Love is in the air – I can just feel it! But how can we share that love regardless of time or place? With a beautiful bottle of wine from Burgundy, of course. Just recently, I wrote about my fascination and unbridled enjoyment of six wines from Elden Selections, a Burgundy only wine store, and promised to let you know a bit more about the six exceptional choices sent to me as samples.
Chablis vineyard
Selected wines from Burgundy, that iconic French wine region boasting 3500 domaines, 100 appellations and more than 1200 climats, have been specially chosen for the fortunate wine lover who may be daunted by the sheer number of the region’s producers and the often budget-busting prices. Eleanor Garvin and Dennis Sherman, founders of Elden Wine Selections in 1992, have worked and lived in Burgundy for over 30 years. They have plenty of experience and insider information to vet each producer and wines cultivated in a range of appellations. The end result is that we’re offered small production wines, many of which we can’t find elsewhere, that exude outstanding quality at prices we can afford. And the interesting part… Elden Selections is not a wine club! – From Access Insider Information on Burgundy Wines at Elden Selections, a Burgundy-only Online Wine Store (click here to read the full story)
I hope you’re inspired after reading the reviews below to reach out to Eleanor Garvin and Dennis Sherman for more information, then try a case (or two!) of elegant, expressive wines at astounding prices. As they’ve said, “Don’t buy the appellation, buy the producer” – I have to agree. If you’re interested in pairing the wines with French fare, click here for the perfect recipes you’ve been craving.
Fabien Dauvissat, son of Jean Dauvissat, is now at the help of his father’s vast Chablis domain and desires to produce “not just good Chablis, but great Chablis.” He has taken the domain organic, uses only copper and sulfur and doesn’t utilize weed killers, chemical fertilizers or systemics.
Chateau Cary Potet, Montagny 1er Cru ‘Les Burnin’ 2016 ($49) offered bright, tropical fruit aromas of ripe lemon, lemon curd, banana chips, yellow florals and a hint of spice. Mouthwatering acidity lifted the layered, creamy palate that presented notes of minerality, ripe orchard fruit, hint of mint leaves, lemon peel, butter and smoke. Balanced and absolutely delicious, the finish lingered…
The producer is located in the southern area of Côte Chalonnaise, about 20 minutes south of Beaune, in a 17th century domaine raised on the foundations of a 14th century farm. The present owners are able to trace their winemaking heritage to 12 generations (at least!) and are deeply “attached to the old stones, the land and the life and hard work that go with it.” Understandably, their motto is “Ex Nihilo Nihil” – Nothing comes from Nothing.
Domaine Jean Jacques-Girard, Savigny les Beaune 2017 ($54) was a wine that you’ll remember long after the bottle is finished. A sensation of minerality and aromas of lemon, fresh picked flowers, apple pie, fresh fruit, vanilla, spice, hint of orange and white tea leaves were brilliant on the entry. Balanced and complex, the palate showed elements of lime, kiwi, ripe golden appeal, white pepper, spice, dried apricot, cantaloupe and dollop of clotted cream leading to a lasting finish.
Although Jean-Jacque Girard’s family has been growing grapes in the region since 1529, the original estate was split between Jean-Jacques and his brother Phillipe in the late 1990s. The original domain was 38 acres, but Jean-Jacque has procured more parcels to bring his holdings to 40 acres, “one of the most impressive domains in Savigny.
Photo Credit: Copyright ©2015 Rudi Goldman All Rights Reserved.
Domaine de Suremain, Chateau de Monthelie 2014 ($52) Ahhh, Pinot Noir from Bourgogne! Bright aromas of leather, dark red fruit, juicy plums, sage and rich ripe strawberries and raspberries were notable. Flavors, framed with just-right, lip-smacking acidity and soft tannins, were of earth, moss, ripe blackberries, hint of vanilla, black cherries and chocolate shavings.
Eric De Suremain is all-in with the “synergy between where you come from and who you are.” His passion for the land, viticulture and the culture of wine is evident with each sip.
Domaine Jean Fery, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru ‘Les Vergelesses’ 2016 ($69) will stun you with its ahhh-inducing aromas of vanilla, spice, dark plums, ripe strawberries, menthol and stewed prunes. Balanced with moderate acidity and gentle tannic structure, fresh notes of ripe black berries with a layer of spice were enticing.
Since 1994, the Domaine is biodynamic, although without the official certification, and the vineyard holdings are expanding with a continued goal of “quality and integrity.”
Domaine Mouton, Givry 1er Cru ‘Clos Jus’ 2015 ($52) was yet another example of what beautiful Burgundy has to offer lovers of Old World Pinot Noir. On the nose, I found dark spice, black pepper, earth, vanilla, dark, rich pomegranate, black cherry compote and minerality. Layered and structured, the authentic palate, surrounded with medium acidity and elegant tannins, offered juicy notes of wet moss, pepper, vanilla and milk chocolate covered cherries and ripe, juicy red and black fruit.
Gerard Mouton and his son, Laurent, cultivate about 24 acres of vines in Givry in the Côte Chalonnaise. Elaine and Dennis have known Laurent since he was a child and for years have appreciated the “finesse in the winemaking, an unstinting perfectionism that has been communicated across a generation.” That sounds perfect to me!
Eleanor and Dennis are sharing their love of beautiful Burgundy and its spectacular wines with you. Click here to delve deeper into the wines at Elden Selections so that you can share your own love of Burgundy wines with that special someone…anytime, anywhere.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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