Burgundy vintages

Comments by Jean-Pierre Renard, instructor at the Burgundy Wine School and the BIVB, after tasting in November 2003

White wines:

Low yields favored quality ripening. These wines are already very pleasant on tasting. Their colors have intensified slightly to a beautiful golden yellow. Their noses express aromas of ripe fruit (apple, pear, quince, apricot, etc.) with a fresh, mineral background. On the palate, these wines are rich and full-bodied with a slightly dry finish, suggesting good aging potential. Overall, the Burgundy white wines are of high quality. In Chablis and the Auxerrois, it is a very great year.

Red wines:

The red wines are excellently crafted. The colors are an intense ruby red. The noses have seductive aromas of very ripe fruit (cherry, blackcurrant, plum, etc.), mingling with subtle notes of licorice and spices (blond tobacco). The palate is firm, sometimes even a little austere: these are full-bodied wines with tannins that are still present and slightly marked acidity. These wines will soften with age. The 1998 vintage reveals a strong personality that will delight patient consumers.

Comments by Jean-Pierre Renard, instructor at the Burgundy Wine School and the BIVB, after tasting in November 2003

White wines:

The colors are generally a bright, intense, clear golden yellow. The nose reveals excellent quality with aromas that are still not very powerful but quite complex. The elegance of fresh fruit (apple, pear, citrus, etc.) is complemented by the richness of dried fruit (apricot, raisin, etc.) and a few spices. The palate shows a lovely freshness brought by subtle acidity. Well-balanced, these wines have a rare fullness. These qualities should allow them to age under the best conditions. This vintage is of great quality for all Burgundy white wines. The Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune produced wines worthy of the greatest vintages.

Red wines:

1999 ends the 20th century on a high note: its red wines are both elegant and powerful. Their ruby-colored robes are magnificent and already promise wines of great pleasure. This pleasure is confirmed by exuberant noses of rare complexity, where fruit is omnipresent in its most varied forms (red fruit maceration, black fruit jam, dried fruit, etc.). This very fruity background is also mingled with notes of undergrowth and spices. On the palate, these wines are very well-balanced. Excellent structure, full-bodied and well-built, they are supported by fine tannins that will ensure they age well. A remarkable vintage with great aging potential.

Comments made in November 2021 (Press release – BIVB).

2020 is a very unique vintage and will be remembered for many reasons. It was produced under relatively difficult conditions and circumstances for everyone. It was marked by historic precocity, from bud break to harvest. Finally, the result is absolutely exceptional and remarkably classic.

White wines:

The white wines are fruity and express beautiful aromatic complexity, with very nice acidity. Despite the summer heat, they show very good balance, supported by classic freshness, in line with expectations for a Burgundy vintage.

Red wines:

The red wines stand out for their incredible colors! They have beautiful, deep colors, indicative of high anthocyanin levels. Ideal sunshine conditions and warm weather during ripening have resulted in concentrated wines with character, but without heaviness. Like the white wines, they have retained their freshness and offer delicious profiles with black fruit flavors such as blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

This is not a sunny vintage, although the base wines display intense aromatic expressions. These are rich, complex, delicious wines. The surprise lies in their high acidity and low pH levels, which promote perfect balance!

Comments by Jean-Pierre Renard, instructor at the Burgundy Wine School and the BIVB, after tasting in November 2003

White wines:

A year of great interest but contrasting depending on geographical origin. In the Auxerrois and Chablis regions, ripening was slow; the wines, which have a beautiful aromatic freshness (green apple, fresh citrus, etc.), remain dominated by a slight acidity and an expressive minerality that will allow them to evolve favorably over time. In the Mâconnais, 2001 is considered by most producers to be an exceptional vintage. Very aromatic and well-concentrated, the wines have an almost perfect natural balance. Thanks to their structure and body, these wines will age well. The wines of the Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune are straightforward and pure. They display magnificent aromatic qualities (citrus, acacia, pear, etc.). Their freshness and structure will ensure they age well.

