Decanter (96)

Cyprien Arlaud's vines cover a total of 1ha in Mazoyères, just below Latricières-Chambertin. Picked in three stages to maximise complexity, this was fermented with 30% whole bunches and aged in 20% new wood. It's right up there with the best expressions of the Grand Cru in 2018, marrying texture and weight to finesse and balance in a Pinot that caresses the palate with red cherry and raspberry fruit.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is very pure and intense on the nose, a melange of black and blueberry fruit infused with pressed violet petals. The oak here is seamlessly integrated. The palate is opulent on the entry with black plum and boysenberry jam. There is a subtle confit element to this Charmes-Chambertin with grippy tannins on the finish that delivers a subtle bitter/sappy edginess.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is very pure and intense on the nose, a melange of black and blueberry fruit infused with pressed violet petals. The oak here is seamlessly integrated. The palate is opulent on the entry with black plum and boysenberry jam. There is a subtle confit element to this Charmes-Chambertin with grippy tannins on the finish that delivers a subtle bitter/sappy edginess.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, matured in 15% new oak, showed just a tiny morsel of reduction on the nose, that the concentration here was still tangible. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, taut and fresh and very precise. This has real class and verve, though it will benefit from several years in bottle.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, matured in 15% new oak, showed just a tiny morsel of reduction on the nose, that the concentration here was still tangible. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, taut and fresh and very precise. This has real class and verve, though it will benefit from several years in bottle.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, matured in 15% new oak, showed just a tiny morsel of reduction on the nose, that the concentration here was still tangible. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, taut and fresh and very precise. This has real class and verve, though it will benefit from several years in bottle.

Vinous (94-96)

The 2021 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is a little more "gourmand" on the nose, cohering with time in the glass, loamy, almost peaty aromas emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-honed tannins. Lovely symmetry here, with a slight creaminess in texture towards the finish, where it feels very persistent. This is a lovely Charmes-Chambertin that should evolve wonderfully in bottle.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2022 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, one of the last to be picked over three different passes, has a plush and expressive bouquet with dark cherries, raspberry coulis and light violet petal aromas that recede and reveal orange rind and yuzu scents. The palate is medium-bodied with firm grip on the entry. It’s a solid Charmes-Chambertin that is Mazoyères in style because, well, that's where it's from! A serious Charmes-Chambertin that will age well in bottle.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is matured with 30% whole bunch and 20% new oak. The superb bouquet presents a mélange of red and black fruit, sous-bois and blood orange aromas that blossom from the glass. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins and finely judged acidity. Quite compact for a Clos de la Roche, with noticeable backbone on the finish. It will require several years in bottle but it should be worth the wait.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-97)

A relatively deep purple. The nose just shows a little bit of cooked fruit. More peonies perhaps and an interesting sombre dark fruit overall. I think this may be 14+ too (but it is not apparently). It comes over fresher on the palate and certainly with a most astonishing intensity. If the slight lack of freshness is a sample issue then this could be mind-blowing and a certain five stars. Fresh stems behind. Exceptionally long finish.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Combottes 1er Cru really captures the complexity and intellectual capacity of this propitious Premier Cru with beautifully defined, mineral-driven black fruit, touches of freshly rolled tobacco developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, sweet and candied with blueberry and cassis notes towards the sensual finish. It is a powerful Aux Combottes that just needs to evolve a touch more restraint and Pinoté, though that will develop with cellaring.

Vinous (90-92)

The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru came across very backward on the nose, gradually opening with black fruit and black olive/briny aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit, sweet and sorbet-fresh with a high-toned, yet focused finish that lingers long in the mouth. Very promising but it will require 3-4 years in bottle.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)

Fresh dark purple, a mild reduction, a wine of elegance and charm on the palate with a surprisingly peppery finish. Almost exotic Asian spices. The fruit itself spreads beautifully across the palate, a mix of red and black. Tasted: December 2021

Vinous (91-93)

The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru has impressive definition on the nose with blackberry, raspberry and crushed limestone. The palate is very well balanced with quite saturated tannins, fine-boned and finessed with a touch of kirsch and blood orange on the finish. Excellent.

Burghound (91-94)

A discreet application of wood sets off the softly spicy and earthy aromas of violet, lavender plum and red currant. The powerful and markedly more concentrated broad-shouldered flavors exude a subtle minerality on the succulent yet very firmly structured finale that exhibits excellent length. Patience will be necessary but it should be well-rewarded in time as this is packed with development potential.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2020 Morey-Saint-Denis Aux Chesaux 1er Cru is a little more open on the nose that Arlaud’s other Premier Crus, a mixture of black and red fruit, pressed violets, quite powerful in style. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannins than the nose suggests, well balanced but linear and correct. It’s the kind of straightlaced Morey that will show better on the dinner table rather than on its own.

