Domaine Simon Bize - Burgundy 2006 En Primeur

Now here is a standout visit – Patrick Bize in particular deserves to take a bow and a standing ovation. When Patrick said that he rated 2006 at least level with 2005, we were somewhat dubious. In fact he even went as far as to say that for him, 2006 is comparable with 1978, a fabled vintage of the past. This is a controversial statement but Patrick, who is a man of great experience and integrity, is adamant that this is correct for his sector of the Côte.

Speaking of the 2006s, he finds that his wines have more precision but are less voluptuous than their immediate predecessors. He admitted that there was much more work needed at the sorting table and that resulting yields here were small. Stylistically, we thought his whites were precise but unusually powerful but the reds are quite magnificent, full of freshness and vigour and an absolute joy to taste.

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A simple floral nose of purity, finesse and elegance but with a fuller palate suggests a more direct and assertive style. This will give much pleasure in its youth and punches well above its weight. Drink from release.

(100% cask). An extremely discreet hint of wood frames fruity but more elegant and typical aromas of chardonnay fruit and citrus that introduces nicely focused barely middle weight flavors that possess a very subtle mineral hint and good if not truly special length. now+ - 85 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Relaxed and minerally with beautifully ripe fruit, this has a lovely little touch of apricot and a whiff of smoke before exhibiting a citric, pithy finish. The mid-palate is rich and leesy. Overall a wine of supple charms and easy access. Drink from release.

(100% chardonnay from a number of different parcels). A slightly exotic nose of straw, melon, mango and pear gives way to round, rich and full-bodied flavors that offer limited complexity but make up for it by the generous mouth feel and punchy finish that possesses enough acidity to keep everything in focus. This would make an excellent restaurant choice as it’s sufficiently accessible but will stand up to many foods and sauces. 2009+ - 87 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Driven by its energy and power, the Vergelesses is full throttle this year, with ripe stonefruits and a dense, concentrated and exuberant style. Drink from 2009.

As it usually is (and should be), this is slightly more elegant and definitely more aromatically complex with a touch of white flower that adds refinement to the citrusy peach and pear aromas that precede the rich and concentrated flavors underpinned by an attractive mineral streak on the dry finish. I like the balance here and this too would work well on a restaurant wine list for its flexibility. 2009+ - 88 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Dynamic and mineral-packed, this is one of the very greatest whites that we tasted anywhere. Patrick’s parcel lies on the west-facing sector of the hill and a combination of that and the high elevation has led to a wine of purity and precision with layers of tangerines, smokiness and pith. Tinglingly nervy but with a rich, powerful character this is quite simply a wonderful wine. Drink from 2011.

(from 50+ year old vines situated in Pernand). A discreet touch of toast frames the green fruit, apple and pear aromas that complement perfectly the powerful and well-muscled flavors that are rich, round and sweet as well as blessed with ample amounts of palate staining dry extract on the linear, driving and explosive finish. Patience will be required however. 2012+ - 92 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Simple and honest, this combines hedgerow fruit with a touch of spice and an easy, lilting style. Drink from release.

Gorgeous black cherry fruit and smooth textures, this is silk in a glass. Lovely purity, really welcoming and impossible not to like. Drink from 2009.

Pungent Savigny-style earth dominates the otherwise attractive red berry fruit nose that slides into round, supple and relatively soft flavors that possess good mid-palate sap that buffers the structure on the linear and nicely long finish. There is not a great deal of complexity but this may come with a year or two in bottle though note that it could easily be drunk now with pleasure. 2009+ - 87 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Marconnets is a darker, more mysterious wine, with a brooding presence. More reserve and restraint here but with all the elements in place for a fine future. Drink from 2010.

Here the nose is a pretty mix of upper and lower register aromas with mostly dark pinot fruit with top notes of red cherry and currant that precede the earth and mineral-infused medium weight plus flavors that are really quite serious with excellent depth and a palate staining finish. The character here is different from the Guettes as there is less minerality though perhaps even slightly more length. An impressive effort. 2013+ - 91 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

An attack of bright fruits continues at a lively pace through to a fresh, pure and precise mid-palate. On the finishing is a lingering cassis fruit and a sense of balance and relaxation. This comes across as a complete and highly accomplished performer and very much the star of the show. Drink from 2011.

This is extremely primary, indeed to the point of where it even appears backward relative to the Fourneaux with a similarly brooding nose of plum and dark berry fruit with extraordinarily powerful flavors for this growth with everything it needs for a long life as the impression is one of controlled muscle and punch plus gorgeous length. This competes very favorably for the Savigny of the vintage honors though note that the style is decidedly old school. 2013+ - 93 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

A total change of register as we move north to the Grand Crus of Gevrey, here we see muscle and depth but perhaps without the brightness of the Savignys. No matter, this is more than compensated by an alluring, intense wild fruit character and abundant rich but soft tannins. A wine of the highest calibre. Drink from 2013.

Cool and airy red berry fruit, in particular raspberry and currant, is nuanced by notes of underbrush and a hint of game that is also picked up by the textured and more elegant middle weight flavors that seem to be built on a base of minerality, all wrapped in a firm, detailed and intense finish and this too has ample buffering dry extract. 2014+ - 93 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

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