A Tasting Highlight from Peter Newton, Private Sales Director
Yesterday was our 2021 Burgundy En Primeur tasting. We weren’t sure it was even going to go ahead until December, as quantities were so low and samples hard to come by, but despite the tiny vintage it was great to taste many lovely fresh and vibrant bottles and chat to the growers who had joined us for the afternoon.
Being able to sample the wines certainly confirmed 2021 as a vibrant, finesse-filled vintage. It isn’t a blockbuster, so not big and impenetrable, but the fruit and tannins were ripe and well-balanced which, along with that driving acidity, will ensure more approachable and elegant wines for the mid-to-long term.
Thank you to everyone who made it to the tasting, I hope you found plenty of wines to put on your request lists. Here are just a few highlights I sampled that are worth snapping up if you can.
2021 Chiroubles ‘Aux Craz’ Domaine de la Grosse Pierre – £84 per 6 in bond
Very attractive liquorice infused fruit with a wild exuberant feel. Good grip of ripe tannins in the mouth, covered by fleshy red berry richness and leading to a lithe and flavourful finish that was much more elegant than I was expecting. An exceptional wine for the price point.
2021 Savigny Les Beaune 1er cru Les Peuillets, Domaine Jean Guiton – £156 per 6 in bond
Red fruits accompanied by a darker edge here. An initial firmness and then a burst of spicy blackcurrant, red pastel sweets and savoury ripe tannins. One to try in two to three years’ as it will evolve well.
2021 Marsannay Clos du Roy, Domaine René Bouvier – £192 per 6 in bond
Initially fragrant and beautifully poised, but then the palate is quite brooding and held back. There is lots of sappy, spicy fruit, ample fine textured tannins, and hints of floral refinement. It’s long and balanced with a very good future ahead. Just beginning to open out.
2021 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Geantet-Pansiot – £318 per 6 in bond
Upfront, seductive and plump. The old vines have provided a great depth of red and purple fruit to this wine. Broad across the palate, softly textured with a chocolatey edge. Subtle yet powerful. Impressive stuff.
