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

The Aurelien Verdet Morey-Saint-Denis Rouge 2016 is an exquisite Burgundy wine, exhibiting a delightful composure of elegance and depth. Bracing the standards of eco-conscious viticulture, Aurelien Verdet, the young noted producer, employs organic and biodynamic methods in the legendary terroirs Near Nuits-Saint-Georges. The grapes are handpicked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that the wine's aromatic profile achieves a balance of ripe red berry expressions and earthy undertones.

The grapes are fermented in wooden vats then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. This intensive process bestows the Aurelien Verdet Morey-Saint-Denis Rouge 2016 with its sophisticated character. Decanting is advised to unlock its full palate potential, which includes tones of raspberry, dark cherry and hint of spices, complemented by silky tannins. This wine's vivacious complexity serves as testament to Verdet’s commitment to traditional Burgundian winemaking standards. A gem for any serious aficionado of French Wine.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Carema is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2018 shows off its depth and sheer pedigree right out of the gate. There is so much going on. Sweet dark cherry, plum, leather, menthol, spice, dried herbs and leather are some of the many nuances that flesh out in the glass. More than anything, though, it is the wine's balance that is just exquisite. This is a fabulous example of Carema. Impressive.

Following on from the remarkable efforts of 2017 and 2018, the 2019 Carema from micro-estate Chiussuma admirably builds on thestrength of the previous two vintages and represents just the 4th release from this rapidly ascending superstar producer. The quintessential Carema, capturing the essence of the high-altitude conditions and rocky mica-schist soils. Perfumed, fine-boned and structured for an extensive period in the cellar this is a compelling example of why the region has been dubbed the Chambolle-Musigny of the Alto Piemonte.

Vinous (89-91)

The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Village comes from four climats scattered across the appellation and sees one-third new oak. Compared to the Chambolle Village, there is more fullness of fruit on the nose, which offers red cherries, crushed strawberry and rose petal aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, a fine bead of acidity, a little piquancy toward the finish and a bit of orange zest on the aftertaste. Excellent.

Wine Advocate (90-92)

A cuvée that's often the insiders' choice chez Dujac, the 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru has turned out well, mingling aromas of plums and berries with hints of baking spice and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's layered and textural, with sweet tannins, lively acids and a perfumed finish.

Crafted by the globally lauded producer Giulio Ferrando, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 encompasses the elegance and stark depth of Carema's mountainous terroir. Derived from 80-year-old Nebbiolo grapevines grown on terraced slopes straddling the border of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, this exquisite wine showcases the fine art of winemaking.

Adhering to traditional methods, this unique red wine undergoes slow fermentation, followed by 48 months of aging in Botti. These practices imbue Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 with a seductive robust crimson hue and a harmonious balance of tannins and acidity. Its tasteful notes of wild berries, dried rose petals, and subtle undertones of tobacco, offer a captivating and prolonged finish.

As a hallmark of biodynamic viticulture, Ferrando Carema Etichetta Nera Black Label 2017 stands as a testament to the Ferrando family's commitment to producing wines that resonate with authenticity and distinct character, promising a remarkable experience for discerning wine connoisseurs.

Embark on a distinguished vinous journey with the impeccably crafted Georges Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes 2018. Cultivated in the prestigious vineyards of Burgundy, this epitome of French viticulture exhibits the savoir-faire of generational winemaking. Lush, elegant and truly captivating, this Pinot Noir is nurtured on marl and limestone-dominated soil for ultimate depth, ensuring a characteristically terroir-driven palate. Winemaker Benoît Stehly follows time-honoured practices, emphasising on organic viticulture and meticulous hand-harvesting for pure expressions of fruit.

Matured in French oak barrels, the Georges Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes 2018 teases with vibrant red fruit, culminating in a complex, layered experience on the palate. Its silky tannins, sombre colour, and sublime textures promise a truly divine libation. Indulge yourself in a bottle of this refinely structured, multi-faceted wine that impeccably showcases the prestige of its noble birthplace.

Vinous (87-90)

(no new oak used here or in the foregoing wines): Palish medium red. Spicy redcurrant and raspberry aromas are complemented by a suggestion of smoke. Subtly sweet and a touch reduced, showing good intensity and verve to its flavors of red fruits, brown spices and underbrush. Finishes with rather fine-grained tannins and a slightly rustic peppery nuance.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

The 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Clos de la Bussière, which contains 50% whole bunch fruit, has a clean and precise, almost pixelated bouquet with blackberry, briary and cold limestone scents that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, quite structured in the mouth with filigree and tensile tannin. This is very focused, linear in style, which is surprising given the warmth during the growing season, with great clarity on the finish. This is just a fantastic Morey-Saint-Denis from Christophe Roumier.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (86-88)

