There is nothing like a trip to Burgundy with our MW David Roberts and Chairman Johnny Goedhuis to really understand the upcoming 2013 vintage. It also gave me a unique insight into the differences in the various terroirs and methods of vinification from one producer to another.
Luck was on our side (and on the producers’ side too), as we enjoyed a sunny week. The upcoming weather forecast for the coming weeks remains very favourable and will be crucial for the 2014 vintage. It couldn’t be more welcome in Burgundy after a few scares this spring.
The quality of the 2013s are very good, particularly the whites.
Here are my Coup de Coeur for the whites:
At Domaine Patrick Javillier, Meursault les Clousots 2013 is showing very well with a beautiful balance of sweetness of fruit. Also Meursault Tete de Murgets with more vivacity and a touch of wood.
Down in Montagny at Domaine Stephane Aladame I was seduced by Montagny Selection Vieilles Vignes with more elegance than weight and another cuvee called Les Maroques, which was slightly more oaky than 2012 but delicious nonetheless.
The reds have a really good balance of acidity and fruits as well as slightly more pronounced tannins than the 2012.
My Coup de Coeur for the reds are from two young but immensely talented wine makers:
Domaine Hudelot Noellat
Chambolle Musigny : which has a really fine balance of fruit and acidity, a bit more tannic than 2012
Clos Vougeot 1er Cru les Petits Vougeot : very elegant, mineral and fruity.
Chambolle Musigny 1er cru les Charmes: very silky and lovely balance of fruit and tannins.
Charles is a very talented 26 year old wine maker who started his first vintage at the age of 19.
Domaine Jean Pierre Charton
Based in Mercurey, this is another domaine I am really fond of. Vincent and his father Jean-Pierre are working together closely and producing some fabulous wines. Vincent has won young wine maker under 25 years old a couple of years ago, and this couldn’t be better deserved.
Bourgogne Champ de Perdrix : a very “Gourmand” wine with lovely silkiness with round tannins.
Mercurey 1er cru la Chassiere : very lively fruit and smart
Mercurey 1er cru Clos du Roy: richer, with darker fruit , this is due to the richness of the deep, red soil.
Thanks to the weather in the last few weeks, hopes are high for the 2014 vintage in Burgundy.
What is really wonderful to see is the new generation of wine makers, following in the footsteps of their fathers and grand-fathers, innovating in new techniques to get the very best out of the vines and the grapes but above all, maintaining the love of the terroir and delivering some absolutely delicious wines.