The month of October marks YYC Wine 2nd birthday and to celebrate, we wanted to kick things up a notch. For the first week, instead of enjoying the delicious cake below, we wanted to bring you two wines that we have been anxiously waiting to assess in the 2007 Joseph Drouhin Chassagne - Montrachet Rouge and the 2009 Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches Rouge 1er Cru. The house of Drouhin is one that is steeped in history in Burgundy and is now in the hands of the 4th generation. The family acts as a organic and biodynamic producer as well as a négociant that has been in the business of wine since 1880.
Vintage
From a vintage quality perspective, 2007 and 2009 represented very good and amazing years. The weather of 2007 allowed for very early bud break in the spring but a mixed summer climate led to late and somewhat uneven ripening of the Pinot Noir varietal. This meant that winemakers had to be extra selective in choosing grapes to make wines that showcased the classic characteristics of Burgundy Pinot Noir thus creating wines with feminine elegance and bright acid.
2009 on the other hand was an outstanding vintage where winemakers simply used the perfectly ripe fruit picked to make wines of balance, depth and persistence. It will be remembered as one that required minimal winemaker intervention producing wines of power and finesse. This is the vintage that critics love and is unique in that the wines can be cellared but also offer early accessibility to those looking to drink now.
Vineyards
In terms of place, the wine from 2007 is from the Chassagne - Montrachet appellation which is an area more prized for its expressions of Chardonnay from grand cru sites like Batard - Montrachet and Montrachet than that of Pinot Noir. With soil of clay and limestone, Pinot Noir is becoming a rarity within this appellation as its vines are being grubbed up for more valuable Chardonnay plantings.
The 2009 example comes from the Drouhin vineyard which is the largest parcel of the Clos des Mouches or (Vineyard of the Flies) at 14 hectares. Planted half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay, the land is one of the first vineyards acquired by Maurice Drouhin (the founder’s son) in the 1920’s. Its soil composition is primarily clay and limestone with rocky areas in the top section. In the centre, the soil is limestone and marl which is responsible for the great finesse of wines from this vineyard.
Wines
2007 Joseph Drouhin Chassagne - Montrachet
Price: $47.99
Available At: Willow Park Wine and Spirits
Assessed By: Adrian Bryksa
Eyes: Light purple core, trailing to pinkish orange on its edges. Very light, almost Rosé like.
Nose: An elegant nose of clay, creamy cherry, cedar and herbs. A traditionalists dream.
Palate: Up front, notes of cherry, cedar tinged raspberry and a hint of orange. This is carried by bright acidity and it goes slightly herbal to the finish. Overall it has a soft mouth feel and is quite silky on the palate. The finish gets a little angular but becomes better with glass time and each sip.
Mate this bottle up with a charcuterie and cheese tray. It would be remiss to call this experience average, as it will speak to the lover of old world Burgundies. It will continue its evolution properly cellared for an additional 10 years.
90 Points
2009 Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge
Price: $109.99
Available At: Willow Park Wines and Spirits
Assessed By: Adrian Bryksa
Eyes: Far more body and depth than its 2007 cousin - Light + to medium in terms of body - dark purple core trailing slightly to the edge of the glass.
Nose: The bouquet is evident with a powerful nose compared to the slightly shy 07. Expressive notes of fleshy red and black berry fruit almost with some black tea, smoke and charred meat representing a somewhat masculine nose.
Mouth: The attack on this wine is explosive with notes of ripe yet smoky raspberries, vivid acidity and dark, profound length and elegant tannin. Those who enjoy expressions of Pinot Noir from Sonoma County might find this appealing. This wine needs time and it is almost infanticide to consume a wine of its promise so young. Needless to say, if the experience now is a sign of what is in store, those with patience will be rewarded.
This wine is a strong cellar hold with its drinking window beginning in 2016 and moving on until 2025. A stunning powerhouse in it youth which will parlay to a knockout when mature.
94 Points.
We hope you enjoyed this little happy birthday to us vintage comparison Pinot Noir celebration. If you liked this post, check out our coverage of a handful of the Drouhin Chardonnays here - http://yycwine.com/post/29496304480/3-expressions-of-chardonnay-from-maison-joesph-drouhin
