2014 Domaine Bertrand et Axelle Machard de Gramont, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Lieu-Dit “Les Terraces de Vallerots” Red Burgundy, France.
Since taking over the family domaine in 2004 Axelle Machard de Gramont has converted to organic farming and gained a great reputation as a minimalist in the cellar making gorgeous and lively wines that seem softer in focus and more elegant, they highlight the delicacy of each terroir and make for wonderful drinking wines that offer classic profiles and are fantastic values, with this Lieu-Dit Vallerots being one of my favorites of her 2014 bottlings that I’ve tried. The vineyard, Axelle’s father Bertrand reterraced and planted in 2002 on a plot that had been abandoned since the late 1800s is now starting to realize it’s potential and this 2014 is a beauty with a complex array of pure Pinot Noir flavors and terroir influence, it’s a brightly lifted Burgundy that leans on pretty red cherry, wild plum and dusty raspberry, earthy beet root along with rose petals on the nose, plus an earthy seduction of mineral, spice and truffle notes before adding a darker element of racy currant and a faint touch leather on the silken palate. There’s plenty of density and richness of fruit in this textural Nuits-Saint-George, but it still remains remarkably light and energetic with nice acidity and almost haunting in length and detail, Axelle’s touch really is telling, especially as this wine opens and evolves with air and time, considering this from such young vines the finesse is even more impressive. Best to enjoy this tasty wine, imported by Paris Wine Company & Balanced Wine Selections, over the near future, maybe between 2019 and 2022.
($55 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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