2013 Thierry Richoux Vigneron, Irancy Rouge, Red Burgundy, France.
The Irancy region is in essence the red Chablis, once disregarded is seeing some amazing wines come forth, like this Thierry Richoux Irancy Ac, plus Domaine de Beru, as well as others, these are wines of delicacy and detail, and they are as pure as it gets for Pinot Noir. Located just southwest of the fan shell of Chablis, Irancy is also known for it’s cherry trees, set on Kimmeridgian marls, along with some clay, loose gravel and brown limestone the region is home to Pinot Noir, though close by Saint-Bris has Burgundy’s only Sauvignon Blanc zone, plus there is some César (a local red grape), thought to be French Barbera, of which 10% is allowed in the Irancy reds. Tierry Richoux’s Irancy is believed to be 100% Pinot grown organically on clay and limestone, his parcel is southwest facing and allows ripe fruit and refined tannin, he ferments in tank and ages his AC Irancy for a year in stainless and a year in barrique, mostly used for this cuvee, it delivers the transparency and precision you’d expect with superb mineralite and vibrant acidity, though wonderfully textured in form. The 2013 is intriguing and lacy with bright energy and lengthy persistence showing wild roses, tangy strawberry, flinty stones and tart cherry at it’s core along with a mix of spice, herb and racy framboise. Lovely, light to medium bodied elegance, while still complex and rewarding, this shiny ruby hued Pinot from Richoux is a real Burgundy steal that over delivers. Imported by The Source Imports, it offers serious layers of quality for the price, this vintage is showing really well, making for a very pleasing experience and a happy surprise for the somewhat ho hum vintage. Drink over the next 3 to 7 years, this Irancy by Richoux gains with air with dramatic effect, it becomes quite the center piece of attention, best with lighter fare and simple cuisine, I’m now a big fan and can’t wait for the 2014 and 2015 vintages! This is a wine that truly reminds you of why you love Burgundy, it seduces with subtle brilliance and with slow burning foreplay.
($32 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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