Lots of high end red Burgundy is ethereal, subtle, and delicate – but not all of it. Certain towns – Gevrey, Pommard, Nuits-St-Georges come to mind – combine Pinot’s natural grace and elegance with a rich muscly intensity. The result is often dynamic and delicious.
Today we’re suggesting a Nuits-St-Georges from a special plot of 80 year old vines of the Domaine du Couvent. Winemaker Philipe Cheron’s grandfather bought them in 1938, and the produce a gorgeous, inky, highly concentrated wine. Cheron leans into this spirit by using 100% whole clusters, crafting a wine that is, in his words, “dark, somber and rich.”
We love this wine every vintage, and had a chance to open the 2021 over the weekend. It’s terrific and with some time in a glass, a real stunner. It’s dense and sleek; the rich stem fermented core is entirely enveloped in deep plum fruit. Jasper Morris gave 93-95 points, calling it “gorgeous, airy, floral.” Serve from a decanter with a meat from the grill.
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Couvent Nuits-St-Georges 1er “Aux Murgers” 2021
bottle price: $115
