Vinous (96)

The 2017 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru showed some reduction on the nose, but there is impressive delineation and focus and real mineralité here. It just needs bottle age. The palate is very well balanced, a live wire of acidity, tensile and mineral-driven with a judicious touch of spice toward the persistent finish. This is very classy and persistent, translating the terroir with style, a wine that flirts with profundity. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Vinous (94)

The 2017 Volnay Les Santenots-du-Milieu 1er Cru was opened by Dominique Lafon just because he wanted to compare with the ensuing two vintages. Who was I to stop him? It is very different in style from those vintages: redder fruit, more transparency, charming, and it wears its heart on its sleeve. The palate is full of slightly peppery red berry fruit, saline and spicy with good grip and a long raspberry and wild strawberry finish. So unbelievably drinkable, even at this early stage you’ll finish bottle.  

Wine Advocate (97+)

A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 9% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2017 Proprietary Red soars out of the glass with notions of baked blueberries, plum preserves and blackcurrant cordial, backed up by nuances of chocolate mint, wild sage, violets and pencil shavings, plus an earthy hint of Chinese five spice. The rich, seductive, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with spicy black fruit preserves, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and opulent.

Vinous (94)

The 2017 Echézeaux Grand Cru is similarly lifted, with a bit darker fruit and more structure than the Corton. A deceptive, beguiling Burgundy, the 2017 shows the mid-weight structure of the year. Here too, time in the glass brings out the wine’s vertical feel and overall intensity. The 2017 needs time to soften, but it is incredibly persistent and impeccable in its balance. Readers should expect an especially austere Echézeaux that is going to require cellaring. The fruit was brought in on September 13 and 15, with a day’s break in between because of rain.

Vinous (96)

The 2017 Grands-Echézeaux Grand Cru is a pretty big step up in this range, both in terms of depth, power and energy. Here the flavors are dark, while there is quite a bit of tannin lurking beneath. Black cherry, graphite, leather, smoke, spice and menthol infuse the 2017 with tons of virile, somber character. Readers will have to be very patient. A whole range of sepia-toned aromas and flavors shrouded in tannin add depth to an imposing Grands-Echézeaux built for cellaring. Harvest was on September 12.

Jancis Robinson (19)

Pale ruby. Really quite intense on the nose. Glorious spread of ripe fruit and freshness. Very immediate. Such a peacock’s tail on the finish too! Rich yet far from sweet. Massive concentration. Resonates with violets and forest charm on the finish. Gorgeous. Such appeal! 2,082 cases

Vinous (96)

The 2017 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru was picked on September 8 at 35hl/ha and bottled April 25–26 . It has a quintessential Romanée-Conti bouquet of pure, seductive red fruit (morello cherry, cranberry, raspberry), extremely well defined and focused, plus subtle sea spray/seaweed aromas; with continued aeration, I noticed just a faint touch of curry leaf in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and very fine acidity. A discreet crescendo in intensity leads to a harmonious, lightly spiced and slightly more mineral-driven finish than the La Tâche. Yet I cannot help feeling that the La Tâche has a little more complexity than the Romanée-Conti, and perhaps a little more potential. Let’s see. 627 cases produced. Tasted at Corney & Barrow’s annual in-bottle tasting in London.

Vinous (98)

A total stunner, the 2017 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is the most expressive wine in the lineup today. Rich, creamy and so wonderfully textured, the RSV simply has it all. The tannins are present, but they are also matched by tremendous fruit density and pure power. Floral and savory overtones grace the lifted, saline finish. Leaving price aside, if I could only have one wine in this range, it would unquestionably be the RSV. The 2017 is a total knock-out. That’s all there is to it. This fruit was picked on September 10 and 11.

Wine Advocate (93-96)

The 2017 Cote Rotie was still in separate lots when I visited, yet I came away with remarkably similar impressions from the Gerine (fragrant charming and silky) and le Plomb (taut, intense and structural) as I did last year. A number of other lots will go into the final assemblage (Chavaroche, Fongeant, Lezardes and several more, probably including La Landonne). There's more cracked pepper and violets on the nose of the 2017 than the 2018 and also a touch more crispness and tension on the palate.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-97)

Medium deep purple. The nose is sombre, deep and backward. This has a huge wealth of fruit on the palate, especially at the front, very primary fruit. It does extend through very nicely but the second half of the palate is yet to fill out, as I think it will.

