I’ve been trying new producers from Burgundy as old stalwarts are neither affordable nor available. Last week I did a mini-tasting of a few recent ones based on recommendations from the community and reviewers. Some notes:
Henri Magnien - strong recommendation from William Kelley, so I picked some up. These were excellent, ratings probably conservative. I will be looking for more of these in future vintages, hoping that the price doesn’t escalate too fast.
2020 Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes.
Hello youthful fruit, and more fruit on the nose, with mostly red fruit - cherry, raspberry, strawberry perfume of red fruit. Red fruit on the palate, but bone dry, tart finish, good balance and richness. This is a very fine fruit forward red burgundy, well made and with some tannins to indicate age-ability. But right now an absolutely charming red fruited well made wine. No over ripe or oak notes. (91)
2020 Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers. A very large step up from the village VV, more of mineral and earthy notes on the nose. Perhaps a little closed but plenty of red fruit as well. A deeper note on the palate though, longer, more intense. This is showing very well but has good bones. A breathtaking 1er. More balanced and richer nose on day two. Tasted on PnP, bury for a decade. (92)
I’ve seen Amiot-Servelle recommendations in a few places - both Burghound and Vinous (Neal Martin) if memory serves. I bought a few '15s but for some reason never opened them. Have to fix that. But:
2019 Domaine Amiot-Servelle Chambolle-Musigny Les Bas-Doix. A little wood on a ripe cherry nose, fruit starting to hide, perhaps a bit closed? Fine minerality on the palate with good length but quite a bit of tannins. A very fine Chambolle but perhaps already starting to shut down. I like it. (90)
Marchand-Tawse - yes, they’ve been around a while, but my first time trying one that I recall. For some reason I bought more than a few of 2019/2020.
2019 Marchand & Tawse / Pascal Marchand Gevrey-Chambertin. A potent Gevrey, of course young. Cherry and a bit of cola on the nose, showing ripeness, but not too ripe. The palate is convincing - more cherry, Gevrey earthy loam on the palate with good energy on the finish. Also somewhat tannic, this needs a few years. Very good village wine. (90)
I couldn’t find the bottles of h Magnien 17 cazetiers or Gevrey VV I have so I’m gonna open a bottle of 17 LSJ later tonight. Will report back.