Burgundy

The red wines from the Pinot Noir grape can be some of the most compelling, complex and intriguing wines that one would wish to taste. In the past sixteen years, beginning with brilliant 1999 vintage (for red and white wines) one feels that it is not a question of whether the wines are good or bad but more a question of WHEN to drink them.

The white wines from the Cotes de Beaune, in particular Puligny Montrachet, Chassagne Montrachet and Meursault show typicity of terroir and elegance, often with subtle richness in harmony with minerality and freshness.

This area sets the standards for wine made from the chardonnay grape with whom few wine growing regions in the world can compete.

The Cotes de Nuits is famous for the wines from Vosne Romanee, Vougeot, Chambolle Musigny, Morey Saint Denis and Gevrey Chambertin.

Despite global warming and some challenging harvests I have not been dissuaded in believing that this region still sets the benchmark for quality and complexity that worldwide producers strive to emulate.

Another important factor with burgundian wines is the lack of volume and so with economics of supply and demand, the worldwide consumer who wishes to drink the best is prepared to pay high prices in order to guarantee receipt of these often exceptional wines.