Again quite a full yellow. The nose is full of apples and the palate brings out the chiselled hillside aspect but there is still some flesh. He has kept CO2 high (1100-1200) and this assists the final crisp aftertaste. But this is not really my wine. Drink from 2024-2026.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru is another cuvée that includes 100% whole bunch this year. It has a well-defined bouquet, the stemmy element not quite as pronounced as on the Gevrey Champonnet and more integrated with the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, and generous peppery black fruit laced with cedar and white pepper. The grippy finish needs time to abrade its edges. A traditionally cut Morey-Saint-Denis that needs to be consumed with food. Good potential here.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru comes from vines over 70 years old and was cropped at 45hl/ha, the first vineyard to be picked in order to moderate alcohol. Containing 100% whole bunch, it has an intense bouquet of pine-needle-infused red and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, and a little tarry toward the finish. Perhaps the most peppery of the domaine’s wines. I can see this aging beautifully.

Burghound (91-93)

A ripe yet cool nose reflects notes of black raspberry, poached plum and a lovely violet top note. There is very good volume to the caressing yet muscular medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine length and even better depth. This should be excellent in time.

Vinous (92-94)

The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru is 50% whole bunch with no new oak. It has a more powerful bouquet compared to the Clos des Ormes, although it does not exude the same mineralité or finesse. On the other hand, the palate is very well balanced and seems to have more depth and precision than the Clos des Ormes, leading to a compelling mineral-driven, saline finish that lingers for 45+ seconds. Superb.

Indulge in the tantalising taste of Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018. This exquisite fine wine was created in the mystically serene region of Piedmont, Italy by the admired wine producers, Carema. The extraordinary effort behind this production is commendable. Made from Nebbiolo grapes, typically handpicked during the first fortnight of October, the ageing process occurs in large oak barrels creating an enthralling flavour profile.

Tints of rich, intense ruby-red dance around the glass, unfolding robust, yet elegantly intertwined notes of cherries, wild berries and lavender complemented by the heartwarming hint of cinnamon. Expressing extraordinary persistence, the taste of Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018 is deep-rooted, characterised by a velvety, balanced finish that elaborates the fruity and spicy undertones.

Experience a taste of Italian tradition with Muraje, Carema, Sumie 2018, echoing an epic journey from the idyllic vineyards of Piedmont, right to your palate. A wine for the discerning connoisseur, it embodies the ethos and essence of fine wine indulgence.

Wine Advocate (91-93+)

The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Cuvée des Alouettes opens in the glass with notes of plums, cherries, raw cocoa, cinnamon and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and fleshy, it's layered and elegantly gourmand, with lively acids and a precise, mineral finish. As usual, this hails entirely from the Clos de Monts Luisants, but the domaine opts not to mention the lieu-dit on the label to avoid confusion with their emblematic white wine from the same vineyard.

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Carema Riserva is another knock-out effort from the Produttori di Carema, the local cooperative that has really been on fire these last few vintages. Open-knit and inviting, but with all the complexity that is so typical of the appellation, the 2016 is superb. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice are all woven together in a super-expressive Carema that offers tons of complexity in a relatively accessible style for a young wine from the appellation. The Riserva is a selection of the best casks in the cellar, with the wine aged for an added year in cask, so three years’ in neutral oak in total. That extra year in oak vis-à-vis the Classico does take with it some of the fruit while emphasizing more savory and mineral qualities. Power and finesse come together so well in this textbook Carema.

Experience the exquisite allure of the Rene Bouvier Morey-Saint-Denis En la Rue de Vergy 2019. This distinguished Burgundian wine represents the expertise of vintner René Bouvier, renowned for his philosophy of respect for the terroir and diligent vineyard practices. Harvested from vines averaging 55 years old, the wine utters the eloquent language of Pinot Noir with its symphony of aromas — highlighting cherry, forest floor, and black fruits.

This distinguished tipple unfurls complexity and depth through its intense, yet smoothly integrated tannins and remarkable freshness. Grown on a steep, high-altitude vineyard in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, the wine is capable of aging gracefully, promising a continual evolution of flavours over years. Each bottle of Rene Bouvier Morey-Saint-Denis En la Rue de Vergy 2019 showcases Dedication to sustainable viticulture and biodynamic practices, offering each sip a profound sense of the revered terroir. Indulge in the finesse and timeless elegance this illustrious wine provides.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2020 Morey-Saint-Denis La Riotte 1er Cru is expressive on the nose with dark berry fruit, sous-bois, just a touch of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet entry, ripe red cherry mixed with allspice and white pepper, segueing into a quite a concentrated finish with a long spicy after that might deceive you into think there are stems here. One of my picks from Taupenot-Merme this year.