Jean-Louis and Chantal Amiot are a charming couple. Together with Jean-Louis’s brother Didier, they make wine in the tiny town of Morey-St-Denis, in the heart of Burgundy. They’re kind, warm, and welcoming; and they happen to be exceptional winemakers.
Last year they graciously took us to lunch after our cellar tasting, and this year they let us repay the favor. After sampling their delicious 2017s (browse our stock), Chantal suggested we bring a bottle to lunch. We asked them what they thought was drinking well today — they chose the 2013 Morey-St-Denis 1er cru “Millandes.”
At first it seemed like a slightly odd choice — a tricky vintage, a cuvée that requires cellaring. But of course we followed their lead, and quickly saw their logic.
The Amiot’s 2013 “Millandes” is in a beautiful place. The acidity, which was relatively high after bottling, has mellowed and matured — it now serves as beautiful foil for the gently softened fruits. The cherries and currants present in its early life have melted gracefully into plum jam, and now share the stage with a gorgeous array of secondary aromas — earth. cocoa, black pepper, mushrooms, and woods.
Burghound awarded 91 points, calling it “oustanding,” “suave and very round,” and finding “excellent richness.” Millandes is a premier cru vineyard just a few feet from the famous Grand Cru Clos de la Roche. And the exceptional terroir from which this wine springs has carried it magnificently, even in an “off” year. In April with the Amiots it matched beautifully with magret de canard, and if you like duck we strongly recommend the pairing.
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Amiot Morey-St-Denis 1er “Millandes” 2013
bottle price: $75
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