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Due to the various travel restrictions within France and the UK caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, I did not visit Burgundy this year to taste the 2019 from barrel. Fortunately, a few merchants in the UK got producers to send their bottles of 2019 to London, and the merchants (as well as with the help of 67 Pall Mall) rebottled the 2019 wines into smaller sample bottles and sent them directly to us. I was lucky enough to taste more than 130 samples at home in December and form an initial view of 2019 Burgundy Vintage.


Whites

Many 2019 whites are concentrated yet high in alcohol and acidity. One can imagine 2019 White Burgundy as the offspring of 2010 (ripeness and concentration) and 2007 (high acidity). I have tasted some well-crafted wines particularly from producers that have been making great wines in 2018. However, there are wines that are simply too alcoholic, too extracted and simply unbalanced.

Producers is more important than the terroir, and this is especially the case in the 2019 vintage. Where good producers excelled while others made heavy, and alcoholic wines. I am less enthusiastic with the whites than the reds in 2019. Though I need to taste more to get a firm grip of the vintage.

2019 White Vintage Rating: (87-89/100)


Reds

The quality of 2019 Red Burgundy varies significantly depending on the region and the producers, overall ranging from good to excellent quality. Communes such as Morey Saint Denis, Gevrey Chambertin, Marsannay, and Fixin yielded incredibly luscious Pinot Noir that are ripe and aromatic. Monthelie outperformed also, yielding some great value for money wines this year. On the other hand, many Chambolle Muisgny I have tasted are overripe and a touch on the austere and alcoholic side of the spectrum (although slightly better than 2018). Overall Cote de Beaune reds performed well, but quality varies between producers this year (same as 2018).

Despite the high level of ripeness and sweetness from a warm vintage, many reds show a sleekness and refinement that resembles 2010 Red Burgundy. The best 2019 reds are the combination of 2010 and 2015.

2019 Red Vintage Rating: (86-94/100)

Breakdown of Cote de Nuits appellations:

2019 Nuits Saint Georges Rating: 90/100

2019 Vosne Romanee Rating: 91/100

2019 Clos Vougeot Rating: 90/100

2019 Echezeaux Rating: 91/100

2019 Chambolle Musigny: 86/100

2019 Morey Saint Denis Rating: 93/100

2019 Gevrey Chambertin Rating: 94/100

2019 Fixin Rating: 94/100

2019 Marsannay Rating: 94/100


A special thanks to Lea & Sandeman for sending 120 samples efficiently after last minute tasting cancellation due to covid-19 restrictions.

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