A contrary take on a simple red Burgundy

[Ian_Fitzsimmons]

Really, you must have a wine-buddy who will open a good bottle of Burgundy with a reasonable pile of years on it. If not, I’d give you access to my cellar, such as it is, though we are out in the sticks here a bit.

[Mark_B]

@Scott E. Wade

Sometimes I think about that I think I should have my head examined - I can buy three bottles of US pinot for that that I’ll probably score higher. I love it though and it’s unique.

On the other hand, at the higher levels from the better spots, I just haven’t found the equal anywhere else. Some of the higher level wines take me to a level of enjoyment other pinot noirs can’t. So the premium is worth it.

+1, well said.

[Mark_B]

Kevin, thanks for starting this thought-provoking thread. I’m relatively new to Burgundy, but find myself getting sucked deeper and deeper by the day. I seriously don’t doubt you hit a lackluster wine that totally under-delivered for the price. I know red Burgundy can have “dumb phases”, although I think they are greatly over exaggerated by most people. When we look at where prices have gone over the past decade, it’s rather disheartening to say the least. That said, I’ve found that I’m much happier buying smaller numbers of upper tier bottles than I am with more low-end offerings. As an example, I thoroughly enjoyed a recent bottle of 2010 Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne. It’s certainly not cheap at $90-$100 a bottle, but I had zero regrets on splurging on a bottle after I had my first taste. In bottles that I’ve personally purchased, the really memorable reds were '93 Millot Echézeaux and '97 Drouhin Clos St. Denis. I can’t say I’d purchase these at current release prices, but if you can ever find GC Côte-d’Or for under $100, I would highly recommend snagging a test bottle.

[Kevin_M_L]

@Ian Fitzsimmons

Really, you must have a wine-buddy who will open a good bottle of Burgundy with a reasonable pile of years on it. If not, I’d give you access to my cellar, such as it is, though we are out in the sticks here a bit.

Sadly, I don’t know anyone who cellars Burgundy (or much else other than California wines I don’t drink). But I’d be happy to open some good Italian wines in exchange!

[Ian_Fitzsimmons]

@Mark B

[…] I’m relatively new to Burgundy, but find myself getting sucked deeper and deeper by the day.

Abandon hope!

Not really, but it’d be worth your while to retain a certified financial adviser to monitor your spending.

[Ian_Fitzsimmons]

@Kevin M L

Sadly, I don’t know anyone who cellars Burgundy (or much else other than California wines I don’t drink). But I’d be happy to open some good Italian wines in exchange!

Deal.

[Ed_Murray]

@D. Zylberberg

Apples to oranges though - cab is cheaper to grow than pinot. The real question is whether burgundy is any more expensive than the other options when you want to have a pinot. And my experience is that if you’re going to spend $40 on a bottle of Pinot these days, you’re generally getting the most bang for the buck in Burgundy.

For me, as a gross generalization, I get better value in Oregon Pinot up to about $70, at that point the scales tip in favor of Burgundy.

[Gary_York]

Kevin - The Italian for French deal might be OK as long as it is 3:1 in favor of the Italian. Beware of those bearing Burgundy as gifts.

[Peter_Chiu]

@Howard Cooper

@Peter Chiu

Let go back to basic.

Burgundy is not meant to be crafted to please everyone.

Substance is not style and style is not substance.

If one likes Burugndy wine then it is fine. Then one needs to look for the style ( of the Burgundy wine ) which he prefers - hence…producers. producers and producers.

If one does not like it then it is called : favour water .

Please do not over do it ( or to like it )…

Going off what Peter says, I love red Burgundy, even well-made less expensive red Burgundy. This is not something new, people have loved red Burgundy for over 1000 years.

If you don’t, there is a simple solution. DON’T BUY IT. Please do not think I care whether or not you like it. I am really not about to defend my love of Burgundy to you people.

merci…Howard