rathdowne cru blog

First Visit in Burgundy

Greetings,

We had our first visit in Burgundy today. It was with Ghislaine Barthod in Chambolle Musigny.

She is tiny making wine only from Chambolle (plus Bourgogne from just over the road). But the wines are sensational. She showed us from 2006 her Bourgogne, Chambolle Musigny, Chambolle Aux Beaux Bruns 1er, Chambolle Les Cras 1er. All of which were either just bottled or just about to be and not at top form. However they managed to look great. The difference between Beaux Bruns and Les Cras is astonishing given they are relatively close together. Then we were shown a 2001 Aux Beaux Bruns which looked great. Starting to show some development but will go for a long time yet. If you have any I’d be very happy to take them off your hands.
The 2006s aren’t due for another year but we are about to see the 2005s land and they should be stunning. If you are interested in getting some it will be allocated on previous purchases but the good news is we still have 2004 (which I have tried and loved) and 2003 (which Ghislaine says are looking really top quality now) available if you can’t wait.

We also drove along the Routes des Grand Cru and saw all the big names. Chambertin, Bonnes-Mares, La Tache, Musigny, Romanee Conti the list goes on.

Its great to see the lie of the land and the way each of the vineyards are similar but at the same time different. Unfortunately there are also the things you can’t see that makes all the difference. Soil depth, subsoil etc. The other amazing thing, as with Mosel is the non stop wall of vineyards from Fixin all the way down to Santenay.

My travelling tip for the day is that in France ‘Sandwich a emporter’ seems to mean takeaway. So ordering a takeaway sandwich and sitting at the venue will likely get you funny looks from the watier.

Cheers,
Phil