Red wines:

2001 is an uneven vintage with no shortage of successes. Quite colorful, sometimes with a slightly orange-tinged ruby red color, these are pleasant wines with red fruit aromas (plum, strawberry, cherry, etc.), often enhanced by a slight hint of spice. The palate generally shows a certain firmness due to the still-present acidity and slightly tight tannins. This very young vintage is just waiting to evolve, as its potential is undeniable. To be enjoyed with pleasure in a few years' time. The qualities of the more full-bodied wines (premiers crus and grands crus) will reveal themselves in 5 to 10 years.

Comments by Jean-Pierre Renard, instructor at the Burgundy Wine School and the BIVB, after tasting in November 2003

White wines:

A very good year. 2002 is undoubtedly the year of the “great” Chardonnays. With intense aromatic expression, they remain very elegant. Marked by floral notes accompanied by scents of ripe fruit, they retain enough minerality and freshness to offer noses of surprising complexity. Soft and round, they are full-bodied, sometimes powerful, and have exemplary length on the palate. As for their development, it promises to be excellent. In the Auxerrois and Chablis regions, 2002 is considered one of the greatest vintages of the last 20 years. In the Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune, the wines are exceptionally rich. Very well-balanced and already very pleasant, they show impressive aging potential.

Red wines:

2002 saw some significant variations in rainfall. However, the excellent ripeness of the grapes allowed, in most cases, the production of colorful, charming wines with floral and fruity aromas (a veritable cocktail of red and black fruits). On the palate, there is a beautiful balance, roundness and substance, firm but tender tannins and good length. The finish is still a little austere (due to its youth!) but of good quality. This is a great vintage that should age wonderfully, but its consistency remains relative. Although bottling has only just begun, we can already say that it will be among the best and will keep well.

Comments by Jean-Pierre Renard, instructor at the Burgundy Wine School and the BIVB, after tasting in June 2005

The fiery vintage is doing well Very concentrated at birth due to an exceptionally hot and sunny summer that led to a very early harvest, the wines of the “fiery vintage” have matured well during aging and are beginning to express the refinement and distinction that characterize Burgundy wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Original and distinguished, the wines of the 2003 vintage are also very rare due to a harvest that was 25% lower than the average for the last five years. This is therefore a precious vintage that will take its place among the great years of the Burgundy vineyards.

Red wines:

Fleshy, charming and rich, the red wines surprise with their diverse notes of very ripe red and black fruits, sometimes candied, and spicy nuances. The colors are intense and deep with shimmering hues. The tannins are round and silky, giving them a solid, well-balanced structure that promises a bright future. These quality characteristics apply to most of the appellations, which benefited from the same natural production conditions. This is an excellent opportunity for consumers to discover the good value for money offered by regional appellations, which can already be enjoyed now. The villages and premiers crus require a few more years to reveal their aromatic potential and harmonize their complex, well-defined flavors. As for the grands crus, powerful and concentrated, they are made for aging and will delight several generations of fine wine lovers. Experience shows that vintages made from very ripe grapes, such as 1989, have aged remarkably well over time.

White wines:

The sometimes excessive ripeness of the Chardonnay and Aligoté grapes raised fears that the white wines would lack freshness and elegance when first released. This is true for some cuvées, which should be consumed quickly. This opinion is more nuanced for wines vinified and/or aged in barrels, as stated by a producer of great white wines: “I thought I would bottle the wines quickly, but I changed my mind. The wines have actually regained their freshness on their lees.” With a beautiful golden color, the white wines have expressive aromas of ripe fruit: citrus, white fruit, yellow fruit, with occasional hints of exotic fruit or candied fruit and honey in the richest vintages. On the palate, roundness and richness dominate, giving them a lovely smoothness. Flattering and harmonious, most of the white wines are already ready to delight consumers' palates. A few years in the bottle will allow the wines from the best terroirs to express all the richness and complexity of this exceptional vintage.

