| Producer | Maillard |
| Country | France |
| Region | Burgundy |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 04040 |
| Size | 750ml |
| ABV | 13.50% |
If asked to name one wine that would convince wine lovers that there’s good reason to explore red Burgundy as a wine to actually drink (vs. collect/brag about)…well, this is that wine. It’s from the region known as Chorey-les-Beaune, just north of Beaune itself on the Route des Grands Crus. Chorey doesn’t have the steep slopes, dramatic views, and 1er and Grand Cru vineyards many Cote d’Or villages boast. In fact, it’s dead flat and easily mistaken for vines qualifying only for “Bourgogne” status just a bit away. But it does have an excellent view of the forest-crowned Grand Cru hill of Corton just to the northwest, and it’s the eons of erosion there that have delivered chalky limestone to Chorey’s doorstep that makes all the difference.
With around 3,000 cases made, this is Pascal Maillard’s signature wine. It comes from five plots in the village, all farmed with great care and minimal intervention (although they will use commercial sprays when absolutely necessary) by Pascal’s brother, Alain. The fruit is harvested by hand and meticulously sorted before almost all is destemmed and fermented in vat. Unlike many small producers who need to bottle one vintage before the next is harvested, Pascal lets his wine rest 18+ months in French oak, 25% new and the rest one to three years old.
I’ve sold this wine since vintage 2004 and had old bottles with Pascal going back to the 1970s. This is the best I’ve ever tasted. “Deep” is the first word that comes to mind when you put your nose in the glass - very deep, very dark, black and Bing cherry, a touch of forest floor, roasted coffee and spice. Then there’s lovely focus and mineral support to the rich raspberry and Bing cherry fruit and dark florals before a bite of cranberry comes up to freshen the fruit over the super-fine, gently firm, tannins. Mouthwatering and delicious right now and for 6-7 years ahead.
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