2015 Domaine Collotte, Marsannay, Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Red Burgundy, France.
Exploring value priced Burgundy using ends in huge disappointment, but sometimes you find a jewel and the wines of Philippe Collotte are just that, especially his old vine Marsannay, where there are 5 parcels of 50+ year old vines that make up his excellent super-value Marsannay Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, it way over delivers for the price. For the US market, Weygant Metzler has special cuvees, with all ultra sorted de-stemmed fruit, he bottles everything unfiltered per his imports request, it makes for an expressive and mineral driven Pinot Noir of wonderful delicacy, but with solid fruit intensity which forms it’s perception of depth flavors. While starting with classic Burgundy subtly and brightness things gain a darker feel with air allowing layers of black cherry, strawberry and earthy vine picked berries to come through on the medium bodied palate, the mouth feel and length are quite impressive for a wine of this price. Rose petals, chalk dust and cedar notes along with a mixed spice note add to the whole here, there’s no question this will surprise a few people, the vintage with it’s concentrated ripe profile certainly helped and the old vines give a charm that with put a smile on many a face, it did mine! Drink this Marsannay over the next 3 to 5 years, it’s a no guilt Burgundy to get by the case!
($24 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
