Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits Deep Dive

Mark Pardoe MW’s ‘Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits Deep Dive’ tasting session at Berry Bros & Rudd was a testament to the nuances of age, terroir and winemaking mastery. The journey through a selection of fine Burgundies was not just a tasting experience, but an educative immersion into the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions.

Apéritif: 2019 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Les Dames Huguettes, Domaine Sylvan Cathiard – ($87 – rating: 4.0 / 5.0)

We commenced our exploration with the Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits from Domaine Sylvan Cathiard. A delicate balance of red cherries and raspberries on the nose with a sprinkle of spice on the palate presented a pleasing introduction to the character of Côte de Nuits.

Wine 1: 2019 Marsannay Rouge, Le Chapitre, Domaine Jean Fournier – ($48 – rating: 4.2 / 5.0)

The Marsannay Rouge by Domaine Jean Fournier had a charming nose of ripe cherries and strawberries, evolving to an earthy undertone. Its graceful maturity was evident in the palate’s rounded tannins and subtle spice, showing a pleasant depth of flavour.

Wine 2: 2018 Chambolle-Musigny, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair – ($110 – rating: 4.4 / 5.0)

Next, the Chambolle-Musigny from Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair enchanted with its bouquet of roses, violets, and red fruits. Its silky palate boasted of soft tannins and a gentle mineral undertone, demonstrating the elegant ageing of this Vieilles Vignes.

Wine 3: 2020 Nuits-St Georges, Aux Barrières, Patrice Rion – ($75 – rating: 4.2 / 5.0)

The Nuits-St Georges from Patrice Rion offered a nose of dark fruits and peppery spice, matched by a palate marked by rounded tannins and a hint of liquorice. The wine’s flavour profile had evolved nicely over the years, showcasing the resilience of this terroir.

Wine 4: 2017 Morey-St Denis, Aux Charmes, 1er Cru, Lignier-Michelot – ($96 – rating: 4.3 / 5)

The Morey-St Denis from Lignier-Michelot carried an enticing nose of black cherries, hints of tobacco and earthy undertones. On the palate, the complexity deepened with mellow tannins, ripe fruit flavours and a long, velvety finish, truly displaying the charm of its 1er Cru status.

Wine 5: 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin, Village, Domaine Tawse  – ($75 – rating: 4.1 / 5)

The Gevrey-Chambertin from Domaine Tawse introduced a nose of dark berries and forest floor, along with a palate highlighted by firm tannins, a touch of oak and lingering blackcurrant notes, attesting to its well-crafted maturity.

Wine 6: 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin, Aux Combottes, 1er Cru, Domaine Dujac – ($666 – rating: 4.4 / 5.0)

Domaine Dujac’s Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru presented an exquisite nose of red fruits, cocoa and spice. The palate had evolved beautifully, displaying harmonious tannins and notes of dried fruit, liquorice and smoke, echoing the wine’s balance and the mastery of its ageing.

Wine 7: 2012 Chambertin, Grand Cru, Camille Giroud – ($335 – rating: 4.4 / 5.0)

Camille Giroud’s Chambertin, Grand Cru, offered a symphony of black cherries, leather and earth on the nose. The palate was a masterclass in the elegance of aged Grand Cru, offering a blend of ripe fruit, truffle notes and a hint of minerality, finishing with a velvet-textured persistence.

Wine 8: 2018 Vosne-Romanée, Benjamin Leroux – ($77 – rating: 4.4 / 5.0)

The Vosne-Romanée from Benjamin Leroux exuded a complex nose of raspberry, truffle and cloves. The palate was finely structured with a seamless blend of fruity vibrancy, spicy warmth and supple tannins, marking a beautiful transition from youth to maturity.

Wine 9: 2015 Vosne-Romanée, Les Malconsorts, 1er Cru, Domaine François Lamarche – ($335 – rating: 4.5 / 5.0)

Domaine François Lamarche’s Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru delighted with its bouquet of blackcurrant, violet and hints of vanilla. The palate showcased an elegant interplay of ripe fruit, smooth tannins and subtle spice, culminating in a lingering finish, truly living up to its 1er Cru designation.

Wine 10: 2015 La Grande Rue, Grand Cru, Domaine François Lamarche – ($728 – rating: 4.5 / 5.0)

Concluding our session was the Grand Cru from Domaine François Lamarche, ‘La Grande Rue’. This wine was a study in balance and refinement, with a bouquet of ripe berries, forest floor and a whisper of spice. The palate was an impressive mélange of black cherries, tobacco and silky tannins, ending with an incredibly long finish.

Mark Pardoe MW’s expert guidance was invaluable in unveiling the complexities of these esteemed wines. This tasting offered an engaging foray into the legendary Côte de Nuits, with each wine revealing its own story of terroir, age and the artistry of the winemaker. The experience reinforced the standing of Burgundy as a region that truly honours the passage of time in its wines.