Burg and Bubbles

I’ve been asked a lot recently, “What do you like to drink?” It feels cliché, but the answer is Burgundy and Champagne. Then again, isn’t that what so many of you like to drink as well? I suppose I shouldn’t feel guilty for liking what I like. The truth is, if I had to give up every other wine region and could only drink those two for the rest of my life, I would do it in a heartbeat.

So much of today’s offer is made up of wines that I genuinely love and, for the most part, don’t break the bank. Bruno Clair has been as hot as any producer out there, and frankly, when you compare these wines to what other producers charge for Bonnes Mares, Clos de Bèze, and Clos St-Jacques, they look like tremendous values. These should find good homes in a hurry. Comte Armand’s Clos des Epeneaux is another Burgundy gem that offers incredible value and ages effortlessly. Lafarge’s Clos du Château des Ducs is another wine that has thankfully returned to being one of Burgundy’s great buys. Sylvain Pataille continues to take humble terroirs and turn them into masterpieces, earning cult status along the way. Also not to be missed is the stunning work being done at Burguet and Lignier-Michelot, both of whom deserve a place on your radar.

For those unfamiliar with Pierre Morey, you likely know his previous work: the 20 years he spent at Domaine Leflaive. There is plenty to love from Boillot and Comtes Lafon as well. And while J.N. Gagnard may have flown under your radar, both the Bâtard-Montrachet and Blanchot-Dessus are absolute gems for the money.