Comments by Jean-Pierre Renard, instructor at the Burgundy Wine School and the BIVB, after tasting in June 2005

A vintage to discover and enjoy 2004 will be remembered as a vintage full of surprises. The capricious weather conditions during the summer, the high potential of the future harvest and the slow ripening process did not give cause for optimism. Fortunately, the winegrowers' intervention in the vineyards to cut excess grapes and, above all, the arrival of a real “Indian summer,” warm, dry, and sunny from the first days of September and throughout much of the harvest, gave the producers hope. With quality in mind, they carried out numerous ripeness checks in the vineyard and selective sorting in the vineyard at harvest time and when the wines arrived at the winery. Despite this rigorous selection, the harvest volume was higher than the average for the last five years. Depending on the situation, the harvest dates and, above all, the yields, the 2004 vintage offers a wide range of qualities that express the diversity of the Burgundy terroirs.

Red wines:

In general, 2004 produced red wines that are less dense than 2003, but closer to the traditional finesse of Pinot Noir. The wines are bright and well-colored. The delicate, complex, and very fresh aromas are composed of red berries (morello cherry), black fruits, and sometimes spices in the most concentrated cuvées. On the palate, they are well-balanced with elegance, a fine structure, and good fullness. The 2004 red wines are charming and will soon offer consumers a great deal of pleasure.

White wines:

The whites were generally harvested later than the reds. They thus benefited to the fullest from the beneficial rays of a sun that had become generous once again. They are generally spontaneous, frank, and very pure. The aromatic palette is very diverse, combining nuances of citrus, white flowers, ripe fruit (peach, apricot) and minerality depending on the nature of the terroir and the concentration of the wines. On the palate, they are stylish and elegant with a nice balance between mellowness and acidity, which gives them great freshness and highlights their fruitiness and personality.

Both the white and red wines of the 2004 vintage are fruity and refined, fresh and well-balanced, and can be enjoyed relatively quickly, before those of the 2002 vintage. Many of the wines will reveal some pleasant surprises after a few years in the bottle.

Comments made in November 2006 (Joint press conference 2006 BIVB – Hospices de Beaune)

An exceptional year Hailed as exceptional from the moment the grapes were harvested, thanks to the perfect conditions in which it was produced, 2005 is a vintage of superlatives. Everything has been said about it: exceptional ripeness, perfect health, exemplary bunches, etc.

The white wines:

The Mâconnais:

The Mâconnais has produced an exceptional vintage in 2005. The wines have an unusual richness and aromatic complexity, evoking ripe fruit and dried fruit aromas, complemented by delicious confectionery notes. With very good acidity and excellent mellowness, their dense and round palate provides an extraordinary sensation of fullness. Not yet fully revealed, this very great vintage, with impressive aging potential, will make history.

Chablis:

The 2005 vintage wines are pleasant and appealing. Marked on the nose by tangy, fruity notes combined with very pure minerality, they are a real treat. Perfectly balanced, round and perfectly structured on the palate, they are a model of harmony, with their beautiful acidity removing any heaviness. A flattering, complete vintage with obvious aging potential.

The Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune:

Although still closed and not very expressive, the wines of this vintage are very clean and straightforward. Serious and beautifully structured, they promise excellent aging potential. Consistent and remarkably balanced, they offer a sumptuous palate, full of volume and power. A very great year that will nevertheless require a little patience.

Red wines:

Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune:

From the regional appellation to the grand cru, everything is superb. The quality of this vintage is such that it seems impossible to do better. Nothing is missing: the color is a splendid dark ruby, the nose has nuances of ripe berries, spices, and blond tobacco, the palate has an astonishing texture and consistency, and the finish is impressive. In short, this is a vintage of exceptional class that will leave its mark on history.

The Côte de Nuits:

Like their neighbors in the Côte de Beaune, the red wines of the Côte de Nuits are close to perfection. Delicious with an extraordinary fruitiness, these are wines of great precision for which superlatives fail us. Distinguished, they are the ideal expression, the quintessence of their grape variety: Pinot Noir in all its splendor! Can we even imagine what they will be like in 10, 15 or 20 years?

Comments made in November 2007 (Joint press conference 2006 BIVB – Hospices de Beaune)

Charming Burgundy wines! Charming. This is the word that comes up most often when talking about the 2006 vintage in Burgundy. After a year marked by somewhat “fantastic” weather, the hard work of the professionals has paid off. 2006 is a challenging vintage that required constant attention, both in the vineyard and in the winery, and excels in the whites and surprises in the reds.

