Domaine Jean-Marc Burgaud Cote du Py 2010

Why is it that many wines taste sweet while some others are sour? Sun I say and how much time the grapes hang on the vines. It is a mix between the wine-maker and vines. This is why we have so much fruit and sweetness in Australia. Slowly people are changing what they plant so as to better fit the variety to the area. This wine is sour and bright with great flavour.

While this winery hasn't been around for that long, Jean-Marc only started in 1989, they are producing some spectacular wines already.

Domaine Jean-Marc Burgaud Cote du Py 2010

The flavour profile is sour but it works so well. The 50 year old vines have worked their magic as the complexity of plums, strawberries, raspberries and spice are beautiful and perfumed. The tannins take it up a level as they are dry and bold yet oh so pretty. While I love this now I would let it sit for 3 to 5 years in the cellar before I open them up.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $35
Rated: 92
Drink: 2016 - 2025
Importer: Eurocentric Wine

Domaine Camille Giroud Cote de Beaune Villages 2010

The Cote de Beaune is located in north of Burgundy which encompasses 16 different appellations. The Cote de Beaune Villages label is the second to bottom along the hierarchy and it able to be drunk upon release.

Domaine Camille Giroud Cote de Beaune Villages 2010

The vines for ths wine have been biodynamically farmed and is the entry level wine for Camille Girourd. The wine possesses a real funk and dirtiness but also has fruit weight more associated with the new world. I have in my notes mushrooms, warm earth and plums and spice on a medium bodied palate that finishes with firm tannins. I personally would crank this out now as it offers so much.

Alcohol: 13%
Price: $44
Rated: 88
Drink: Now - 2017
Importer: Eurocentric Wine

Louis Jadot Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2009

Echezeaux is a sub region within Cote du Nuits in Burgundy which is one of the hottest properties in the Pinot market.  The total amount of vines is low, 40 hectares, for the number of owners, 88.  The Grand Echezeaux district is the top of the lot with only a small percentage of the 40 ha reaching the quality level. Generally, the wines from this area are loaded with structure with fruit and wild gamey flavours and need 10 years in the cellar to show well.

Louis Jadot Grands Echezeaux Gran Cru 2009

The first thing I notice about this wine is the level of restraint in the flavour profile when you compare it to the Aussie versions. The wine starts out with a little spice and morello cherries before a touch of warm earth cuts in.  What I couldn't look past was the way the wine expanded in my mouth, both with flavours but mostly with a huge tannin backbone that was perfectly balanced with the wine and the world.  There were no holes in the way the wine experience smothered my tongue, it was just pure bliss. 

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $500

Rated: 96

Drink: 2020 - 2040

Importer: Red + White

Louis Bouillot Perle d'Ivoire Blanc de Blanc Brut NV

Cremant is a sparkling wine from France that doesn't originate in Champagne. Due to the wine not coming from such a renowned area the Cremant wines can offer brilliant value and sophisticated drinking.  This wine continues that theme.

Louis Bouillot Perle d'Ivoire Blanc de Blanc Brut NV

This wine is 100% Chardonnay from the heart of Maconnais. Well actually only 85% comes from that area with the rest from Yonne. This wine is smashingly refreshing and inviting with a symphony of flavours licking my mouth. It all begins with grapefruit and lemon dancing the lambada with roasted nuts and strawberry creams. The finish is nice and crisp with the whole package begging the question, why would I buy anything else.

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $25
Rated: 88
Drink: Now or over the next few years.
Importer: Negociants

Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Greves Vignes de L'Enfant Jesus 2002

The Cote du Beaune is located at the southern end of the Cote d'or in Burgundy which accounts for the majority of top class wines in the world, especially if you want to drink Chardonnay. The land in this region is home to limestone with scarp joining the team.  These components allow the vines to take mineral nutrients from the limestone while the scarp provides brilliant drainage forcing the vines to work hard.

