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Burgundy 2014: First Impressions

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We have just spent three fabulous days tasting the 2014 Burgundies and it’s looking to be an excellent year.

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There has been plenty of talk about the whites and for good reason as there are some fantastic wines; they have lots of acidity, great concentration and they should age brilliantly. For the reds, this is not a block buster vintage like 2009, it is all about elegance, finesse and displaying the great terroir of Burgundy and for me this is what it is all about. I believe that these wines will give immense pleasure. Everyone likes to compare vintages and interestingly a number of growers compared this vintage to 2002, so it should have a very bright future ahead of it.

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On Monday we had a very strong line up, tasting at the following Domaines: Cathiard, Hudelot Noellat, Arlot, Eugenie, Rousseau and Clos des Lambrays. These are some of the most famous names in Burgundy and they have all produced lovely wines. If I had to choose a 2014, I would be more than happy to have any of these wines in my cellar.

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On Tuesday we had another great day’s tasting, visiting the following Domaines/ Negociants: Benjamin Leroux, Tollot Beaut, Ponsot, Serafin, Fourrier, Geantet Pansiot and Roche de Bellène. We tasted some fantastic wines; Ponsot’s were terrific, Fourrier has made some really beautiful wines and in amongst this was Nicholas Potel who has really nailed it, he is a great talent.

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On Wednesday we started our tasting in Vosne Romanée which is generally regarded as the greatest appellation in Burgundy. We started at Grivot, followed by Meo Camuzet and they were both fabulous. We then headed off to Louis Boillot and Ghislaine Barthod in Chambolle Musigny; Ghislaine’s wines were really beautiful, bright classic Chambolle. We then visited Denis Mortet. I have always been a big fan of his wines as they give so much pleasure, again he has really got this vintage right. Finally on to the great Emmanuel Rouget, who doesn’t have the smartest of cellars but does make the most remarkable wines.

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Our wine buyer David Roberts has a full 2 weeks of tasting in Burgundy so lots more Domaines to visit but this does look to be an exciting vintage with some lovely wines.