2011 Domaine de la Cadette, Bourgogne Rouge “L’ Ermitage” France.
Here is a wonderful little wine that has quality, value and uniqueness from a region that is not usually so welcome to the exotic. Domaine de la Cadette’s L’ Ermitage Rouge cuvee is about 85% Pinot Noir and close to 15% Cesar, a very rare grape that has maybe Spanish origins and is a cross of Pinot Noir and Argant, which has roots in Spain and is grown in the Jura. Cesar is thought to have been brought to Burgundy by the Romans, and it has been native to Burgundy since ancient times and while a tannic grape it tends to blend well with Pinot Noir. Regardless of the blend and why, this wine is a beautiful and rich Burgundy that delivers lots of pleasure and texture. The nose is bright and floral with lots of peppery spices and dried flowers leading to a round and lush palate of raspberry, plum, cherry and strawberry fruits, hints of mineral, tea and red pepper spices add interest and the finish is lengthy. There is vibrant acidity and lots of life, but the overall feeling is of pure silk and balance. Touches of earth, licorice and beet root give subtle complexities to this very good Burgundy.
($28 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
