Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes 2011, Domaine Chanson

Fifteen years on and this is where I want a Beaune premier cru to be. Bought for drinking, not for keeping.

Site This 2 hectare vineyard is located on the upper part of the hill, facing east. This vineyard was owned in the XIIIth century by a Canon of Beaune, Jean Bressand, hence the name "Bressandes". The Vintage 2011 : After a very cold winter and a demanding spring, the hot summer was regularly interrupted by rainy intervals. It gave way early September to a bright and warm weather, that speeded up the maturation of the grapes. Harvest began in the last days of September under a bright sunshine. Long and careful macerations have allowed to enhance the fleshy texture and smooth and elegant tannins of the Pinot Noir. Aging in oak during 19 months

Tasting Dark ruby colour. Intense aromas of black berries mixed with plum and spices on a hint of vanilla. Well-balanced and complex. Deep, with a fest and silky texture. Well integrated oak note and finely grained tannins. Long and elegant aftertaste.

Food pairing White meat, roast, lamb and all cheeses especially the local cheeses (Epoisses, Citeaux) as well as some goat cheeses. "Spicy with a touch of liquorish on the nose. Immediately some depth to the palate. It has sumptuousness on the attack and a smoothly full middle palate. Firm and velvet textured. Dark, ripe fruit in the black cherry spectrum and the richness carries on the finish. Certainly a crowd pleaser."

Score 18.25/20 Sarah Marsh "A spicy cassis and extract of plum suffused nose precedes the very supple, round, indeed even lilting middle weight flavors that possess solid if not truly distinguished complexity, all wrapped in a mouth coating, firm and balanced finish. This is relatively fine as are the supporting tannins. 2019+" Score: 89-91/100 Burghound