Decanter (95)

An exceptional Clinet in 2021. Richly scented, dark and roguish, a touch of sour cherry and perfume to the nose. Round, supple, generous and vibrant on the palate - this has a lifeforce to it with nuance of red berry flavour and real persistency as well as juicy acidity. I love the upfront nature of this and the really quite vivid and expressive red fruits while the background gives the savoury, menthol, liquorice notes offering depth and wideness - lots of terroir and grape markers in the glass - particularly the high percentage (25%) of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Tannins are firm and supportive with the overall freshness lifting the frame, delivering a full mouthfeel with a density of tannins and black fruit that doesn't dip. Well worked and presented. A touch of wood on the finish but subtle and supportive. You also get the florality all the way through which is just so appealing. Supremely well worked, charming but also confident - I absolutely love it and it clearly stood out every time tasting it - four times in total. 45,000 bottles made, same production as 2020.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93+)

The 2016 Clos du Clocher has a rich, opulent bouquet with layers of macerated small black cherries, crème de cassis and violet aromas. There is brightness and vivacity here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, finely judged acidity, a slightly lactic texture and flecks of dark chocolate toward the finish, which fans out nicely. This will need time, but it is very promising. A composed and refined Pomerol from Jean-Baptiste Bourotte.

Vinous (96)

The 2015 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts 1er Cru seems to have been born to embarrass my rather tepid reaction to this wine from barrel. Wow! This has me smitten. It offers a very floral, seductive bouquet with pressed violet petals liberally scattered over the black cherry and wild strawberry fruit, and just a hint of vanilla in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin. This is very cohesive, harmonious and silky-smooth in texture, with a light touch of blood orange and brown spices that impart complexity on the finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

Burghound (92-94)

A relatively deeply pitched nose offers plenty of both floral and spice elements along with notes of plum, dark cherry and a touch of Asian-style tea. As is usually the case there is excellent volume and a taut muscularity to the sappy broad-shouldered flavors that flash superb depth and persistence. Note well though that this classic example is definitely built-to-age and is going to need at least most of a decade to be approachable. Recommended.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts 1er Cru is showing some reduction on the nose, slightly smudged red fruit, leather and undergrowth. It does seem to gain clarity with modest aeration though. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, taut and crisp, quite linear with fine sapidity on the structure, backward finish. A Premier Cru with a long future ahead. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2015 Clos l’Eglise needs encouragement on the nose. Initially surprisingly taciturn, it reveals well-defined blackberry, raspberry, leather and truffle scents. The palate is silky smooth with fine delineation, quite poised with dark chocolate and espresso complementing the lush red fruit. There is gentle grip towards the finish that gains length, though never achieves the heights of the following vintage. Still, this is going to give a lot of pleasure over the next 10-15 years. Tasted at the Clos l’Eglise vertical.

Vinous (90-92)

The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Village contains 20% whole bunch from the La Violette lieu-dit and destemmed fruit from the Quartiers de Nuits and Basses-Maizière lieux-dits. Aged in 30% new oak, it is quite backward and surly on the nose at first, but opens to reveal white pepper and clove aromas tincturing the tightly wound black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, and quite sweet at its core, with that white pepper leitmotif and a touch of graphite toward the crunchy finish.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-92)

Thomas has enough fruit to vinify two vats, using 40% whole bunches for Les Violettes and none for Quartiers de Nuits, to make 20% for the whole cuvée which is assembled as soon as the wine goes to barrel. Vibrant purple, a very heady nose, slightly heated lush raspberry. But the nobility of the terroir shows through in the mouth where the raspberries are less lush and are joined by a few strawberries. Good acidity, considerable length. Tasted: November 2021

Tucked within the Burgundy's prized Côte de Beaune, the Croix Beaune Tuvilains 2019, from the sacred plots of Domaine Croix, is a fine testament to the opulence of the 2019 vintage. This Pinot Noir is grown in limestone-rich soil and harvested in small, meticulously manicured parcels to preserve the integrity of each grape. Its vinification in traditional Burgundian open-top wooden vats, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, ensures a harmonious balance between fruit and oak nuances.

A sip of Croix Beaune Tuvilains 2019 reveals complex layers of ripe red fruits, elegantly underpinned by earthy notes and a subtle spiciness. The wine's delicate tannins and balanced acidity make for a seamless finish, capturing the essence of French wine-making sophistication.

The impeccable craftsmanship of winemaker David Croix indubitably shines through in this vintage, making the Croix Beaune Tuvilains 2019 an invincible selection for the discerning wine lover.