Wine Advocate (94+)

Dujac's 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is more reserved that the Clos Saint-Denis, unwinding in the glass with scents of red berries, plums, orange rind, cinnamon, peonies and sweet soil tones. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, serious and layered, with muscular structure, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. While this remains a comparatively accessible, finesse-driven Clos de la Roche, at least a decade's patience will be required to see this begin to realize its potential.

Wine Advocate (94)

Both more concentrated and more introverted than the preceding Beaux Monts, Dujac's 2017 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts opens in the glass with aromas of sweet red berries, plums, orange rind, smoked duck and peonies. On the palate, it's full-bodied, supple and elegantly muscular, with fine depth at the core, powdery tannins and mouthwatering acids, concluding with a perfumed finish.

Crafted by esteemed winemaker Edmond Vatan, the Sancerre Clos La Neore 2017 is a fine example of terroir-driven vinification. Produced in the heart of France's Loire valley, it's one of the last remaining single plots of Sancerre, offering unrivalled purity and typicity of the region.

The Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos La Neore 2017 demonstrates an exquisite balance of ripe fruit, minerality, and palate-gripping acidity. Hand-harvested from vines averaging 50-years-old on Kimmeridgian marl soils, this prestigious Sauvignon Blanc ferments naturally in old wooden foudres to enhance its inherent complexity.

With a limited production, the wine reveals a striking, crystal-clear golden hue alongside an aromatic profile of citrus zest, ripe apple, and flinty undertones. It's exceptionally layered, showing vibrant fruit, precise acid, and a lingering finish. Best consumed after carefully decanting, Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos La Neore 2017 is a sought-after vintage deserving of a place in the cellars of discerning neophytes and seasoned collectors alike.

Jean Fisch & David Rayer (100)

The 2017er Scharzhofberger TBA was harvested at well over 200° Oechsle. What is remarkable here is that the wine proves so delicate and elegant despite its huge ripeness. The nose develops stunningly complex notes of greengage, date, marzipan, raisin, and fine herbs all wrapped into great creamy elements. The wine develops a stunningly vibrant yet also superbly creamy feel on the palate, where more date mingles with herbs and spices to make for a surprisingly refined and multi-layered feel for such a “big” TBA. The wine grows in oiliness and presence as it develops on the palate yet always remains focused and refined. It leaves one with a great airy feel of exotic dried fruits, whipped cream and honey in the never-ending finish. This is simply a perfect TBA in the making.

Vinous (95)

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet of mixed red and black fruit and a faint touch of tomato vine. It becomes more floral with aeration. The palate has fine structure, and there’s some clever stem addition apparent here, lending this Clos Saint-Jacques a subtle leafy character. Focused with fine weight toward the finish, this is very persistent and quite saline on the aftertaste. Reserved, but the pedigree is undeniable. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.

As an exemplar of fine Burgundy Pinot Noir, the Frederic Esmonin Mazis Chambertin 2017 is a real triumph. An esteemed viticulturist based in the Gevrey-Chambertin region, Frederic Esmonin continues a family legacy, producing wines renowned for their depth and complexity. Showcasing excellence of the Mazis Chambertin terroir, Esmonin’s 2017 vintage is made meticulously, with manually-harvested grapes undergoing primary fermentation in open oak vat, before being aged for nearly two years in French oak barrels.

Bountiful fruit aromas with impressive ripeness and concentration are evident on the nose, mirrored on the palate with distinct savoury undertones of spice, tobacco and wild herbs. The tensile tannins and perfectly resonating acidity result in a wine of stunningly balanced harmony. Its longevity is equally impressive, ensuring it remains a delightful drinking experience for years post-uncorking. For true lovers of premium Burgundy, Frederic Esmonin Mazis Chambertin 2017 is a standout choice.

The Georges Lignier Clos-Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2017 is a resplendent jewel of the Burgundy wine region, crafted with dedication by 4th generation winemaker, Benjamin Lignier. This French red has been lavished with meticulous care in every phase, from judicious pruning in the vineyards to the detailed sorting of hand-harvested grapes. A literal fusion of modernity and tradition, its exquisite quality reflects the Lignier family's strong commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal use of sulphites.

