We ended a sunny and warm Tuesday by exploring the delightful reds of Burgundy and the region’s exceedingly intricate features that set it so far apart from others. Our class was lead by renowned sommelier and current General Manager for Meteor Vineyards, Jason Alexander.
Our focus for the night was on the Pinot Noir wines of both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. An incredible facet of these two regions is that although they are both located on the limestone ridge of Côte d'Or, the variances in the styles and characteristics of their wines are extraordinary. Even with such a wide range of experience levels in Tuesday’s class, these variations were easily and widely acknowledged.
During the first half of our tastings we concentrated on some of the communes of Côte de Beaune, such as Volnay and Pommard. With rather diverse opinions on the nose and palate of the wines, it was still generally recognized that these Pinots are distinguished as more elegant and fruit forward with floral and vegetal attributes.
In the second half of our tastings we continued north and focused on the communes of Côte de Nuits, such as Gevrey Chambertin and Nuits Saint Georges. These wines seemed to have perplexed many people in the class, causing much intrigue and discussion. What many of us concluded was that these wines were much more powerful and rustic with stronger meatiness and minerality.
My favorite of the night?
Domaine Jean Chauvenet Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes 2000 – 1er Cru
This juxtapose vintage is fascinating and complex with strong secondary characteristics of black olives, wet leaves, and pronounced minerality. Despite these powerful features, this medium-body wine is still able to carry distinct fruit notes of strawberry jam and red cherry. I consider this wine a best of both worlds for Pinot Noir.
Thank you to Jason and Brian for a wonderful and educational class with an ingenious wine list!
Wine List:Domaine Jean & Giles Lafouge Auxey-Duresses “La Chappelle” 2005 – 1er Cru
Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay 2003
Paul Pernot Pommard “Noizons” 2005
Domaine Denis Mortet Gevrey Chambertin Vielles Vignes 2006
Domaine Jean Chauvenet Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes 2000 – 1er Cru
Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret Grands-Echezeaux 2002 – Grand Cru
Chateau de la Tour Clos-Vougeot 2004 – Grand Cru
Domaine Drouhin-Laroze Chambertin Clos de Beze 2002 – Grand Cru