Immerse in the splendour of the 'David Duband Vosne Romanee 2019', a truly majestic red Burgundy wine from the prestigious terroirs of Burgundy, France. Brought to life by renowned winemaker David Duband, the 2019 vintage echoes a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Each grape is hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest contribute to this sophisticated potion.

David Duband, known for crafting beautiful Pinot Noirs, presents a refined balance of ripe, dark fruit and aromatic spices in the Vosne Romanee 2019. Aged in French oak barrels to develop complexity, every sip greets the palate with an elegant interplay between sweet black cherries, rich spices and fine-grained tannins. This distinctive wine embodies Vosne Romanee's characteristic opulence harmoniously blended with a controlled potency that lingers on the palate.

A bottle of 'David Duband Vosne Romanee 2019' is no less than experiencing the enchantment of Burgundy encapsulated in a glass.

Experience the essence of Burgundy with the David Duband Vosne Romanee 2020. Made by the expert hands of David Duband, a respected French vigneron who has been making wine since 1991. He embraces the concept of terroir viticulture, incorporating principles of organic and biodynamic farming.

This exquisite Pinot Noir originates from the acclaimed Vosne-Romanée appellation, renowned for producing world-class wines. The 2020 vintage enjoyed superb weather conditions, producing complex, elegant wines of remarkable balance.

David Duband Vosne Romanee 2020 showcases a radiant ruby hue, enamoured with harmonious aromas of violet, blackcurrant and truffle. On the palate, one can savour spicy notes of liquorice and clove, accentuated by a silky-smooth texture and long finish. It exhibits excellence in its purest form.

This is an extraordinary wine, encapsulating the famed elegance of Burgundy in a single bottle. A remarkable testament to the mastery of David Duband and the exceptional terroir of Vosne-Romanee.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2020 Beaune Grèves 1er Cru is also one-third whole-cluster (based on fitting it on the cuve so it was more than intended). Dark berry fruit, a touch of black olive and hints of presses iris petal unfold on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, granular in texture with a fresh, slightly chalky finish. Very fine. Closure: Diam

Vinous (90-92)

(two-thirds vendange entier; 25% new oak): Bright, full red. Distinctly limestone-driven aromas of raspberry, earth and smoky minerality. Silky, sappy and impressively concentrated, with black raspberry and cooler cherry flavors framed and enlivened by brisk acidity. The serious, broad tannins arrive late, allowing the wine's fruit flavors to carry well on the aftertaste.

Vinous (89-91)

(20% new oak and one-third vendange entier; the average vine age here is 50 years): Medium red. More delicate on the nose than the Les Sizies, offering scents of strawberry and stone. Then juicier and more energetic on the palate, showing lovely precision and penetration to its red fruit and saline mineral flavors. On the lean side but the firmly tannic finish leaves behind a salty tang. Winemaker Brian Sieve describes the estate's Perrières holding as our most active limestone site along with the Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Thoreys. This wine started its malolactic fermentation sur marc--i.e., in the tank before the alcoholic fermentation finished.

The Domaine Boris Champy Beaune 1er Cru Les Vignes Franches 2020, a distinguished gem from the heart of Burgundy, is the epitome of exceptional winemaking. Born within the illustrious vineyards of Beaune, this complex Pinot Noir displays the tender balance between power and elegance that defines this prestigious terroir.

Boris Champy, the meticulous winemaker, observes an organic approach, practicing sustainable viticulture to foster the authenticity of this varietal's expression. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, it maturely unfolds its aromatic finesse and generous velvety texture.

The nose is dominated by ripe cherries and earthy spices, followed by a hint of toasted almonds. On the palate, it delivers a precise, fresh, and persistently savoury finish. With ageing potential until 2040, the Domaine Boris Champy Beaune 1er Cru Les Vignes Franches 2020 is a remarkable investment for dedicated wine enthusiasts.

Vinous (91)

The 2017 Beaune Epenottes 1er Cru is quite closed on the nose with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, well defined but a little stubborn at present. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, crunchy, red berry fruit, fine acidity and good concentration. Not amazingly complex, yet it coheres nicely on the smooth-textured finish. This wine is closed under Diam 30. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.

