Hard to argue with red Burgundy, especially something imported by Berkeley's finest, Kermit Lynch. Kermit owns a wine shop and importing business that focuses on natural wines, wines that come from grapes that are raised in a simple, rustic manner, and minimally processed to become wine. He works with smaller, family producers and his wines focus on terroir. I highly recommend his book Adventures on the Wine Route. This contrasts sharply with the vast majority of wines which are produced in industrial facilities, from grapes that are produced in larger factories. There is plenty of manipulation, largely from chemicals and machinery that really obfuscates the terroir of the wine.
This wine is a red Burgundy made of 100% Pinot Noir. It is a "village" level, which is not from a named parcel of land. The producer is Domaine Robert Chevillon. The winemakers or vignerons are Denis & Bertrand Chevillon and they are based in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, France. The wine is not mindblowing in any sense of the word, but it is excellent. Compared to a generic Pinot Noir from California that you may have tried before, this has an intensity and depth to the flavors and smells that just can't compare. 2013 vintage was nothing spectacular, although arguably better than 2011 and 2012. The wine is lighter in color, which is typical of red Burgundy and its opacity is low. About 30 minutes after opening, the aromas have improved substantially. The smell is dominated by spices and red fruits, more fruit than spice. The smell is more mercurial and interesting than a run of the mill wine, continued swirling brings out more and more perfume. The taste is more of the same, more spice than fruit to my novice palette. The finish is medium length and extremely enjoyable.
This is a great wine, retail price should be $30-$37 depending on which store you go to!
No comments:
Post a Comment