x2019 Red Burgundy

Some highly anticipated 2019 Burgundies just landed, and it's honestly one of the best early-drinking vintages of red Burgundy I've tasted. The wines are dense, silken, and ripe - but with lots of verve and intensity. I can attest - the bottles empty quickly!

Savvy drinkers have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of these breathtaking wines ever since critics reported that "the 2019 vintage has hit the bullseye" (JS). We've pulled together a few of our favorites to showcase this exceptional vintage, highly regarded for its "outstanding balance of intense fruit, firm structure, and supple texture" (D).

First up is Denis Bachelet, who, based on his success and acclaim, one might think comes from a long line of winemakers - but he's a self-trained, self-made superstar. When he was 18, Denis left Belgium to take over his grandparents' dilapidated vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin. Essentially starting from scratch, Denis put an enormous effort into the vines and has since built a reputation for making concentrated and profoundly pure wines that "send tiny ripples of excitement down your back" (WA).

Next is Sylvain Pataille, who I personally consider to be the highest QPR producer in all of Burgundy. He's an innovator and leading the charge in Burgundy's underdog region (Marsannay), producing wines of extraordinary complexity. His Chapitre is every bit as good as Jean-Yves Bizot's and it's $2K less per bottle! What started as one hectare has grown to 15, producing "brilliant wines that number among the Côte d'Or's finest values" (WA). We 100% agree, and highly recommend these wines to any Burgundy buff who enjoys balance, vibrant fruit, and serious value!

Monthelie-Douhairet-Porcheret has a rich history of over 300 years in the heart of Cote de Beaune. You might recognize Andre Porcheret's name, as he was also the winemaker for the legendary Domaine Leroy under the illustrious Lalou Bize-Leroy back in the '90s. Today, Andre's granddaughter, Cataldina, continues his meticulous methods while adding a touch of modernism. This refined style shows off fleshy ripe fruit, but with precision, and still honors the land they came from - the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

Finally, Domaine de la Commaraine: this historic Domaine dates back to the 12th Century and is recognized as one of Pommard's most prestigious premier crus. The Chateau changed hands many times before its current owners took over in 2017, and hired renowned winemaker Louis-Michel Liger-Belair to work his magic. Already receiving significant acclaim for their inaugural 2018 vintage, they are well on their way to re-establishing La Commaraine "among the most renowned climats" of Burgundy with their elegant and silky wines that are superbly refined (GVB).