Here is a diagram outlining scarp

Image from Scarp Formation

Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune Greves Vignes de L'Enfant Jesus 2002

Ultra light and earthy with hints of raspberry unfolding from the glass after the wine is poured.  I have never tasted Baby Jesus but I was expecting something with a little extra depth of flavour. Don't get me wrong this is a lovely wine that effortlessly flows over my tongue but the flavours of forest floor and sautéed mushrooms mixed with spice seem to disappear from my mid palate.  Now 2002 wasn't a great vintage so I'm going to put this down to vintage conditions.  A lovely Pinot Noir that is just out of its price range. 

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $180
Rated: 89
Drink: Now - 2018
Importer: Domaine Wine Shippers

Gilbert PicQ 2009

Chablis doesn't get as much attention as Burgundy which is a shame as I think I prefer them in general to their more prestigious neighbours.

Gilbert PicQ 2009

This little number starts out with some struck flint and lime concentrate but after a while moves into a smoky oyster shell flavour mixed with dried flowers.  It isn't has minerally as a lot of Chablis but that doesn't distract from the joy of the flavours. There is a spine of nice acidity and a very long length of flavour with a bit of richness from an orange rind component.  While I don't think this is for the long haul it does provide a lot of enjoyment at this stage.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $45
Rated: 92
Drink: Now and over the next 5 years
Importer: Heart and Soil

Thierry et Pascale Matrot Bourgogne Blanc 2009

When you think of the great wines of the world a lot of them come from France.  As an entry level wine many in Australia believe that the quality in these Burgundy wines is lacking.  This wine kicks that to the curb with gusto.

Thierry et Pascale Matrot Bourgogne Blanc 2009

I'm reminded of the kids movie "Shrek" staring Eddie Murphy and Mike Myers when Shrek is talking about Ogres being like onions as this wine has so many layers. This wine starts out gently with grapefruit and mixed nuts followed by a hint of cinnamon.  When you come back the palate has built weight and flavours of gun flint and sea-salt rolled in melon joining the fro. I'm left with a mouthwatering acidity flowing from my lips and a feeling of joy running over me.

Alcohol: 12.%
Price: $45
Rated: 90++
Drink: Now - 2017

Domaine Taupenot-Merme Chambolle Musigny 1er 'Combe d'Orveau' 2007

Its a big name for a big wine and luckily a return to form for the Burgundy babes.

Domaine Taupenot-Merme Chambolle Musigny 1er 'Combe d'Orveau' 2007

Brilliant nose of crushed rocks, cherry stones and all the spices you can imagine. I almost want to breakout in the John Lennon song 'imagine' but I hold myself back. Too many complaints when I start singing! As the wine opens up, you can feel the light tannins caress your tongue. Almost like a tongue massage, yet I have never had a tongue massage so I don't really know what I'm talking about.

Alcohol: ?
Price: $160
Rated: 92
Drink: 2013 - 2018
Importer: Decant Wine

Domaine Taupenot-Merme St Romain Rouge 2006

I get the feeling that these 06's from Taupenot-Merme are a bit rough and rugged.  Value for money, they aren't really doing much for me.


Domaine Taupenot-Merme St Romain Rouge 2006

There is cherry fruit action here which is nice but otherwise it is pretty much the same dirty number as its brother.  Maybe I'm having a bad run with Burgundy...maybe its a root day today.  I should say that this does have good length and nice structure but for the money I could buy a hell of a good Pinot from the Yarra.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $60
Rated: 87
Drink: Now
Importer: Decant Wines

Domaine Taupenot-Merme Bourgogne Rouge 2006

It is great to see some people holding their Burgundies back for a few years before releasing them.


Domaine Taupenot-Merme Bourgogne Rouge 2006

Unfortunately this tastes like manure mixed with rotting meat. Mmm poo and brett all in one.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $46
Rated: 81
Drink: Give it as a gift to someone you don't like

Importer: Decant Wines