Keith's Burgundy Hotline: Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne

By: Keith Wollenberg | K&L Burgundy Buyer

Burgundy Lovers:

We just got some older Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne, shipped directly from the domaine. Like many of you, I have been quite concerned with the rapid oxidation of many of this storied domaine's vintages. Last Spring, I had an interesting chat about the issue directly with the ever-eloquent Jean-Charles de la Morinière, proprietor. He told me that when they became aware of the extent of the problem, they went to their cellars, where substantial inventory is kept in pristine conditions, and sampled a large number of bottles. 

He explained that they were able to trace the increased incidence to certain cork suppliers. Once they made this assessment, they took two actions: 1) they discontinued purchases from certain suppliers, in favor of those whose corks had shown better results, and 2) they went through their stocks, and by reading the corks were able to eliminate those bottles from the defective cork suppliers.

Now that they have been through this laborious exercise, they are re-releasing some older vintages in small quantities, through their authorized importer in California, Chambers and Chambers.  Suzanne Chambers tells me she has had two bottles from this shipment, with terrific results.  We got only a handful of these bottles, and they are IN-STOCK AND ON THE WEB (Click HERE), or by calling us at 800-247-5987.

1998 Corton Charlemagne, Grand Cru, Bonneau du Martray, $169.95

93 points Wine Spectator  

Vibrant. Clean and lively, with lovely midpalate concentration, this medium- to full-bodied white Burgundy is straight as an arrow. Fabulous balance of subtle toasted oak and ripe fruit. An ager.

K&L Notes

One of the best producers of Corton Charlemagne, Bonneau du Martray always makes focused, linear Corton, which benefits from some time in the bottle. This has the pronounced minerality which is the hallmark of this wine, but also a richer and more honeyed side from the toasty oak. Showing well now. This was selected by the domaine, and shipped directly from their cellars in a refrigerated container. (Keith Wollenberg, K&L Wines)

A santé,

-Keith

Mr. Keith WOLLENBERG

Directeur Commercial Bourgogne

K&L Wine Merchants

http://www.klwines.com

+1-650-556-2724 Direct Line

Keithw@klwines.com

Keith's Burgundy Hotline: Special Pricing on Marquis de Laguiche Chassagne Morgeot

By: Keith Wollenberg | K&L Burgundy Buyer

Hello Burgundy Lovers,

We just picked up a smoking deal on some terrific premier Cru Chassagne Montrachet, and I wanted to let you all know.  I personally love the energy, focus and masculine nature of the 2008s.

There are only a few cases available, it comes directly from the authorized importer, and it is IN STOCK AND ON THE WEB, so click on the link below or call us at 1-800-247-5987 to place an order.

2008 Domaine Marquis de Laguiche (Drouhin) Chassagne-Montrachet 1^er Cru « Morgeot » (Previously $90) $69.95

92 points Wine Spectator

Though glycerol-like in texture, this is more angular in its approach, with vivid acidity driving the lime, baked apple, almond and mineral flavors. Offers fine intensity and length. Best from 2013 through 2022. 900 cases imported (6/ 2011)

91 points Allen Meadows - Burghound

Outstanding! A subtle application of wood does not diminish the transparency of the resin, peach and white flower aromas that are nuanced by hints of spice and earth, both of which are also found on the rich, full-bodied and tautly muscled flavors that possess good mid-palate density, all wrapped in a moderately austere but lingering finish. This is really quite good and worth a look

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

($99) Ripe aromas of white flowers and white truffle. Boasts a bigger structure and more intensity than the village wines, with sound acidity giving a penetrating quality to the peach, apricot and crushed stone flavors. This is quite suave. (9/ 2010

A Santé,

-Keith

Mr. Keith WOLLENBERG

Directeur Commercial Bourgogne

K&L Wine Merchants

http://www.klwines.com

+1-650-556-2724 Direct Line

Keithw@klwines.com

Keith's Burgundy Hotline: Celebrating 150 Years at Louis Jadot

By: Keith Wollenberg | K&L Burgundy Buyer

Hello  Burgundy Lovers,

I am excited to let you know that we were able to acquire more of Louis Jadot’s Wonderful Beaune 1er Cru they made in the 2009 Vintage to celebrate their sesquicentennial. 

What is even better is that we were able to get it at pre-arrival pricing, a bargain we are passing along to you, of course. It is a blend of 19 different Beaune 1er Crus, and a spectacular value at less than $50!

Decant this and you will see the ripeness, power and balance of the fantastic 2009 vintage.  It is in stock and available on the web, or by calling 1-800-247-5987.

2009 Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru "150th Anniversary Cuvee" $49.95

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Beaune 150th Anniversary Cuvee is a commemorative wine created to celebrate Jadot’s 150th birthday. The 150th Anniversary Cuvee is a selection of the maison’s best parcels in the Cote de Beaune. It boasts extraordinary richness and length, not to mention fabulous overall balance. Seemingly endless layers of intensely fragrant dark red fruit build to the effortless, huge finish. This is a fabulous showing from Jadot. It is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. I think it is safe to say Jadot hit it out the park with this effort. Readers will be tempted to drink the 2009 early, so immense is its appeal, but opening a bottle before its tenth birthday is likely to be nothing more than an academic exercise. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039. (4/ 2012)

91 points Allen Meadows - Burghound

*Outstanding* This anniversary wine commemorating Jadot’s 150th year or operation is a much more interesting effort than the name would suggest. I say this because they have blended together some 19 different Beaune premiers crus. I would start by explaining that when I first opened the bottle it was very closed and reticent and this note is based on a decanted bottle that was kept at cellar temperature while seeing approximately 2 hours of air first so please calibrate your impressions accordingly. The natural ripeness of the 2009 vintage is less apparent with the air though at the same time it accentuates the underlying structure. While the nose is certainly ripe it is not over ripe and is actually quite pretty with attractive red berry fruit, earth and very subtle mineral hints. There is good volume and reasonable concentration to the fleshy and delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess fine intensity and detail, all wrapped in a moderately structured, dusty, mouth coating and firm finish that displays a touch of youthful austerity. This should reward 6 to 8 years of upside and need 2 to 3 before it could at least be drunk with pleasure as it’s a bit tight today even with air. (10/ 2012)

À santé,

-Keith

Mr. Keith WOLLENBERG

Directeur Commercial Bourgogne

K&L Wine Merchants

http://www.klwines.com

+1-650-556-2724 Direct Line

Keithw@klwines.com