Beaune 1er cru "Les Aigrots" 2010

The vintage

We began the 18th and finished the 30th of September 2010.

After a challenging winter where frost affected lots of vineyards and caused many young plants to die, 2010 began a bit behind schedule but with the softness of a rather hot spring. However, flowering didn't have the advantage of good weather, and this resulted in poor fruit set (coulure) and an abnormal mix of berry sizes within clusters (millerandage). Summer got off to a good start with a lovely first half of July. However, moody and chilly weather then set in until the beginning of September, when Burgundy's best helper in that month, a wind called la Bise (the Kiss), cleared the skies for a radiant sun to dry the vines while temperatures remained fresh.

The harvest date was, as is often the case, of utmost importance, and it is the reason we only purchase grapes harvested by our own team or under our control.

2010 is a grand vintage for whites, as it combines generosity and flesh with acidity and minerality. The aromas are ripe with the occasional exotique note and floral hints set against a citrusy background. The mouthfeels are packed with flavor, supple, and even powerful with their significant substance; however, happily their bouyant acidities provide remarkable balance.

The wines show well now even if the best cuvées, like Puligny "Le Cailleret" and Corton-Charlemagne, will improve with another seven to ten years.

Tasting notes

-A discreet touch of wood sets off pure floral, citrus, wet stone and soft pear aromas. There is good intensity and fine delineation to the energetic middle weight flavors that culminate in an attractively dry and moderately austere finish. This possesses good punch and should benefit from 6 to 8 years of cellar time.
Allen Meadows