Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2022 Bourgogne Pinot Noir En La Place comes from 90-year-old vines planted on sandy soil, with 50% whole bunch that stays at the bottom of the tanks. Because Camille had smaller legs, the berries at the bottom underwent a carbonic, which she will do from now on. The beguiling bouquet leans a little towards the southern Rhône in style, with a little garrigues infusing the red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins, flinty in style with a brisk but compelling finish. Irresistible.

From the hallowed vineyards of France's Burgundy region comes the opulent C. Thiriet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Initiale 2021. Born from centenarian vines situated in the renowned limestone-rich soil, this glorious creation is steeped in unmatched pedigree and tradition. The vintner, Clément Thiriet, applies a minimal intervention approach to maximise the expression of terroir, with only organic practices in use. Unfined and unfiltered, this elixir offers a profound transparency and unblemished representation of its grand cru origin.

The ruby héritage of C. Thiriet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Initiale 2021 exhibits warm notes of dark cherry and ripe plums, backboned by a regal earthiness and a delicate hint of violet. The wine's gripping tannic structure complements its rich and concentrated berry flavours. Thiriet’s meticulous intention in articulating Burgundy’s finesse stands unperturbed, manifesting in each bottle of this extraordinary Grand Cru.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)

5 Star Wine. This cuvée, alas, is coming to an end, as the owner wants the grapes in future. 100% whole bunch. Bright purple, with the most exquisite perfume, gentle and gracious but indelible aroma of the finest red and black fruit, more than floral. Keep sniffing. Amazingly sensual, with perfect grip at the back, the structure just ripe, the aromatics properly. Gracefulness throughout. Drink from 2028-2035. Tasted Nov 2024.

Immerse yourself in the epitome of Burgundy winemaking with the stellar Cachat-Ocquidant Beaune Saint Desire 2021. Produced in Beaune, the heart of Burgundy, this lavish vintage encapsulates the illustrious reputation of Cachat-Ocquidant, esteemed vignerons since the 15th century. The meticulous cultivation of Pinot Noir grapes on limestone-clay soils, under the watchful care of winemaker Antoine Cachat, results in a grand vin rouge, refined with an exquisite balance of power and elegance.

Each sip reveals a rich harmony of dark fruit notes tinged with a subtle earthiness, a trademark hint of Burgundy's terroir. 2019 marked an exceptional vintage year, with optimal weather conditions ensuring perfect ripening, thus culminating in a wine poised to age beautifully. Imbued with undeniable finesse, the Cachat-Ocquidant Beaune Saint Desire 2021 is a testament to Cyril and Antoine's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking, producing an enchanting elixir that resonates with wine connoisseurs worldwide.

Introducing the remarkable Cachat-Ocquidant Corton Grand Cru Clos des Vergennes 2020. This exquisite wine emanates from the renowned Burgundy region in France, a sublime testament to Cachat-Ocquidant's viticultural expertise. The grapes are carefully handpicked from the prestigious Corton hill's climats, a testament to the strict yield management and respect for terroir.

An epitome of Burgundy's grandeur, the wine lures with distinctive notes of dark berries, earthy undertones and laced with subtle spiciness. A meticulous ageing in French oak barrels infuses the wine with a sublime complexity and a structured palate.

Cachat-Ocquidant tradition dictates a minimal intervention approach, ensuring each bottle packs the true essence of the unique 'Clos des Vergennes' vineyard, a single parcel exclusive to the house, delivering a powerful and elegant profile. The Cachat-Ocquidant Corton Grand Cru Clos des Vergennes 2020 promises to truly captivate the discerning palates of fine wine enthusiasts.

Exhibiting the best of Burgundy, the Camille & Guillaume Boillot Pommard 1er Cru 2022 is an exquisite capture of elegance and refinement. The Boillot family, belonging to the revered lineage of Burgundian wine producers, employ stringent traditional methods to develop this paragon of perfection. Pommard’s vineyards, known for their iron-rich soil, bear the exclusive Pinot Noir grapes that furnish this wine with its distinctive flavour profile.