Nestled in the prestigious Clos-Saint-Denis Grand Cru vineyard, the Pinot Noir grapes realise their full potential giving the wine an unparalleled depth and character. The wine enchants the palate with robust red fruit flavours, harmonised by elegant earthy undertones and a tantalisingly lingering finish. Its exceptional structure promises impressive cellaring potential. The Georges Lignier Clos-Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2017 draws the fine line between power and finesse, summing up the beauty of Burgundy in one bottle.

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Chaignots 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet of dark berry fruit, desiccated orange peel and a little rooibos. The new oak is quite prominent and feels a bit reduced. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, grippy and muscular, perhaps missing some elegance and transparency. The firm finish leaves a spicy aftertaste. Give this three to four years in bottle. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.

Wine Advocate (91)

The 2017 Vosne-Romanée Village confirms the promise it showed in barrel, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, red berries, peonies and sweet soil tones. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and satiny, with succulent acids, melting tannins and a long and perfumed finish. While it's deceptively approachable, long-time followers of this cuvée will know that it will amply reward bottle age with enhanced depth and complexity.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93-95)

The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru was showing quite a lot of reduction on the nose when I visited (Christophe Roumier was taken aback, as it had been racked three weeks earlier). Fortunately, the palate shows great potential; it’s as beautifully balanced as ever, with a fine bead of acidity. This is more understated and less outgoing than other vintages encountered from barrel, and not quite as persistent on the finish, but with a fine dash of black pepper on the aftertaste. There is something very assured about this Bonnes-Mares, though this year, it is Les Amoureuses that sends tingles down the spine.

Wine Advocate (90-92)

A lovely bouquet of cherries, rose petals, forest floor and subtle espresso roast introduce the 2017 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Combottes, a medium to full-bodied wine with an ample, more open-knit and more ethereal profile than the earthier, denser Clos de la Bussière that preceded. Sneaky persistence on the finish makes me suspect that this will continue to gain in depth as it completes its élevage.

Vinous (92)

The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Clos de la Bussière 1er Cru was broody when I first tasted it from barrel. In bottle it has certainly opened up nicely, quintessentially "Morey" in style with dark berry fruit, sous-bois and a very subtle herbal element that derives from a summer that was less warm than 2016 or 2018. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity, gentle grip and fine-boned tannins. There is wonderful salinity towards the finish, open and dare I say, virtually ready for business. Does it have the substance to deliver long-term cellaring? Of that, I am not so sure, but I don't think this wine really cares to be quite honest. [Readers should note that this markedly improved the second evening after opening, evolving greater cohesion and a little more corpulence.]

Vinous (92)

The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Clos de la Bussière 1er Cru was broody when I first tasted it from barrel. In bottle it has certainly opened up nicely, quintessentially "Morey" in style with dark berry fruit, sous-bois and a very subtle herbal element that derives from a summer that was less warm than 2016 or 2018. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity, gentle grip and fine-boned tannins. There is wonderful salinity towards the finish, open and dare I say, virtually ready for business. Does it have the substance to deliver long-term cellaring? Of that, I am not so sure, but I don't think this wine really cares to be quite honest. [Readers should note that this markedly improved the second evening after opening, evolving greater cohesion and a little more corpulence.]

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Barolo Monprivato is elegant, classy and nuanced. Crushed red berry fruit, spice and blood orange lend and exotic flair to this silky, mid-weight Barolo. The 2017 loses some of its persistence with air, but it offers tons of immediacy and sheer allure. Best of all, the 2017 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is one of the better recent vintages of Monprivato the Mascarello family has released.

Wine Advocate (90)

Gently sun-kissed scents of Asian pear, white flowers and honeycomb introduce the 2017 Meursault Village, a medium to full-bodied, satiny-textured and elegantly fleshy wine derived from the Clos de la Baronne, Crotot, Gruyaches and Sous la Velle; as that palette of lieux-dits implies, it's the most open-knit, gourmand and forward Meursault in the domaine's range.