Michel and Estelle Prunier are a father-daughter winemaking team whose wines are humble and classic. Master of Wine Clive Coates calls the Pruniers “certainly the best grower” in the town, and their wines perfectly fit the charming, small-town Burgundian feel of the region.
Their reds inhabit old school style, with lots of whole clusters and limited extraction. In some vintages they tend to be a bit lightweight for the US palate; but in years like 2018 with record breaking heat and super ripe grapes, we think they’re far more popular.
If you lament the arrival of juicy, New-World style Pinot Noir in Burgundy, today’s wine should make you feel back home.
Prunier’s 2018 Auxey-Duresses rouge is delicious, and far easier to enjoy young than is often the case. With 50% whole clusters and 10% new oak, the wine shows gorgeous raspberry fruit layered over crystalline structure. Look for notes of roses, red cherry pie, and stones.
Jasper Morris MW found it “dancing raspberry notes,” with “bright cherry” and “good length.” In a world of Burgundies soaring past 14% alcohol and lacking acidity and definition, Prunier’s traditional reds are precise, refreshing, and lovely.
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Prunier Auxey-Duresses rouge 2018
bottle price: $49
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES