Clos des Fourches was the original name of the Clos de la Maréchale; from young vines. A completely different nose with fresh dark berry fruit aromas with undertones of earth and herbs that complement the round, intense and pure flavors that display almost no rusticity and a finely grained minerality, culminating in a nicely powerful and persistent finish. As Nuits villages examples go, this is really quite an elegant wine. Jan 01, 2006 Score: 86-89 Drink: 2010+ Issue 21; Allen Meadows; Burghound

Frédéric Mugnier, who now has his new cuvérie up and running, told me that he was "extremely happy with the efficiency of it and his new team. We're doing much improved vineyard work because before taking back the Clos de la Maréchale, I had 1 vineyard worker for 4 ha and now I have 9 for 14 ha, 6 of which are permanent. Thus, when something has to be done immediately, I have people available to address the problem whereas before, there were sometimes scheduling issue delays. For example, because 2004 was such a challenge, particularly treating regularly and controlling yields, I'm not sure exactly how I would have managed without the team that I have in place now. We have stopped using herbicides in the Clos, which is consistent with how we treat our other vineyards but it also requires more work, which is again another reason why I am happy to have a quality, and permanent, team in place. We also changed the system of pruning in the Clos, another project which was exceptionally labor intensive. As to 2004, we began picking on September 23rd and there weren't really any serious sorting problems save for some from the hail, particularly in Bonnes Mares. We also didn't really have much trouble with oidium except again in Bonnes Mares. Overall, it's amazing giving the growing season but 2004 produced the highest sugars that I have ever seen, and that includes 1990, 1997, 2000 and 2003. Indeed, we obtained over 14% in one section of the Clos. In terms of vinification, I changed almost nothing and as an aside, I find myself changing it less and less no matter the vintage. The vintage is the vintage and as we have discussed before, it has an important role in determining the character of the wines. I don't want to diminish that character just so that I am happier. For example, even though 2003 is a style of vintage that I don't like very much, I would rather have it express itself and retain its individuality than try and standardize everything to a vision of what I like. Overall, 2004 is a lovely vintage that I like very much. It's floral and very fresh with round and complete flavors that will permit the wines to be drunk young but they will last for at least 20 years, perhaps longer because there are solid tannins beneath the fruit. In fact, I find the '04s to be more tannic than '02s." Fans of the domaine have been waiting breathlessly for word on the quality of the "new" Clos de la Maréchale and my initial impression is that the sophistication and elegance that Mugnier brings to all of his wines has worked brilliantly here. I am extremely impressed by the quality he has obtained for a first vintage, especially when you consider that Mugnier does not know the terroir well yet and it will be sometime before he fully understands its nuances and particularities, what sections give the best fruit and the kinds of wine that result from each sector. But I have every confidence that he will learn the inherent subtleties and be making even finer wine from the Clos going forward Note that there is also a Nuits villages made from young vines Clos de la Maréchale.

Note: from all 3 communes, with the majority of the blend coming from Aloxe). A subtle touch of wood frames green apple, white fruit and spicy floral aromas that lead to very rich and well-muscled flavors that don't seem to have the energy of the best in the range and come across, succinctly put, as flat and a bit heavy. On the plus side, there is solid depth and ample concentration but it's frankly an odd showing given the general excellence of the range. We'll see how this evolves but I'm honestly not sure what to make of this and my score offers at least some benefit of the doubt because it's possible it's unduly fatigued from preparations (racking and SO2 addition) Score: 88-92? Allen Meadows; Burghound

The complete climate of Corton-Charlemage is situated north of the town of Beaune and has a complete different geologie in comparison to the Grand Crus of the Montrachet. The Grand Cru Corton Charlemagne is produced within the villages of Aloxe Corton, Pernand Vergelesses and Ladoix Serrigny. This great terroir got its name from the famous emperror Charlemagne who ordered the plantation of vines in a big part of his domaine which was offered in 775 to the Abby of Saulieu. The wine from this terroir has an impressive complexity, exclusively due to different soils within the three villages. The wines devellop mineral and homney tones and need at least 5 years in bottle before they express their fully potential. Production Area: 57 ha

Producer note: Winemaker and Régisseur Franck Grux describes 2005 as one he "really likes. It produced rich and full wines that sometimes have a bit too much maturity but overall, it's the best vintage in both colors since 1990. What impresses me about the wines is that there is a soul to them even if they're not all perfect. There were a few sectors that produced a bit too much crop but overall, yields were reasonable the wines are very balanced. As rich and concentrated as they are I expect them to be more open and accessible young but they're actually pretty reserved at this point and patience will be required before they'll be at their best."I have to agree with Grux because as good as I found the Olivier Leflaive '04s, as a group, the '05s are even better and given the prices at which they sell, readers should take a close look for both value and quality. This is especially true with a number of the lower level 1ers and villages wines as there are some wonderful examples that box well above their respective weights. Burghound

Tasting note: A more elegant nose is framed by slightly more obvious wood and reveals ripe peach, pear and apricot notes though citrus is the predominant nuance of the rich, powerful and unusually broad-scaled flavors that are quite powerful and drench the palate with sap. This is already quite accessible and while it's certainly a balanced drink now, I wouldn't age it as this risks becoming heavy with more than a few years in the cellar. Still, for the short term, it's lovely. Tasted: Jul 01, 2007 Score: 89 Drink: 2008+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Finesse and not lacking power or concentration. This vinyard expresses itself thanks to the geographic situation No deep soils here but stones on the upper slopes of Meursault right above the vinyard of Meursault 1er Crus "Genevrières" and "Poruzots". The exposure is South, South Westone of the best AOC Meursault vinyards. The wines have a long ageing potential.

Producer note: Winemaker and Régisseur Franck Grux describes 2005 as one he "really likes. It produced rich and full wines that sometimes have a bit too much maturity but overall, it's the best vintage in both colors since 1990. What impresses me about the wines is that there is a soul to them even if they're not all perfect. There were a few sectors that produced a bit too much crop but overall, yields were reasonable the wines are very balanced. As rich and concentrated as they are I expect them to be more open and accessible young but they're actually pretty reserved at this point and patience will be required before they'll be at their best."I have to agree with Grux because as good as I found the Olivier Leflaive '04s, as a group, the '05s are even better and given the prices at which they sell, readers should take a close look for both value and quality. This is especially true with a number of the lower level 1ers and villages wines as there are some wonderful examples that box well above their respective weights. Burghound

A Cotes du Nuits Village imported by Fourth Wave Wine Partners. Lipstick, macerated cherry and earthy spicy flavours coming up with air. It’s juicy and red fruited with a slightly pinched dried herb bitterness on the finish, although otherwise delivers a nice line in line. There’s light attractive kitten’s tongue tannins and clean acidity. It’s not rocket surgery but does offer a good drink of Burgundy, in a modern fruit driven style, at a fair price. Rated : 90 Points; Tasted : Nov09; Alcohol : 13%; Price : $40; Closure : Screwcap; Drink : 2009 - 2013; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Classic pale pink colour. Vibrant red fruit and white flowers precede a mineral intensity that contributes to the freshness that these wines are renowned for. Beautifully edged with fine acidity there is a level of concentration on the palate that complements the delicacy of the wine rather than over runs it. Terrific balance of fruit and finesse. Classic. Very limited.

The rosés, made from pinot noir, are among the very best in the world. Allen Meadows; Burghound.com

Light, bright pink. Strawberry and nectarine on the nose, along with spice and floral nuances and a touch of anise. Juicy and nicely concentrated, offering pliant red berry flavors and slow-mounting spiciness. Finishes with good length and a kick of candied rose. Steve Tanzer June 2011

Ponsot is the largest land owner in the Clos de la Roche with perfectly situated sites and some of the oldest vines (average age approximately 60 years). Clos de la Roche was expanded in the 50’s to include a range of surrounding, formerly 1er cru only, sites (Fremieres, Genavrieres, Mochamps, Monts Luisants, etc) but it is interesting to note that of Ponsot’s 3.4 hectares, 3 were part of the original 4 hectare grand cru site! That is to say, Ponsot’s holdings represent some ¾ of the original vineyard which is today considered the finest part of the Clos de la Roche. No wonder the wine is so exceptional!

With ‘the best’ plots in both Clos de la Roche and Clos St.Denis, Laurent is well placed to judge which vineyard produces the finest wine, and he chooses Clos de la Roche. Bill Nanson, www.burgundy-report.com

In contrast to the reduced nose of the Clos St. Denis, here the aromas are fresh, even bright with seductive and enveloping spicy and earthy black pinot fruit that complements to perfection the textured, serious and hugely deep full-bodied flavors that completely drench the palate with extract like the Clos St. Denis, the tannins are rendered almost invisible and conferring a very suave character to the balanced and equally long finish. But here there is even more depth and power and while this won't make anyone forget the 2005, it's a worthy successor. Drink 2018+ 93-96 Points, Don’t miss! Allen Meadows, Burghound, Issue 29 Jan 08

Good full ruby-red. Incredible nose melds wild cherry, mocha, brown spices, iron, orange peel and underbrush. Like liquid silk on entry, then hugely concentrated in the middle, with an extraordinarily fine-grained texture and no easy sweetness. Impeccably balanced, soil-driven wine that finishes with noble tannins and great persistence. This is Clos de la Roche, not pinot. As of November, one of the most promising wines of this stealth vintage. 93-96 Points, Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, March/April 08

One of the most distinguished domaines of the Cote de Nuits. Anthony Hanson, Burgundy, Mitchell Beazley

[Laurent Ponsot] really hasn't missed since 1999. Allen Meadows, Burghound

The results are as distinctive as the methods, but also profoundly impressive and proven to age magnificently…These are perhaps the most powerful wines in Burgundy.” …it is amazing how phenomenal Ponsot's wines can be. Robert M. Parker Jr

This is one of the most individual domaines in the whole of Burgundy…Overall the results can be stunning…Clive Coates, The Wines of Burgundy

The Clos is a monopole and also the only Cote de Nuits 1er cru that is 100% Aligote. Previously there was some Chardonnay and some Pinot blanc in the blend but from 2006 it is 100% Aligote, but not just any old Aligote: it is an ancient clone planted in 1911! And it is from a site that, according to Laurent Ponsot, has always made better whites from this grape rather than Chardonnay. Ironically, again according to Ponsot, this wine is often picked as a typical white Burgundy (i.e., one made from Chardonnay) in blind tastings. This, then, is a great blind wine for your next wine lunch or dinner!

A ripe, pretty and spicy green fruit nose leads to textured, sweet and seriously intense flavors underpinned by firm acidity and evident minerality, all wrapped in a linear, long and precise finish. Impressive if not overly complex at present yet this wine always requires time in bottle to deepen as well as flesh out. Drink 2011+ 87-90 Points, Outstanding! Allen Meadows, Burghound, Issue 31 Oct 08

One of the most distinguished domaines of the Cote de Nuits. Anthony Hanson, Burgundy, Mitchell Beazley

[Laurent Ponsot] really hasn't missed since 1999. Allen Meadows, Burghound

The results are as distinctive as the methods, but also profoundly impressive and proven to age magnificently…These are perhaps the most powerful wines in Burgundy.” …it is amazing how phenomenal Ponsot's wines can be. Robert M. Parker Jr

This is one of the most individual domaines in the whole of Burgundy…Overall the results can be stunning…Clive Coates, The Wines of Burgundy

This comes from the Morey 1er cru “Monts Luisants” (much of which is today Clos de la Roche) but Ponsot labels it “Cuvee des Alouettes” in order to differentiate it from the wine above which comes from the “Clos des Monts Luisant”.

Strong reduction renders the nose impossible to reasonably assess but the sweet, robust and serious medium full-bodied flavors are blessed with plenty of dry extract that buffers the firm tannins on the pure, sweet and intense finish that displays real linearity and vibrancy. Lovely. Drink 2014+ 88-91 Points, Allen Meadows, Burghound, Issue 29 Jan 08

Good deep red. Pungent spices, mocha, chocolate and black cherry on the nose; this could only be from Morey-Saint-Denis. Big and rich, with a captivating sweetness to the soil-driven notes of smoke, meat, iron and leather. The subtly long finish throws off notes of leather, smoke and spice. This wonderfully aromatic wine comes from 14-year-old vines planted within Ponsot's Clos des Monts Luisants, which is situated above Clos de la Roche. 89-92 Points, Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, March/April 08

