Reviews

Here the nose is quite similar to that of the Beaune with just a bit more elegance as the fruit is slightly higher-toned. The palate impression is, not surprisingly, a bit firmer than that of the Beaune but this too is relatively accessible with slightly better depth and length on the more well-defined finish. This should benefit from a few years in the cellar if desired but it could also be drunk with pleasure now after 30 minutes in a decanter.

Here too there is a discreet hint of wood framing the more elegant and more complex ripe and dark berry fruit suffused nose. There is a lovely mouth feel to the lightly mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that don't quite have the same phenolic ripeness of the villages though the supporting tannins are certainly finer. There is also a noticeable touch of warmth on otherwise clean and agreeably dry if mildly astringent finish. In sum, this is more refined and a bit more complex but the Chardannes is better balanced and pound for pound a better wine.

A ripe and distinctly earthy nose of pretty red pinot fruit leads to middle weight flavors that are very Beaune in style, which is to say round, supple and quite generous, all wrapped in a slightly fruity finish of acceptable depth and length. There is good mid-palate fat which confers a seductive texture onto the palate impression but this is without real distinction. Note that this could already be drunk with pleasure.

There is a hint of reduction present initially though within 5 minutes it had dissipated to reveal earthy and rustic dark berry fruit and pungent earth aromas. The light weight flavors possess good verve and reasonably good detail on the dusty and mildly dry finish that offers just enough depth and length to be interesting.

New oak weaves into the fruit of this wine to create a single line of flavor, carrying through to a salty-sweet finish. Seemingly New World in style, this may gain more expression as it ages.

A smoky, nutty, crowd-pleasing chardonnay, this is warm and creamy with some greenness to the flavors. The soft structure makes it an easy aperitif.

Transparent and rosy, this is a brisk, simple Burgundy with vibrant acidity and exotic spice. The tannins carry more than their fair share of oak, but they would be comforting in the company of a t-bone steak.

Concentrated and velvety, this is a full-bodied pinot with warm, baked cherry flavors. It’s soft and round, ready for braised beef.

Rich, laced with black cherry, bitter chocolate and earth flavors, this red turns firm and lean by the finish. Just a little dry on balance overall.

A deft use of oak adds spice accents to the strawberry and raspberry favors without being heavy-handed. Balanced, this is more chunky than elegant.