Vinous (95-97)

The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 1er Cru has a more savory bouquet than the Les Beaux Monts, the whole bunch less integrated by direct comparison and yet it also delivers more terroir expression and mineralité. Touches of cracked black pepper and sage lend complexity to the dark berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, very harmonious with white pepper and clove, a lovely grainy texture and perhaps more refinement compared to the Echézeaux. The kind of Vosne-Romanée that you want to elope with.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)

The Malconsorts is still in barrel for a later bottling. Bright dense purple, this wine has a huge energy on the nose. Intense blossoming, fabulous in all regards even with a few peaches in the dark red fruit mix. Magical aftertaste. Doing its Malconsorts thing to a high degree. Tasted: December 2021

Vinous (95-97)

The 2021 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 1er Cru has a little more fruit intensity on the nose; it is slightly darker by direct comparison. Fine delineation, quite bold in the context of the vintage. The palate is very intense, fine acidity, very sensual with just a hint of dark chocolate and black truffle shavings on the finish. Wonderful.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Barrel sample. Very dark crimson. Rich and voluptuous nose. Spicy with savoury edges and then very sweet. Polished and subtle. Very appetising. Really long and interesting. Builds on the finish.

Vinous (94-96)

The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts 1er Cru has a perfumed and enticing bouquet with brambly black fruit, black truffle and Earl Grey aromas gently wafting from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins. The whole bunch influence is discrete here but lends an attractive white pepper and clove note towards the finish that fans out wonderful whilst maintaining freshness and tension. Just outflanked by the Aux Malconsorts, nevertheless, this is a brilliant Les Beaux Monts.

Decanter (93)

This wine features a lovely bright raspberry fruit aroma with a bit of menthol and a suggestion of peony. The tannins are substantial, and there is plenty of acidity to draw the wine to a lovely conclusion. The grapes come from 60 – 65 year old vines in the lower part of Grèves where the soils are a bit deeper. The wine shows a true Grèves character in its restraint, elegance, and balance.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)

From a miniscule one-hectare parcel right across from Clinet, on the upper plateau of Pomerol, the 2018 Enclos Tourmaline is a blockbuster in the making, and I suspect it’s going to give the 2016 a run for its money. Checking in as a 100% Merlot raised in new oak, which hit 14.7% natural alcohol, this inky color blockbuster boasts a massive bouquet of black fruits, smoke herbs, chocolate, and damp earth. It shows a more floral edge with time in the glass and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and plush on the palate, with sweet tannins. It’s certainly one of the sexiest wines in this terrific vintage. Hats off to vineyard manager and winemaker Jérôme Aguirre as well as consultant Michel Rolland for another brilliant wine in the making. Tasted twice.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-98)

There's not much of the 2019 Enclos Tourmaline made, but it's a sensational wine in the making. Coming from a tiny one-hectare parcel next to Clinet, this inky purple-hued effort offers a wonderfully complex, vibrant bouquet of black raspberries, crème de cassis, licorice, toasted spices, and classy oak. Full-bodied, pure, and elegant, yet powerful on the palate, it has good acidity, remarkable purity (there's no overripeness here), sound underlying structure, and a great finish. It’s another brilliant, heavenly Pomerol from 2019.

Wine Advocate (92)

The 2015 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Ecu from Domaine Faiveley needs some aeration to shake off some light reduction, opening in the glass with pretty notes of black raspberry, rich soil and currant leaf. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, sappy and succulent, with an ample chassis of fine tannins and a deep core of fruit, incipiently lavish but with good focus too. This will need some time in bottle to open up, but it is a promising Beaune 1er cru.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)

The 2015 Feytit-Clinet is one of the most exciting, viscerally thrilling wines of the vintage. Graphite, smoke, charcoal, violets, and a host of intense, dark fruits make a strong first impression. Vertical and towering in the glass, the 2015 possesses magnificent intensity to match its virile, brooding personality. There is a sense of explosive energy in the 2015 that is simply compelling. Readers who can find the 2015 should not hesitate, as it is stunning. What a wine! The blend is approximately 96% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)

The 2015 Feytit-Clinet is one of the most exciting, viscerally thrilling wines of the vintage. Graphite, smoke, charcoal, violets, and a host of intense, dark fruits make a strong first impression. Vertical and towering in the glass, the 2015 possesses magnificent intensity to match its virile, brooding personality. There is a sense of explosive energy in the 2015 that is simply compelling. Readers who can find the 2015 should not hesitate, as it is stunning. What a wine! The blend is approximately 96% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)

From one of my favorite estates in Pomerol, situated between Trotanoy and Latour à Pomerol, the 2018 Château Feytit-Clinet is currently sitting at 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc being raised in 70% new French oak. Sporting a deep purple/blue color as well as a massive bouquet of blackberries, smoked herbs, liquid violets, and graphite, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a weightless, seamless texture, thrilling purity, and a great, great finish. It’s a powerful wine hitting 14.9% alcohol yet there’s not a trace of heat. Offering beautiful purity and flawless balance, it reminds me of the 2010, only better.