One of the most distinguished domaines of the Cote de Nuits. Anthony Hanson, Burgundy, Mitchell Beazley

[Laurent Ponsot] really hasn't missed since 1999. Allen Meadows, Burghound

The results are as distinctive as the methods, but also profoundly impressive and proven to age magnificently…These are perhaps the most powerful wines in Burgundy.” …it is amazing how phenomenal Ponsot's wines can be. Robert M. Parker Jr

This is one of the most individual domaines in the whole of Burgundy…Overall the results can be stunning…Clive Coates, The Wines of Burgundy

No pesticides are sprayed on the vines and only organic fertilizers are used. The land is ploughed to aerate and enrich the soil, and weedkillers are avoided.

The grapes are handpicked, put into small crates, then sorted in the cellar and completely destemmed. They are then cold-macerated for 7 days and fermented under temperature-controlled conditions. The cap is punched twice a day, and the wine stays on the skins for a total of 21 days. The wine is aged on the lees in oak barrels (20% new) for 15 months. Malolactic fermentation tends to take place fairly late, and the wine is clarified naturally without fining or filtration. Gravity flow is used for racking and bottling.

Very open bouquet combining ripe berry aromas with hints of toast. Subtle and well-balanced on the palate with a long, rich aftertaste. Beautiful ripeness.

No pesticides are sprayed on the vines and only organic fertilizers are used. The land is ploughed to aerate and enrich the soil, and weedkillers are avoided.

The grapes are handpicked, put into small crates, then sorted in the cellar and completely destemmed. They are then cold-macerated for 7 days and fermented under temperature-controlled conditions. The cap is punched twice a day, and the wine stays on the skins for a total of 21 days. The wine is aged on the lees in oak barrels (30% new) for 15 months. Malolactic fermentation tends to take place fairly late, and the wine is clarified naturally without fining or filtration. Gravity flow is used for racking and bottling.

Subtle bouquet combining hints of vanilla, liquorice, and caramel. Complex, rich, and full-bodied on the palate.

Patrick Landanger described 2006 as having a "very warm April, a great June and very hot and dry July but August was difficult because it was wet, cloudy and we had limited luminosity. By contrast, September was essentially perfect and for all intents and purposes, saved the harvest. Our goal is to produce right around 35 hl/ha and 2006 gave us between 37 and 38 though that was after a small sorting loss of around 5%. We began picking on the 21st of September and had good sugar levels so there was almost no chaptalization. I did a bit more punching down at the beginning but toward the end of the cuvaisons, which lasted from 20 to 22 days, we did much less. I used between 30 and 40% new wood and bottled without fining or filtration. In terms of the wines, they're really quite pretty and I think they'll age better than people believe as they're very balanced." While it's true that these '06s are not quite up to the quality of the stellar Pousse d'Or '05s, they're not far off. Landanger continues to improve every vintage in terms of the purity of his fruit and in particular, the sophistication of the supporting tannins. In other news, Landanger was the successful bidder for the Daniel Moine-Hudelot vineyards and will have for 2008 some Bonnes Mares and Amoureuses as well as several other small parcels of certain Chambolle 1ers, which may be sold separately or blended into a 1er cuvée. The price, which I was asked not to disclose, was indeed astronomical.

Tasting note: A naturally spicy, fresh and elegant nose of dark pinot fruit and violets merges into exceptionally pure medium-bodied flavors that possess first rate detail on the clean and harmonious finish. This is a wine of seamless harmony, indeed this is Zen-like in its delivery. Tasted: Apr 01, 2008 Score: 90 Drink: 2012+ Issue 30 Allen Meadows; Burghound

A spicy, expressive and expansive nose of red berry fruit, distinct vegetal nuances, freshly sliced fennel and obvious earth notes that transfer over to the detailed, balanced and energetic flavors that possess excellent transparency on the vibrant and mouth coating finish. There is a lingering inner mouth perfume here that makes this quite seductive. Not surprisingly, this changed rather dramatically in the hour that I had to evaluate the '07s and the seemingly lighter weight flavors put on noticeable flesh though the nose slowly closed in on itself. Tasted: Jan 30, 2010 Score: 90 Drink: 2017+ Issue 3 Burghound