News & Features
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Tasting Highlights
New reviews of red Burgundies from Chassagne-Montrachet, where relative value abounds with the 2009 vintage
Posted: April 13, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
News & Features
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What We're Drinking Now
Passopisciaro Sicilia 2008
Posted: April 5, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
March 31, 2012 Issue
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Savvy Shopper
Posted: March 31, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
Blogs
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Bruce Sanderson Decanted
Behind-the-scenes deals are changing the Burgundy landscape
Posted: March 1, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
Late last year, I wrote a blog about the rumored sale of Maison Vincent Girardin. At that time, I was unable to get a confirmation from Girardin or a spokesperson for the company. However, last week I heard that the deal was almost completed.
Marco Caschera, the Girardin export manager, confirmed that La Compagnie des Vins d'Autrefois and its managing director Jean-Pierre Nié became the majority shareholder and recently took over management of the Girardin business. The technical and sales team remains in place, with winemaker Eric Germain still at the helm. An assistant enologist, Christophe Marin, was hired to assist Germain. Girardin himself will continue in a consulting role.
Jan. 31, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012 Issue
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Savvy Shopper
Posted: February 29, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
Blogs
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Bruce Sanderson Decanted
Tasting the 2009 lineup from Burgundy's most sought-after label
Posted: February 22, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
When you have exalted parcels, conscientious viticulture, attention to detail in the cellar and tradition on your side, in most vintages, you will make excellent wines. But when you align all of the above with a superb growing season, such as 2009, the result can be magnificent. Such is the case with the 2009 Burgundies from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
"Seductive," "tender" and "pure," were words co-director Aubert de Villaine used more than once during the 90-minute presentation of the DRC wines in New York this week, the 33rd such event staged in conjunction with long-term importer Wilson Daniels.
News & Features
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What We're Drinking Now
Nigl Riesling Qualitätswein Trocken Kremstal Senftenberger Piri Privat 1999
Posted: February 21, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
Blogs
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Bruce Sanderson Decanted
Recent acquisitions provide depth and diversity to the Champy range
Posted: February 17, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
Since my last visit with Pierre Meurgey, director of Maison Champy, and enologist Dimitri Bazas, in June 2007, the firm has expanded its domaine holdings. First, it acquired Domaine Laleure-Piot in 2010, then last year secured three premier cru parcels in Volnay and Pommard from Louis Boillot that will be called Domaine Clos de la Chapelle.
With more than half the wines now under Domaine Champy or Domaine Clos de la Chapelle labels, Meurgey and Bazas showed me all the 2010s from these two properties. Here are my highlights.
News & Features
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Tasting Highlights
New reviews of Barberas from Italy's Alba and Asti regions, with some outstanding values
Posted: February 10, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
Blogs
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Bruce Sanderson Decanted
Natural selection was the key to Pinot Noir quality in Burgundy's 2010 vintage
Posted: February 8, 2012 By Bruce Sanderson
I'm back in Burgundy to taste the 2010 whites and reds. Some have been recently bottled, others are assembled in tank, or still in barrel, waiting to be blended for the bottling. Today I tasted the 2010 lineup from Louis Jadot with winemakers Jacques Lardière and Frédéric Barnier. Here are my notes and ratings on the 2010 Pinot Noirs.