On the palate, the Camille & Guillaume Boillot Pommard 1er Cru 2022 offers a harmonious blend of ripe cherry, cassis, and subtle earthy undertones, underpinned by an inviting acidity and structured tannins. The wine evolves over an impressive finish, leaving an unforgettable impression of Burgundy's resilient terroir.

Aged in French oak barrels, this wine’s distinct characteristics are enhanced, celebrating an outstanding vintage. Limited bottles of Camille & Guillaume Boillot Pommard 1er Cru 2022 vouch for its exclusivity, a true gem for the discerning palate.

Vinous (89-92)

One of the highlights in this range, the 2015 Beaune Les Avaux is sleek and expressive. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint and a kiss of new French oak give the wine its super-appealing, inviting personality. Like so many of these wines, the 2015 captures an incredibly appealing combination of deep, rich fruit and lifted aromatics. In other words, this is a quintessential 2015. - Antonio Galloni

Experience the splendid world of classic Burgundian winemaking with the spellbinding Camille Giroud Chambertin Grand Cru 2003. Created in the historic region of Côte de Nuits, France, this beautiful wine is a testament to the mastery of renowned winemakers Camille Giroud. Employing meticulous craftsmanship, the grapes for this tantalising red were hand-harvested from the Grand Cru vineyard of Chambertin, recognised for its superior terroir. The wine underwent a traditional, elongated fermentation followed by maturation in French oak, resulting in an exquisite balance of power and finesse.

The Camille Giroud Chambertin Grand Cru 2003 displays an inviting ruby hue, nose of ripe, dark fruit and underpinned minerality. This complexity extends to the palate, boasting supple tannins, elegant hints of black cherry and a long, lingering finish. A divine and age-worthy wine, it is an unforgettable example of Burgundy’s vinous prowess.

Vinous (92+)

Medium red. Reticent but complex aromas of redcurrant, earth, mocha, iron, tobacco, underbrush and menthol. Suave and fine-grained, with highly nuanced flavors of redcurrant, leather, earth, game and mocha. Offers more volume and aging potential than the Lavaux, but this still-young wine is much less expressive today. Finishes sweet, supple and very long, with suave, fine tannins.

Jancis Robinson (18+)

Vines planted in 1960. Destemmed whole berries with a light cold soak. Three weeks’ maceration in total. 35% new oak. Two months in stainless steel after 18 months in oak. Very heavy bottle... Mid crimson – not an eye-catching grand cru intensity of colour. Heady nose with the merest suggestion of decay. Masses of sweetness and still a bit of dusty tannin and introspection. There is so much here but it’s not quite ready for public display. Truly massive in scale – this wine is still a bit brutal. For the moment it’s a little dry on the end.

Vinous (93+)

Bright, dark red. Cool, highly nuanced aromas of raspberry, mint, coffee, licorice and crushed stone. Then lush, sweet and seamless in the mouth, maintaining the fresh but ripe impression. Wonderfully plush and utterly without rough edges, with flavors of red raspberry and cool minerality lifted by a seductive floral element. (This fruit is all from the Clos de Bèze side of Chambertin, right above Leroy's holding, according to David Croix.) A superb cold version of Chambertin 2013 but not particularly austere owing to the wine's seamless texture and noble tannins.

Vinous (93-96)

Camille Giroud's 2015 Chambertin is seamless, rich and inviting. Dark cherry, crème de cassis, menthol, licorice, sage and lavender give the wine much of its regal aristocratic bearing, There is something absolutely impeccable about the way all the elements fall into place here. The Chambertin is often a rock star in this lineup. Is that again in 2015. - Antonio Galloni

Vinous (95-97)

The 2020 Chambertin Grand Cru is very well-defined and focused on the nose, mineral-rich black fruit, sous-bois and cedar emerging with time, conveying a sense of effortlessness. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, an almost symmetrical balance with a poised, pixelated finish. This is an outstanding Chambertin that will age with style. Couldn't get your Rousseau allocation? Try this on for size.