Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pressure to buy. Knowledgeable owner Julien is happy to answer your every question. He
has wines from 200 quality Burgundian vintners, from Chablis to Pouilly-Fuissé, but his
forté is Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault whites, which is why I taste here. His reds are
young and less ready to drink (€15 for 6 wines, free if you buy 6 bottles, can ship to the
US; March-Oct daily 9:30-19:00, sometimes open later; Nov-Feb Tue-Sat 10:00-12:00 &
15:00-18:00, closed Mon; tel. 03 80 21 96 78).
If you're looking for an upscale wine château experience, visit
Château de
Chassagne-Montrachet.
In this elegant mansion, an informative tour takes you through
gorgeous cellars—some dating to the 11th century. You'll taste five of Michel Picard's
impressive wines from throughout Burgundy (€12 includes tour, €8 without tour, allow
at least an hour with tour, daily 10:00-18:00, best to call ahead, tel. 03 80 21 98 57,
Burgundian Wine Quality, 2005-2012
2005
The makings of a great vintage: The harvest was healthy and balanced, with great natural sug-
ar. A local magazine called 2005 “the vintage of dreams.” The reds are superb—rich, plain,
concentrated, full-bodied, and intense. They will age magnificently. The whites may be a little
less impressive, but they are still good.
2006
Challenged even the most experienced winemakers with capricious weather that didn't allow
an idle moment in the vineyards or the cellar. The whites are of high quality with good con-
sistency from Chablis to Mâcon. Supple and fresh, they are fruity with considerable richness.
The reds are excellent across the board, with beautiful, intense color. Some are delicate and el-
egant; others are robust and full-bodied. Their aromas vary from red fruits to cherry, spices,
and cocoa.
2007
A hot spring, combined with the worst Burgundian summer in 30 years, meant a light vintage
for the reds—so drink them sooner rather than later. The whites are subpar as well, so you
may want to skip this vintage.
2008
Another tricky year for grapes. Those who waited longest to harvest came out with the best
wines, as September was a warm, dry month. The wines of Chablis are excellent, but other
wines are less consistent.
2009
This was a banner year for Burgundies. The harvest provided beautiful grapes, so the expecta-
tions were sky-high after two tough years. And though the wines may not be as full-bodied as
the great 2005 vintage, they are more supple and ready to drink sooner (but won't keep as
long).
2010
With considerable rain in late spring, the quantity harvested was about half the usual
amount—but with good concentration. Because of the low quantity, these will disappear from
the shelves quickly and prices may rise. More uncertain is the quality—the harvest was quite
late, so it's hard to know how well this vintage will turn out.