Vinous (90-92)

(the Arlauds have gotten this fruit from 60-year-old vines through a fermage arrangement since 2004): Good bright red. Lively aromas of black raspberry, spices and violet. Juicy, fruity, spicy and fresh; very ripe but not a fleshy style. Finishes with noteworthy verve and punch, and the spine to reward aging. This dark clay and calcaire soil would probably be great for Chardonnay, noted Cyprien Arlaud.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Blanchards 1er Cru, which contains just over 30% whole bunches, has a little more mineral expression than the Les Millandes, focus and precise. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, very citrus fresh, blood orange and tangerine towards the grainy finish. This is very promising.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Blanchards 1er Cru, which contains just over 30% whole bunches, has a little more mineral expression than the Les Millandes, focus and precise. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, very citrus fresh, blood orange and tangerine towards the grainy finish. This is very promising.

Vinous (89-91)

The 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cru is matured with 30% whole bunch and up to 20% new oak. This has a fragrant and more floral bouquet compared to the Aux Chesaux, incense and pressed violets emerging with aeration, along with a slight meaty character. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite dense and well defined. The slightly sinewy finish will demand a few years to soften. Maybe I am seeking more charm in this Morey-Saint-Denis.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cru is elegant and refined on the nose, a mixture of blackberry, sous-bois and a light sea spray aroma. It just needs to gel together and it should do during the remainder of its barrel maturation. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Very Morey in style with a sense of conservatism and linearity on the white pepper-dashed finish, I appreciate its persistence in the mouth. Cellar this for 4-5 years.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cru is more introspective at the moment, with fine intensity, the fruit is darker than the Aux Chezaux, with hints of graphite in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, one of the "juiciest" Moreys that I have encountered with candied orange peel and spicebox on the finish. Superb.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cru has a classic Morey-Saint-Denis bouquet with mineral-driven black fruit and touches of melted tar and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-balanced and grippy, with perhaps the most saline finish amongst Arlaud's Morey Premier Crus. This will need more time than the Aux Chesaux, but it will be worth the wait.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-92)

Very dense purple with only slightly lighter rim. Gorgeously ripe fruit in a ripe and heady fashion. Black fruit on the palate though not cooked, a little sterner at the finish, with a good clean follow through. Tasted: December 2021

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-91)

Bright mid purple, a slight reduction, beneath which a pretty red fruit, raspberry and cherry, attractively detailed. Quite fine boned, fairly high acidity and delicious persistence. Drink from 2025-2028.

Esteemed wine enthusiasts will warmly welcome the Armand Heitz Chambertin Grand Cru 2020, a quintessential Burgundy with a robust personality. Incorporated in 2015, Armand Heitz fashions these exquisite wines in Chambertin, unsurpassed amongst the Grand Cru Vineyards of Burgundy. The 2020 vintage is hand-harvested with meticulous care, ensuring only the finest grapes foster this dignified vin de terroir. Under the guidance of the virtuoso winemaker, Armand Heitz, this biodynamically grown Pinot Noir undergoes a traditional maturation in French oak barrels. Its sophistication is underlined by charming floral notes, harmoniously layered over deep, earth-infused fruits.

The expressive palate of the Armand Heitz Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 reveals impeccable depth, elegantly balanced by a supple texture. With titillating hints of raspberry, cassis, and cloves, it captivates from the first sip, guiding you through an enchanting journey of flavours, and settles into a lingering, riveting finish. Regarded as an 'iron fist in a velvet glove', this vintage promises a remarkable tasting experience for discerning wine aficionados.

Having the signature finesse of Burgundian winemaking, Armand Heitz Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Rouge 2017 is a connoisseur's delight. This premium red wine is a product of the famed Armand Heitz vineyards, nestled in the idyllic Chassagne-Montrachet region of Burgundy, France. As a 1er Cru, it underscores the higher quality output of this estate's grape production.

Rigorous organic and biodynamic practises underpin production, ensuring the utmost respect for the region’s complex geology. The wine showcases Pinot Noir in its purest form, aged in French oak barrels for a calibrated balance of fruit and oak. Armand Heitz, recognised for their focus on purity and precision, reflects in the wine's elegant structure and depth.

Expect flavours of forest fruit, with a hint of earthy undertones and a pleasing, long finish. Armand Heitz Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Rouge 2017 captures the characteristic minerality of its terroir, an undeniable homage to its historic rootedness.