Great Value Burgundy
A few months ago I was extolling how Sebastien Magnien’s Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Clos de la Perrière, 2019 was probably the best value Red Burgundy I had tasted in some time.
Berry’s have four of his wines from the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune: the one above and the same wine from 2018, and an Hautes Côtes de Beaune, La Dalignère, from 2018 and 2019. One winemaker, two vintages, two plots of land: four wines.
As I had been immensely impressed by the first, I thought an assessment of the other options was essential.
Pinot Noir dominates Oregon with around 60% of all plantings and Chardonnay coming third with just under 7%.
2018 and 2019 were exceptional vintages in Burgundy. 2019 was a drought year that created wines with superb ripeness and acidity from a relatively late harvest. Smaller in quantity than 2018, it has created both red and white wines that have longevity built in to their structure and should result in very reliable wines across the board.
The 2018 had some variable weather that produced a few growing season kept Burgundy’s vintners on their toes. However, in the end, yields were good and quality appears to be very good to outstanding.
Hautes Côtes de Beaune and Haute Côtes de Nuits are often referred to as Hautes Côtes. These are vineyards to the west of the main Côte d’Or escarpment, in the hills and plains above the world famous villages that sit north and south of Beaune, where the primary production is red wine from the Pinot Noir.
We tasted these wines over two sessions, and the panel preferred La Dagliere during the first session, and the Clos de la Perrière at the second. So, acting as the final arbitrator in these weighty matters, my preference is for the two wines from the Clos.
However, the differences are relatively small with the Dalignère being perhaps the more classic of the two vineyards, and the Clos being a tad racier and fuller in style.
Again, I must focus on the exceptional value of these wines. When many Burgundies do not always deliver value-for-money, these wines are excellent entry-level examples for this region.
They are all ready to drink today, and need to be consumed within the next three to four years. Flavours of raspberries and plums lift from the glasses. Medium-bodied with a fleshy core of fruit and lively acids sit alongside perfumed tones and a long, melting finish. There is a degree of complexity in these wines with an alluring finish that provides a clear sign that the winemaker knows what he is doing and does it exceptionally well.
Hautes Côtes de Beaune, La Dalignère, 2018 - £19.50
Hautes Côtes de Beaune, La Dalignère, 2019 - £19.95
Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Clos de la Perrière, 2018 - £25.00
Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Clos de la Perrière, 2019 - £22.50
