soils  and steep slopes above the village of Nuits St. Georges. 2018 was warm throughout Burgundy and the fruit profile is ripe and a touch darker than in past years, leaning into black cherry and plum skin. Combined with the high percentage of whole bunches during fermentation, which lend spice and structure and the first impression is a formidable wine, perhaps even standoff-ish. However, with a few minutes of air, that brawn starts to recede and the acidity and a salty character come to the fore. The fruit lightens to a more classic red character and gains lift and energy. This is a wine that rewards attention with complexity. Give it a little decant if you drink it tonight or stow a couple away for three to five years.  Sam Ehrlich

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

Drouhin-Laroze 2015 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur

Dujac 2011 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

Duroché 2014 Gevrey Chambertin

Duroché 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux

Duroché 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru Lavaut St. Jacques

Duroché 2017 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

Duroché 2017 Gervrey Chambertin 1er cru Lavaut St. Jacques

Faiveley 2002 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Marechale 375ml

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 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

Gros Frere e Soeur 1995 Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru

Hudelot-Noellat 1996 Romanee St Vivant 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

Jouan, Henri 2017 Chambolle-Musigny

Jouan, Philippe 2017 Morey St Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbes

Lamarche 2008 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

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 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

Millot, Jean-Marc 2008 Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 1997 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Feusselottes

Mugneret-Gibourg 1998 Echezeaux Grand Cru

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

Mugnier, Jacques-Frédéric 2009 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Mugnier, Jacques-Frédéric 2011 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses

Potel 2005 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Malconsorts

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

Rousseau 2016 Gevrey Chambertin Clos du Chateau

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

Trapet 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Alea

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