I’m till waiting on my 11 offer ?
Just bought the Bettane and Desseauve guide at their tasting in London. I thought it would be interesting to share the ranking of vintages of red Burg by Bettane:
- 18/20: 1990, 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2010 (yes 2003…)
- 17/20: 2002, 2009
- 16/20: 1996, 2011, 2012
- 15/20: 1997, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2008 and 2013
- 14/20: 2004, 2007
So 2013 is probably an average vintage nearly as good as 2012 which is also an average vintage…
Of course, some producers may have outperformed
Here’s mine.
- 20/20: 2005
- 19/20: 1999, 2010
- 18/20: 1990, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2012, 2014
- 17/20: 1991, 1993, 1996
- 16/20: 1995, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2008
- 15/20: 1997, 2000, 2007, 2011, 2013
- 14/20: 1992, 1994, 2004
I’m putting 2013 in with 2007 and 2011, but I readily admit I’ve tasted none.
And I’m adding a placeholder for 2014
I am not surprised that Michel rates 2003 and 2009 very high. I tasted with him several times and while he is a superb taster he is not fixated on a certain style. I had several discussions with Burg lovers about the supposed “jammy” wines of 2003 and 2009. Some 2003 Burgs such as Clos de Tart are amongst the best red Burgundies I have tasted over the last 30 years. And many 2009 are way fresher theses days as they were in their baby phase. Many Burg lovers seem to have a dislike of red Burgundies with sweet tannins. Not Michel Bettane and not me either.
Jurgen. Funny thing about 2003. I think ‘burg guys’ are predisposed to dislike it. I’m amazed at how many 2003 tasting nots I read that have some variation of “Excellent wine, none of the prunyness or hollow middle that I had been expecting”.
I am holding high hopes for a couple of Lamarche La Grande Rue 2003 and 4 Grivot Clos Vougeot 2003.
I also agree with Jurgen about 2009. Personally, I like a little less solar vintages but am quite happy with 09s. Great wines across the board.
For 2003. My highlights. I’m long the following and hoping for magic in say 2033…
Leroy - Musigny, Chambertin, Richebourg, RSV, CDLR, Latricieres-Chamb
DRC - Usual suspects
Meo - Richebourg
Roumier - Amoureuses, Bonnes Mares
Rousseau - Chambertin, Beze, CSJ
Rouget - Parantoux, Echezeaux
Anne Gros - Richebourg
de Vogue - Musigny, Bonnes Mares, Amoureuses
Fourrier - Griotte, CSJ
Mugnier - Musigny, Amoureuses, Bonnes Mares
Dujac - CDLR, CSD
Yes, Antoine. What I think is an advantage of vintages like 09: Even many simple Bourgogne are very good and worth buying. I have lots of them in the cellar and almost every bottle is a joyful drink. That is not true for lesser vintages.
Peter,
that is the who is who of Burgundy. I hope you consider yourself a happy guy having been able to drink and/or own these wines.
Try to get a glass or bottle(s) of Clos de Tart too. You will not be disappointed. I guess it is the best ever from this Domaine.
You guys make me laugh. You taste at 3 places and make sweeping remarks on the entire vintage. I like Peter’s comments even more. He hasn’t tasted a single bottle but he is ranking the vintage. Too funny!
Paul. The weather dictates the vintage average, but individual winemakers do what they do (for better or worse vs the average). Facts of life, no getting around that.
Jürgen, are talking the 2003? I had it alongside the 2003 Lambrays which for me was far better. Will need to look at them again I guess.
2013 is the first time since 1993 I have not bought anything, more a case of having too much wine already than anything else.
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more a case of having too much wine already than anything else.[/quote]
…that may be the biggest understatement I have seen on this board ![[snort.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/b/bdc3944606213c4dca6c1169cf0a166c8bc4f8c9.gif "snort.gif"){kind=small}
I would say that Burgundy is a wine of triage in these modern times - though more-so for reds than whites.
It really doesn’t matter how much rain, or hail or snow or botrytis a particular vintage throws at the grapes, because if only the ripe and clean end up in the fermentations, it is only a question of how much volume there will be, not what the quality will be. The number of domains that work in this way gets bigger every year. Of-course there will remain certain (vintage) personality traits - red fruit or black fruit, more tannin and dry extract or less and yes, more sun or less reflected in the fruit - but these are not all essential traits of quality - 2002 for instance was not a very sunny year. Of-course, there’s no accounting for bugs 
Versus 2012, the reds show more red fruit and more acid as basic traits, some producers showing more or less acid. The whites really don’t see the same level of sorting that you get with reds because they seem much more tolerant, but equally in 2013 have a good base of acid - more than 12. On average they are less concentrated on entry, with similar intensity but less dry extract in the mid-palate and finish versus 12.
Of-course that’s only based on about 30 domaines so far. But I’m 52 - does that help?
This is a super-helpful thread. And it paints a much more attractive picture of '13 than I expected based on the weather reports, etc.
Useless notes. Three years too young to understand Burgundy.
I think the reds show concentration and freshness and suspect it is a very good year. My early take on the whites is that this is an outstanding vintage. Great detail and freshness.
Just to clarify Jeremy. Are your categories the following:
- Extraordinary
- Outstanding
- Very fine
- Fine
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- C…p
This would indicate 2013 whites are really special. And the 2013 reds a decent vintage where excellent wines can be found. I only tasted a few reds and liked them.
Given prices trends, my age and my focus on reds, other people will be relieved to learn that I will reduce my purchases. More allocations for you guys.
Mike,
I did not have 2003 Clos des Lambrays and Clos de Tart side by side. The 2003 Clos de Tart I tasted was very impressive. Complex in the nose and taste, very fine structure, superb tannins and fine acid, everything in wonderful balance and a superior finish. I loved it. I am sure 2003 Clos des Lambrays ist wonderful as well. As so many other 2003 Grands Crus.
Yesterday I tasted the 2013 at Roumier. The wines are showing very nice perfumes, fruit and structure. As usual Amoureuses and Bonnes Mares are impressive, but my favorite is Ruchottes-Chambertin this year. This wine is simply stunning in 2013. It won’t be for the non patient though. I also tasted Bonnes-Mares 2012 from bottle. A monumental wine.