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Basic Facts for those of you who are new to the program: Every two months we select two Burgundies, one red and one white. We include write-ups detailing the background of the grower, the vineyard source, and the wine. Finally we knock a significant percentage off the prices of the wines, making the Sampler price $89.98. If you would like us to add you to the Sampler Club and receive the wines regularly, please specify “store pickup” or “ship it” in the comments field, and we will charge your card accordingly. If you would like us to ship faster than the standard ground service, please specify this as well.
2009 Chassagne-Montrachet Château de la Maltroye
One of our favorite Chassagne producers for many, many vintages has to be Château de la Maltroye. Jean-Pierre Cornut, himself a former engineer, is meticulous about the winemaking, and the proof is in the bottle. The château was acquired by Jean-Pierre’s grandfather in 1940; the first wines made by his great-uncle. Jean-Pierre’s father André worked at the chateau in the 70’s and 80’s despite being a pilot for Air France. When health issues caused André to take a step back in 1993, Jean-Pierre took over. The château is located smack in the middle of Chassagne, and it even boasts a Premier Cru vineyard named for the château. This village Chassagne is rich and vibrant, showing off the round apple-y flavors and citrus blossom aromas one finds in the best Chardonnays. Its acidity keeps it fresh and balanced. It is yet another precocious 2009 Burgundy, puppy-dog friendly and ready to go.
2009 Beaune Bressandes Premier Cru Albert Morot
Considered one of the finest estates in Beaune, the Domaine Albert Morot was founded in 1820. They began as negociants. In the late 19th century, they purchased 7 hectares of vines and the buildings that they currently occupy. The domaine was run together with the negoce business into the late 1980’s. Current proprietor/vigneron Geoffroy Choppin de Janvry has had the reins of the domaine since the 1999 harvest. Geoffroy had this to say about the 2009 vintage, “(it is) not a typical Burgundian vintage. While the quality of the wines is very good, they are built on their fruit and they’re very round and suave … The wines should be popular as they’re easy to appreciate and I think that they will age better than many people presently think.” We heartily agree; 2009 was a vintage of ripe, precocious fruit, yet the wines are marked by sturdy structure that suggests improvement with medium term aging. Geoffroy always makes wines that speak of their place of origin; this 2009 Bressandes is shining now and will through 2020. – Peter Zavialoff
The Wine House San Francisco 