Sylvain Cathiard Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers
Domaine Sylvain Cathiard stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Cathiard family. This small domaine, established by Sylvain Cathiard's grandfather in the 1930s, carries with it a rich history rooted in the legendary Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Domaine Lamarche. Sylvain's father, Andre, lovingly nurtured the domaine from 1969 until 1985, when the reins were passed on to Sylvain himself. In the following years, Sylvain embarked on a journey to develop his own vineyards, renting parcels from his father and other vignerons. Soon after he acquired his father's original vineyards solidifying his commitment to the craft. In 2006, Sylvain's son, Sebastien joined him marking the beginning of a new chapter for the estate. Together, they formed Sylvain Cathiard et Fils, a collaboration that combines tradition with a fresh perspective. Since 2011, Sebastien has taken the helm, carrying on the family legacy while Sylvain enjoys a well-deserved retirement. Spanning across 5 hectares, the vineyards of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard grace the appellations of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Of significant note is their tiny parcel in Romanée-St-Vivant, situated just below the iconic Romanee Conti. Here, they proudly hold the title of the smallest land-owner of this magnificent Grand cru. Every aspect of vineyard work is executed with meticulous attention to detail by Sebastien, his wife, and a dedicated team. Embracing organic principles, they prioritize the natural harmony of the vines, although certification has not been sought. When it comes to winemaking, Sebastien adopts a hands-off approach, allowing the wines to evolve naturally. Whole-cluster fermentation takes place, with the juice cold settled for approximately 10 days. The wines then undergo a skin contact period of 22 to 30 days. Maturation occurs over 18 months in oak barrels, sourced primarily from tonellerie Remond and Francois Freres. The percentage of new oak used varies across the appellations, with village wines aged in roughly 1/3rd new oak and 2/3rds of 1-year-old oak. Premier Crus see a balance of 50% new oak and 50% 1-year-old oak, while Grand Crus are aged in two new barrels and one one-year-old barrel. Since 2000, the wines have not been fined or filtered, allowing them to express their true character. Sebastien Cathiard's wines exude an unparalleled sense of harmony, with a soft and elegant texture that speaks to their finesse. Since taking over the domaine, Sebastien has listened attentively to those fortunate enough to taste alongside him. As a result, he has gradually reduced the percentage of new oak used for aging, allowing the fruit to shine with natural intensity and balance. The Vosne-Romanées, in particular, have garnered a reputation as some of the finest in the village.Each bottle from Domaine Sylvain Cathiard is a testament to the fully mature vineyards that have yielded fruit of exceptional quality. With a limited production of around 50 barrels in a good vintage, these wines are a true embodiment of passion, tradition and the pursuit of excellence. The Sylvain Cathiard Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers 2021 is an outstanding expression of this renowned Burgundy appellation. Crafted from a .47-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1945 and 1960, located mid-slope and in close proximity to the Vosne-Romanee border. This wine is aged in a combination of 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old oak, adding complexity and structure to the final product. In the glass, this Nuits St Georges 1er Cru reveals a bright red-purple colour that immediately catches the eye. The nose is incredibly enticing, with a pronounced spiciness that could easily be mistaken for a Vosne 1er Cru. Aromas of exotic tea, plum, and dark berries fill the air, setting the stage for a truly captivating tasting experience. On the palate, this wine showcases its pedigree and depth. The richness and concentration of flavors are immediately evident, highlighting the influence of very old vines. The medium-bodied texture is solidly powerful, with harmonious plush tannins that caress the palate. The mid-palate is a standout feature, displaying great depth and a sense of generosity that elevates the overall experience. The persistence of the wine is excellent, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. The lush dark fruit intensity is balanced by valuable acidity, adding a refreshing and vibrant element to the wine's profile. Bright red purple in colour, a little denser than Aux Thorey. This is the more solid of the two, slightly more backward, while the intensity of the lush dark fruit is matched by valuable acidity. The barrel speaks less and the aftertaste stretches out further. Drink from 2026-2033. - Jasper Morris MW, 92-95 Points.
Thibault Liger-Belair Les Clos du Roi
Domaine de l'Arlot Clos de Forets St Georges 1er cru
Bouchard Pere & Fils Grand Cru
Bouchard owns two parcels at the top and bottom of the famed walled vineyard, although presently their Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru comes from the top part, as the bottom has been pulled up. This part of this famous, 50 hectare walled vineyard tends to produce the best wine that have Grand Cru concentration and structure.
Chateau de la Tour Vieilles Vignes
CHATEAU DE LA TOUR Vieilles Vignes, Clos de Vougeot
Domaine d'Eugenie Echezeaux Grand Cru
Domaine d'Eugenie Echezeaux is produced from a very small holding of 0.55ha within the Echezeaux Grand Cru vineyard. Some of the vines are up to 80 years old and the vineyard itself was awarded biodynamic accreditation in 2010. The fruit is handpicked, and partially destemmed before undergoing fermentation in small vessels and maturation in new 90% new French oak.
Bouchard Pere & Fils Chambertin Grand Cru
Domaine Jean-Marc et Thomas Bouley Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
Domaine Jean-Marc Bouley is a prestigious winery located in the heart of Burgundy, France, with a long-standing history of winemaking that dates back to the early 14th century. In 1985, Jean-Marc Bouley took over the family winery after his father's passing. Today, the estate spans over 12 hectares and boasts vineyards in Volnay, Pommard, and Beaune. After gaining experience in Oregon and New Zealand's Felton Road, Thomas Bouley, Jean-Marc's son, assumed the winemaking responsibilities in 2006. The estate is renowned for producing wines that exhibit exceptional transparency of terroir, purity, and fruit density, harmonizing the traditional Burgundy wine style with the New World wine style. The winery follows a philosophy of honouring the terroir by allowing it to express itself fully in the wines. The vineyards are meticulously tended, and the grapes are hand-picked to ensure the highest quality. The winemaking process is gentle and non-intrusive, allowing the wines to convey the unique character of the terroir. Pommard is a renowned wine village located in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, France. The village is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir wines in the world. Jean-Marc Bouley's Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens 2017 is a remarkable red wine that exemplifies the quality and distinctiveness of one of Pommard's most highly regarded Premier Cru vineyards. The wine is crafted using traditional winemaking methods that aim to showcase the unique character of the terroir. Its deep ruby hue and intricate bouquet of ripe black fruits, such as black cherries, blackberries, and currants are accompanied by hints of spice, earth, and a subtle touch of oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with firm tannins that provide a solid structure. It's a well-balanced and sophisticated wine that offers rich flavours of dark fruit, spices, and a touch of minerality. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the palate. Overall, the Jean-Marc Bouley Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens 2017 is an exceptional wine that perfectly reflects the unique terroir of Pommard and the Bouley family's dedication to producing outstanding Pinot Noir wines. This highly sought-after wine is coveted by collectors and wine enthusiasts alike, and it has excellent potential to age beautifully for many years to come.