Doussot-Rollet Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes 2017

Domaine Dussot-Rollet is a tiny, 4.75-hectare Burgundy estate whose wines are being made by Thomas Troussard, a young and talented winemaker, and son-in-law of the owner. The estate is working towards HVE certification (the highest French environmental certification), with no weedkillers used and treatments against disease only when strictly necessary. The vines are old; ranging from 40-95 years. A maximum of 15% new French oak is used across the range, and the wines released 2 years after harvest. The vineyards cover a range of sites in the Côte de Beaune, which, in skilled hands such as these, can offer better value than the more famous villages. The wines are precisely made, forward and succulent, drinking well in youth but with the capacity to age for up to a decade from release. The pricing remains relatively accessible in the context of Burgundy.

Pinot Noir from 0.5 ha of 50-year-old vines. Les Bressandes is one of the best 1er crus of the large Beaune appellation, with a shallow-soiled east-facing location high up the slope giving wines of spice and minerality. A hint of cinnamon oak spice, cherry, sweet red fruits, game. A lovely palate round and open with sweet red fruits at the core and ripe, broad-grained tannins lending length.