Domaine Heresztyn-Mazzini - 2019's from the Cote de Nuits
Although their first vintage was as far back as 2012, the capricious nature of the weather in Burgundy has meant that this new domaine has had very little wine to work with until very recently. We are pleased to get a shot at the much-in-demand 2019s and a small amount of their sole grand cru in Clos St Denis in particular.
The domaine is a new departure for Florence Heresztyn, who comes from an important family on the Cote de Nuits, themselves, an important domaine that is certainly one to look out for. Florence is allied to husband Simon who has been transpanted from his own viticultural heritage in champagne. The pair are producing very fine Burgundies with tremendous depth and style. They use a large amount of whole cluster in their fermentations, which lend the wines a strong accent of Asian spice and an elevated tone. This perfumed style is reinforced on the palate by judicious use of new oak on the top crus, which are certainly wines to lay down, especially in a vintage as strong as 2019.
We think the pricing for these wines, from a high-level producer on the Cote de Nuits, is very reasonable; especially given the current state of the market for Burgundy and the feeding frenzy associated with the 2019 vintage.
These new releases are due to arrive here in the Fall.
Clos St Denis, Grand Cru $290
94-96 points Vinous Media
"The 2019 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru is matured with 50% new oak and 100% whole bunch, the pruning having changed from cordon to Guyot simple in 2018. It has a lovely bouquet of orange-peel- and marmalade-infused red berry fruit, fine mineralité and wonderful definition. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Quite savory in style, leading to a slightly austere finish that should gain a little more flesh with bottle age. This is a classy offering that will need 4–5 years to show its full potential." (Drink between 2024-2048) - Neal Martin
Morey St Denis, 1'er Cru Millandes $120
93-95 points Vinous Media
"The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru comes from vines over 70 years old and was cropped at 45hl/ha, the first vineyard to be picked in order to moderate alcohol. Containing 100% whole bunch, it has an intense bouquet of pine-needle-infused red and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, and a little tarry toward the finish. Perhaps the most peppery of the domaine’s wines. I can see this aging beautifully." (Drink between 2024-2045) - Neal Martin
Gevrey Chambertin, 1er Cru Les Champonnets $110
92-94 points Vinous Media
"The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champonnet 1er Cru is 100% whole bunch and raised in 30% new oak (Chassin). This has a more broody and backward nose, quite earthy in style, offering tobacco and woodland aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and good density, though it is unashamedly austere toward the ferrous finish. Give this 4–5 years in bottle. (Drink between 2024-2040)" - Neal Martin
Gevrey Chambertin, 1er Cru La Perriere $110
92-94 points Vinous Media
"The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin La Perrière 1er Cru contains 50% whole bunch and is matured in 30% new oak (Billon and Chassin cooperages). The very cohesive bouquet features brambly red berry fruit, briar, black tea and undergrowth scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a peppery entry, fine acidity and a Morey-like structure toward the finish. While not amazingly long, it is very nicely focused and exudes breeding. (Drink between 2023-2043)" - Neal Martin
Gevrey Chambertin, Vieilles Vignes Les Songes $85
92-94 points Vinous Media "From 85- and 101-year-old vines, the 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Songes" Vieilles Vignes is 100% whole bunch and matured in 40% new oak. It has an intense bouquet of cranberry and wild strawberry, touches of vanilla and rose petal, and later a slather of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, sweeter than the Les Jouises, revealing candied orange peel, white pepper and a slight fennel-like note on the complex finish. This is a gorgeous Gevrey that will age with style. Just five barrels produced. (Drink between 2024-2045)" - Neal Martin
Gevrey Chambertin, Vieilles Vignes Les Jouises $75
91-93 points Vinous Media "The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Jouises" Vieilles Vignes is raised in 20% new oak with 50–60% whole bunch. This was quite reduced on the nose and difficult to read. The palate is more open, offering ebullient red fruit, and quite spicy, revealing a liberal sprinkling of black pepper on the finish. Good potential, though it deserves 4–5 years in bottle. (Drink between 2024-2040)" - Neal Martin
Gevrey Chambertin Clos Village $69
90-92 points Vinous Media "The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Village comes from the parcel adjoining the winery planted in 1959. Matured with 50% whole bunch with minimal pigeage, it has an attractive, elegant bouquet of Earl Grey–infused red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, building nicely toward a tobacco-tinged finish. A stylish, expressive Chambolle-Musigny." (Drink between 2023-2038) - Neal Martin
Chambolle Musigny $69
87-89 points Vinous Media "The 2019 Chambolle-Musigny Village comes from two climats, containing 50–60% whole bunch and matured with 25% new oak. This underwent no pigeage, unlike the other cuvées. The bouquet is well defined with cranberry and wild strawberry fruit and just a hint of vanilla in the background. The palate is spicy on the entry, touches of burned toast and black pepper infusing the red fruit. It fans out nicely on the finish. Classic in style and probably drinking after a couple of years post-bottling." (Drink between 2023-2032) - Neal Martin