A vigneron in Burgundy once told us that making delicious Grand Cru was easy — as she put it, “we just get out of the way.” So perfect are the materials that come from these hallowed, ancient plots that a winemaker’s job is mostly to avoid screwing them up.
Conversely, we often say the mark of a good winemaker is the quality of his simplest wine. Regional level cuvées usually don’t exhibit the subtle nuances of terroir for which Burgundy is famous, but they’re a chance for a winemaker to show off cellar skills.
Today we’re excited to offer two terrific Bourgognes — one blanc, one rouge. Both will be featured in next Sunday’s March Futures release, along with fancier cuvées from both domaines. But we think both Bourgognes provide exceptional value, and we’re opening up the bidding early on them.
RAVAUT BOURGOGNE BLANC 2019
Vincent Ravaut’s Bourgogne blanc has become a favorite among readers in recent years. March Futures will include his excellent village-level Ladoix blanc and magnificent Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru. But his humble Bourgogne blanc punches way above its weight, particularly this year.
Ravaut is a master of careful oaking, and this Bourgogne is perfectly supported. The nose shows white flowers, silk, ripe lemon and just a whisper of toast. The mouth is rich and vibrant, with excellent sucrocité and lovely freshness. This is far more concentrated than most Bourgogne-level whites, a result of careful winemaking in an excellent vintage.
Weeknight white Burgundies don’t get much better than this — with a Futures price under $25/bot, this is among the best values in our lineup.
Ravaut Bourgogne blanc 2019: $295/case
Email Tom to reserve this wine
Available by the case and half case; expected arrival May 2021
PRUNIER BOURGOGNE ROUGE 2018
Michel Prunier and his daughter Estelle make delicious, traditional Burgundies in Auxey Duresses. We’re featuring a handful of 2018 reds and whites in March Futures his year. In some vintages Prunier’s reds occupy the lightweight end of the spectrum, requiring some time and a careful food pairing. But in 2018 all they need is a corkscrew and a glass.
The Bourgogne rouge 2018 is juicy, punchy, and delicious. From a warm, very ripe year, the Pruniers have crafted a wine bursting with fruit and spunk — the nose shows beautiful ripe cherries, with notes of licorice and roses. The mouth is fine and chalky, with a croquant (crackling) mouthfeel and elegantly filled in tannins. This isn’t long or subtle or ageworthy — it’s weeknight red Burgundy full of character and pluck.
All of Prunier’s 2018 reds are terrific — we had a hard time narrowing down the choices. But the 2018 Bourgogne rouge is just what Bourgogne should be — juicy, uncomplicated, well-defined, and a steal at under $25/bot.
Prunier Bourgogne rouge 2018: $295/case
Email Tom to reserve this wine
Available by the case and half case; expected arrival May 2021