Monday, April 16, 2018

Bourgogne Pinot Noir

So 2015 and 2016 are great back to back vintages in Burgundy, although for different reasons. 2015 was a goldilocks vintage, quite warm, whereas 2016 was difficult, with frost destroying many vines, thereby leading to more significant yield reduction than most vintners would have done deliberately. The remaining grapes are small and most show good concentration.

In such a situation, one is tempted to go for the lower level wines, as everything should be good. Recently I tasted two such wines from the large Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits appelation.

The producer is Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter. These wines are now available in Australia and not expensive (less than $40 per bottle).

The 2016 Belle Canaille displays a bright red colour. It is a clear, fresh wine with expressive red cherry flavours. The wine is not complex, but the mouthfeel is fine and the wine is nicely balanced. Dry tannins lead to a satisfying finish. If you have never tried Burgundy, try this. It works.

Score: 88/++

The 2015 Vielles Vignes is very similar in style. The wine is slightly darker, maybe due to bottle age. It is quite soft and more elegant than the first wine. Having said this, one should not assume there is a lot of finesse on the palate.

Score: 90/++

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