So, I’m pretty much a CdP guy, but I’d like to branch out into Burgundy. Problem is, I haven’t really been that excited about the bottles I’ve been offered in the past. Had an '02 Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru split recently and was mildly encouraged, but I’m otherwise without a map when I stroll through the Burg aisle in my local wine shop.
My price range is somewhat open–but I don’t want to mess up the experience by jumping too fast to the big leagues. Sub- $100 is probably where I’d like to start. I’m looking for wine I can drink now to help me understand and appreciate the more complex (I assume…) qualities of the region as I move through the ranks. I’m really not interested in cellaring at this point.
Given the above, anyone care to recommend three or four producers I might try to start off the year?
I’m west coast, and I do have a great wine shop nearby–K&L in San Francisco. They always have great advice and, yes, I will probably just go to them.
I guess I might refine my original question as follows:
*What is your favorite Burg available–and highly drinkable–today for $100 or less?
*If there is nothing you would recommend that fits within the $100 price criteria, what would you recommend–at any price–that would help a relative newbie to Burgundy “get” what the varietal is all about?
60 bucks a bottle for 2003 Chevillon Cailles (warm year, probably just right for a CdP guy ), I wanted to bid but they won’t ship to my state (or to most states for that matter).
Thanks Stan. I appreciate the post-auction pointer to the '03 Robert Chevillon. I bid/buy frequently on K&L’s auctions, and…who knows? Another three bottle set just might pop up!
I’ll also be back in their shop on Saturday to pick up some prior purchases (CdP, Oregon Pinot, and Barsac) sitting at Will Call, and will happily take any other recommendations you might have with me.
BTW, good catch on the “warm year” data point…I do seem to like wines with a bit more sunshine in their history. That said, I know the Burgundy experience isn’t about hot days and lavender. I’m definitely ok trying out a wine with a chill in its bones.
Robert, Alan was referring to the title of your thread, suggesting that it will take ten years, not just 2015, to get to know Burgundies. And, as you may see, he is correct. Have fun!
Good advice I was given several years back when starting the same journey is find a burgundy specialist at your local shop and let him or her guide you.
Beyond the obvious benefit of learning from an expert, the second order benefit is that much of the ‘good’ burgundy is highly allocated often by that same person based on purchase history and relationship.
I’m down on the peninsula in Menlo park and have a name or two in this area - can share if interested. Don’t know who at sf city shops…
Thanks all. Got some great tips via PM as well. Alan, now that Martin set me straight on your comment, I’ve made a mental note to set aside at least a decade to see my current resolution through
Robert, I recommend taking a trip over to North Berkeley Wine Imports. Just thinking about what might align more with what you are used to, CdP, I think their portfolio will hit your palate with a more familiar tone, and in your price range that will drink well now. Specifically, I’d look at F Magnien, Ecard, Arlaud, Sarrazin, Anne Gros, and others. I think you will find bottles that will have some degree of supple, rich, approachable, maybe even a little plumpness, leaning to a bit more modern wines. and I’m not using these descriptors as negative in any way whatsoever. These are top notch producers in my opinion. I also don’t mean to paint these producers, CdP, or your palate with a broad brushstroke, but rather to just give you a general idea of what I think they tend to lean toward in their portfolio. I’m not as familiar with Magnien as the others, admittedly. In any case, just my recommendation.
Robert lots of good advice here. Especially from Dr. Weinberg. I’d recommend you start with some good accessible negociant houses. Faiveley or Bouchard. Te wines are delicious now and you can concentrate on learning the villages before you jump into the abyss of searching for small domaines.
Agreed Nick and Ted. Still at some point he needs an epiphany wine. Not sure what that is these days for a hundred bucks. When I was at the same point in the late 80s, it was '80 DRC Richebourg for 99 bucks and '85 RSV for not much more. Don’t know what that might be now.
I just realized, Martin is in CA also and sells / loves Burgundy as a hobby. Maybe you should try to hook up with him?
At K&L these are “new arrivals” and look interesting, wonder what other folks think.
Other San Francisco-area stores that should have a good red Burgundy selection are Premier Cru (in stock, only, of course) and Wine Club.
Generally, you might look for wines from 2007, as they’re open and accessible, and wines from 2002 and 2001, as they’ll give a glimpse of Burgundy with some of the desired complexity that comes with age. If you’re looking for wines with ripe fruit, you’ll find many from 2009, but they won’t have developed any aged-complexity, yet.
my point was perhaps made too briefly–be prepared to spend years learning Burgundy–not just popping a dozen $100 bottles and understanding. Read, taste, repeat. Start a tasting group, go to wine store tastings, read, taste. There are several advisory threads on the subject.
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), I wanted to bid but they won’t ship to my state (or to most states for that matter).![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}