2018 in Burgundy was a vintage that defied expectations and delivered a number of pleasant surprises. With the potential to become one of the all-time great vintages, the 2018 reds demand attention while the whites are classic. They are as intriguing and enchanting as Burgundy itself.

Having just arrived, our Burgundy 2018s tell an epic tale and lay bare the beguiling variability of Burgundy. They bring the unique characteristics of the different terroirs to the forefront, as well as the distinct personalities and philosophies of their makers. With clarity, poise and, at times, ‘spectacularité’ or ‘awesomeness’, the wines from this vintage reveal the warmer, drier growing conditions which resulted in an earlier harvest.

The 2018 Henri Boillot Bourgogne Pinot Noir, a régionale-level Pinot Noir, is showing beautifully right now and joins the top crus, like the 2018 Joseph Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Rouge, one of Wine Cellar’s absolute favourites, which promises power, finesse and phenomenal longevity.

As for white Burgundy, quality is excellent across the board, with bright and chalky Chardonnays showing energetic freshness and alluring fruit. From the famous Pulingy-Montrachet based producer Olivier Leflaive, the 2018 Bourgogne Blanc Les Sétilles offers immense quality and value, whilst Joseph Drouhin’s 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Marquis de Laguiche, which has developed a cult following, is intense and powerful with incredible verve.

If you’re unsure about which wines to buy or which would suit your palate, please give us a call or send an email. We will happily talk you through it and help you make a selection.

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Tasting notes

Henri Boillot, Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2018

Opening in the glass with aromas of sweet wild berries, peonies and a subtle touch of oak, Boillot’s 2018 Bourgogne Pinot Noir is medium-bodied, delicate and lively, its succulent core of fruit framed by melting tannins. 2020 – 2035. – William Kelley, Wine Advocate, 88/100

Joseph Drouhin, Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Rouge 2018

This too is quite deeply pitched with its ripe aromas of cassis, plum liqueur, spice, floral and soft oak scents. There is very good verve to the utterly delicious and slightly finer medium weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the balanced and harmonious finish. This isn’t quite as complex as the Grèves though that may well change with time as the track record of this wine developing well is firmly established. 2028+. – Allen Meadows, Burghound, 92/100

Olivier Leflaive, Bourgogne Les Sétilles 2018

There is a whiff of matchstick character to the aromas of citrus and pear that lead to round, supple and delicious flavors that are clean, dry and refreshing. 2020+. – Allen Meadows, Burghound, 86/100

Joseph Drouhin, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Marquis de Laguiche 2018

The 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 1er Cru (Marquis de Laguiche) comes from a vineyard that tends to produce millerandé berries. This has an intense, powerful bouquet with hints of menthol permeating the citrus fruit, developing a more fumé style with time in the glass. The palate is well balanced with hints of passion fruit and peach on the entry, becoming spicier and subtly Muscat-like toward the very satisfying, persistent finish. Excellent. 2022-2038. – Neal Martin, Vinous, 91-93/100

Joseph Drouhin, Chablis 2018

Whiffs of mineral reduction and the exotic combine with agreeably fresh aromas of mostly white orchard fruit and soft algae hints. The rich, succulent and round middle weight flavors possess good energy before culminating in a crisp, clean and agreeably dry finish where the only nit is noticeable warmth. Note that this should drink well early on. 2020+. – Allen Meadows, Burghound, 89/100

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