Burgundy is one-fifth the size of Bordeaux, but it’s still seen as one of the most complicated wine regions in the world. This northeastern French region is also known for producing some of the most sought after bottles, especially the 2015 vintage Pinot Noir, that some called “one of the best in the century.”
The 2015 Pinot has striking tannin concentration with generous fruit notes, and there’s also no questioning this vintage’s ability to age. Many of the 2015’s recommended below will be at their best several years from now, and others will age for 20 years or more.
Despite the frosts that devastated harvest yields in 2016, winemakers showed off their prowess producing stand out wines under these difficult conditions, ever cementing Burgundy’s reputation as one of the finest wines in the world.
So, if you’re looking for wines to save for a later date, here are ten 2015 and 2016 bottles to look for.
Domaine Henri Delagrange 2016 Les Bertins Premier Cru (Pommard); $115, 94 points. From one of the smaller premier crus, close to Volnay, this wine has something of the opulence of Volnay while keeping the tannins of Pommard. The result is a rich, structured and intensely fruity black-cherry-flavored wine. With the acidity and the smokiness still developing, it needs to age. It will be ready to drink from 2025. Sacred Thirst Selections. —Roger Voss
Domaine Au Pied du Mont Chauve 2015 Pitangerets Premier Cru (Saint-Aubin); $40, 93 points. From a small premier cru vineyard, this wine is poised and balanced. It shows a great empathy between the rich black fruits and the firm tannins and wood-aging spice that will allow it to age well. Fresh acidity gives the essential juicy aftertaste to this ageworthy wine. Drink from 2022. Total Wine & More. —R. V.
Château du Bourgneuf 2016 En Sazenay Premier Cru (Mercurey); $50, 93 points. From a single parcel attached to the 17th-century castle, this wine has rich tannins along with generous black-plum fruits. Its dense structure and concentration both give promise for the future, also confirmed by the intense, tight and mineral acidity. Drink from 2022. Fruit of the Vines, Inc. —R.V.
Vincent Girardin 2015 Les Serpentières Premier Cru (Savigny-lès-Beaune); $53, 93 points. Showcasing the richness and velvety texture often associated with wines from Savigny, this also highlights the ripeness of the vintage. The result is a wine in which ripe red fruits and a smooth texture overtake the tannins that lend a subtle structure and will help it age. It is a delicious wine that will be ready to drink from 2022. Vineyard Brands.Vineyard Brands. Editors’ Choice. —R.V.
Château de Santenay 2016 Montée Rouge Premier Cru (Beaune); $65, 93 points. From one of the lesser-known Beaune Premier Crus, this wine is named after the vineyard’s red soil. Opulent and rich, it offers a mix of firm, dry tannins and generous black fruits. It is a wine for aging and will be best from 2024. Bertrand’s Wines. Cellar Selection. —R.V.
Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter 2016 Corton Vergennes; $150, 93 points. This powerful wine hails from the 44-acre vineyard situated in the middle of the Corton hill. Its red fruits are dense, firm with tannins as well as intense acidity and a dry core. These contrast with the perfumes of this still-young wine. Drink from 2024. Metowine Distribution. —R.V.
Maison Roche de Bellene 2015 Vieilles Vignes (Savigny-lès-Beaune); $35, 92 points. While the 50-year-old vines do bring concentration, they also deliver delicious swathes of ripe, juicy fruit. This is a ripe, black-cherry-flavored wine, strengthened by tannins and with a crisp edge of acidity. Drink from 2020. Loosen Bros. USA. Editors’ Choice. —R.V.
Domaine de Suremain 2016 En Sazenay Premier Cru (Mercurey); $51, 92 points. This is a wine for long-term aging, with rich tannins and impressive red fruits that promise a fine future. It comes from a well-exposed vineyard on the western edge of the village and which begins the slope into the hills. Drink from 2023. Fruit of the Vines, Inc. —R.V.
Philippe Jeannot 2015 Passetemps Premier Cru (Santenay); $35, 91 points. Set at the eastern limit of Santenay next to Chassagne-Montrachet, this vineyard produces structured wines that reflect its neighbor. In this vintage, Valérie and Philippe Jeannot took advantage of rich red-cherry juiciness with a touch of pepper and almost refreshing acidity. Drink this succulent wine from 2021. DHI Selections. Editors’ Choice. —R.V.
Bernard et Florian Regnaudot 2016 Clos de Rois Premier Cru (Maranges); $26, 90 points. The walled Clos des Rois is the finest site at the heart of this small appellation. This wine shows structure and generous tannins as well as ripe black-cherry and red-berry fruits. Its structure means the wine needs to age, so drink from 2021. Elden Selections. —R.V.
Published: September 7, 2018
