Mission Codename Chambolle charmer
“Domaine Bretagna is known for its exquisite reds.” - Forbes
Ever envy deep cellared, deep-pocketed Burgundy collectors? Members of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the supreme bacchanalian fraternity?
Here’s a glimpse. Tons of research and bargaining on our part went into bringing you the ultimate of the very best of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti levels of pedigree, for literally a song in comparison. Say, just a bottle of the most ‘affordable’ and comparable DRC will set you back easily 10 times the cost of these. No joke. It does help when we can finagle roughly 25% discounts from release prices…
We’re talking DRC pedigree here, Les Plantes is right in the vicinity of Grand Crus Musigny and Bonnes Mares, as one of a handful of 1er Crus right in the heart of Chambolle, right along the Route des Grands Crus, the Champs-Élysées of Burgundy!
The history of Domaine Bertagna goes back to the 12th century when the Cistercian monks of Cîteaux Abbey established what is now Clos de Vougeot. Fast forward eight centuries (cause who has all day?), to 1982 when the Reh family takes ownership, and the rebirth of this iconic Domaine and its invaluable holdings begins. Time and again, they have affirmed being part of the aristocracy that makes Burgundy the most heralded corner of all in the whole wide world of wine.
Mind you all Pinot fans across the board - thanks to the opulence of the vintage, along with the modern winemaking at Domaine Bertagna these days, these are some of the most fruit-forward reds in all of Burgundy. And that is both in purity AND intensity, while still fully displaying those subtle nuances of terroir that vary immensely on a micro-scale, even between sites in the closest proximity.
Fine Wine Geek, a highly respected expert, connoisseur, and a drinking buddy of Agent Noir’s was at a prerelease tasting of these 3 years ago, concluding that these 2016s are “quality wines worth seeking out.”
Only a few barrels of each imported so highly limited as all top-of-the-line Burgundy sadly is.
91 Points, Outstanding! – Burghound
“From a .23 ha parcel. A variety of spiced dark berry fruit aromas precede solidly concentrated, indeed powerful, middle weight flavors that are presently quite compact and display a bit of the natural robustness of Les Plantes that borders on rusticity. However, there is already budding complexity and if allowed time this should mature into something quite interesting. Patience will be required though.”
What the Winery Says
2016 Les Plantes Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru
- Director / proprietor
- Eva Reh
- Cellarmaster
- Denis Rozat
- Head of vineyard
- Arnaud Lecoeur
- Varietal
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Vintage
- 2016
- Appellation
- Chambolle-Musigny, Côte de Nuits
- Vineyard
- Les Plantes 1er Cru
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
- Vine age
- 80 years
- Destemming:
- 40%
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 50% new Burgundian oak