White wines:

The Mâconnais

2006 is undoubtedly a vintage of great winemakers and great terroirs. Very aromatic, with scents of white fruit, pear, and peach underscored by elegant floral notes, the white wines of the Mâconnais are very expressive and highly enjoyable. Their fresh acidity balances a beautiful roundness and remarkable smoothness. Delicious, even exuberant, they are already ready to be enjoyed, much to the delight of lovers of young, fruity wines.

Chablis and the vineyards of the Yonne

The maturity and balance of the 2006 wines are quite exceptional. According to most winegrowers in the Yonne, this vintage should be considered a benchmark. Some even say it is the greatest of the last ten years. Fruit quality, minerality, balance, body—everything is there for these wines to give their best in a few years' time. 2006 will go down in history as the ultimate vintage for aging.

The Côte Chalonnaise and the Côte de Beaune

The fine weather in September allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness while maintaining good acidity. The wines are particularly pleasant and aromatic. Their nose reveals subtle citrus and fresh fruit aromas accompanied by delicately spicy floral notes. Their palate is fresh and sometimes taut, supported by a very appreciable roundness. Harmonious and with excellent structure, they can be enjoyed young but, given their real aging potential, they will undoubtedly delight patient wine lovers (5 to 10 years).

Red wines:

The Côte Chalonnaise and the Côte de Beaune

After a gloomy August, September brought milder weather, allowing the Pinot Noir to ripen in good conditions. With a beautiful ruby color, the 2006 vintage wines are particularly fruity. Very frank and expressive, they release intense aromas of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, etc.) and spices, mingled with hints of blond tobacco and licorice. They are well-structured on the palate with good acidity providing pleasant freshness. The high-quality tannins are still firm on the finish but will soften fairly quickly. A surprising vintage in which the elegance of Pinot Noir is showcased to its best advantage.

The Côte de Nuits

2006 will be a vintage to reckon with for the Côte de Nuits. Straightforward and pure, its wines are of rare elegance. Their undeniable aromatic quality, highlighted by exceptional fruitiness and surprising complexity, will linger in the memory: their nose is a subtle bouquet of small fruits, flowers, and spices. Their palate is precise and full-bodied, with silky tannins. Well-structured and undeniably persistent, it will quickly soften. A vintage of great classicism, 2006 has produced many successes in the Côte de Nuits.

Comments made in November 2007 (Joint press conference 2006 BIVB – Hospices de Beaune)

In Burgundy: patience and precision

After the doubts and concerns of an autumnal summer (see Climate), relief set in across Burgundy as soon as vinification began, thanks to the high quality of the musts tasted. This pleasant surprise rewarded the efforts of Burgundy's winegrowers, who did not hesitate to carry out efficient sorting during the harvest, worthy of haute couture. Cool temperatures and meticulous work by the professionals enabled them to withstand the harsh weather conditions. In fact, both in the vineyard and in the winery, winegrowers selected each berry and adjusted their winemaking processes to retain only the quintessence of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy's king grape varieties! The trend for the 2007 vintage is to offer wines that are both very contemporary and faithful to the great classic Burgundy models. Newcomers will be able to discover the pleasures of these wines, while connoisseurs will find in each cuvée the spirit of the great Burgundies as well as the talent of each winemaker. These sophisticated yet accessible wines can be enjoyed fairly quickly as they are already very pleasant to drink.

White wines: great purity of flavor

Having enjoyed sunshine until mid-September, the 2007 vintage shows remarkable typicity. This year, Chardonnay reveals all its facets in Burgundy. The wines of Chablis, marked by characteristic minerality, remain lively before malolactic fermentation. In southern Burgundy, the white wines of the Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise, harvested later, have gained in opulence and aromatic diversity. In the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, elegance and harmony prevail, reflecting the subtlety of each terroir and reviving the classic Burgundy vintages.

Red wines: a burst of freshness

The 2007 vintage offers flavors of fresh, delicious red fruits. The delicious aromas perceived on the nose are echoed on the palate by the amplitude, roundness, and silky finish of these enjoyable wines. The ripeness of the skins allowed attentive winemakers to moderate extraction, building a structure of great finesse. In addition, the acidity present at harvest, due mainly to high concentrations of malic acid, disappears during malolactic fermentation, contributing to the perfect balance on the palate. The wines display beautiful cherry red colors with a few purple highlights, characteristic of fresh vintages.

2008 played on the nerves of winegrowers.

It was not until mid-September that the vines benefited from the return of good conditions: sunshine and north winds allowed the grapes to reach full maturity for harvest. As in 2007, the work in the vineyard and the decision to sacrifice part of the harvest paid off. Careful sorting and moderate yields resulted in a below-average harvest, one of the lowest in the last ten years. Almost a year after the harvest, the wines, although not all bottled, are already showing great character.

White wines:

Chablis and Auxerrois

The maturity observed at harvest time is now reflected in very attractive wines with magnificent balance. Their remarkable freshness and minerality underscore the great classicism of this vintage, which is also characterized by excellent length on the palate.

The Mâconnais

The 2008 wines embody everything that makes Mâconnais wines so charming and enjoyable: unparalleled fruit quality, roundness, and texture. Perfectly balanced, they seduce with their delicious, indulgent character. A very fine vintage.

The Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune

2008 can already be considered a great vintage. Marked by notes of ripe fruit and citrus, the wines have an unusual aromatic richness. Their full-bodied, pleasant freshness on the palate is a model of its kind.

Red wines:

The Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune

The superb intensity of the ruby red colors demonstrates the excellent ripeness of the grapes in this vintage. The noses are distinguished by their great frankness, elegance, and aromatic complexity: red fruit aromas mingle with hints of spice and blond tobacco. The palates are both full and tender thanks to the supple tannins. These are very fine wines that will hold some wonderful surprises in store for us.

The Côte de Nuits

Like those of the neighboring Côte de Beaune, the red wines of the Côte de Nuits are superbly balanced and of exceptional aromatic quality. Their nose is exemplary in its clarity, revealing subtle floral scents accompanied by very pleasant aromas of stone fruit and dried fruit. Their palate, with its supple attack and impressive volume, seduces with its harmony and the quality of its tannins. With excellent structure and impressive length, it is the sign of a great vintage with a bright future.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

Weather conditions were ideal for the production of Crémants de Bourgogne, which were harvested earlier than still wines. Indeed, a fairly high level of acidity and moderate sugar content are necessary to obtain the best expression of these sparkling wines. 2008 will undoubtedly be a great vintage for Crémants de Bourgogne.

In 2009, the vines enjoyed ideal conditions throughout their cycle, particularly during the ripening phase, which was bathed in sunshine. Sun and heat prevailed throughout August and September, producing extraordinary raw materials, which were revealed during vinification. The authentic character of these wines, already apparent in the first few months after vinification, is confirmed as the wines begin to be bottled. The 2009 vintage is living up to its promise!

White wines

Chablis and Auxerrois

Following somewhat capricious flowering, the harvest lasted nearly two weeks, but excellent weather conditions allowed the grapes to reach perfect maturity. Aromatic and tender, the wines are flattering and elegant, with beautiful minerality and very good structure. For northern Burgundy, 2009 will be a resounding success and, without a doubt, a vintage to remember.

The Mâconnais

With a hot summer and relatively low rainfall, conditions were ideal for producing beautifully ripe grapes. The wines are particularly delicious and impressively aromatic. Balanced and full-bodied, they have everything to appeal but also offer superb potential for development over the coming years, characteristic of a very great vintage.

The Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune

Like the other Burgundy vineyards, the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise enjoyed very favorable weather conditions, allowing the Chardonnay to reach ideal maturity. Intensely aromatic, generous and tender, the wines display impressive body and remarkable balance. 2009 should rightly be considered a great vintage, not only enjoyable in its youth but also with undeniable aging potential.

Red wines

The Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune

A superb vintage that will rank among the greatest. The excellent ripeness of the grapes produced balanced, full-bodied and powerful wines with exquisite fruitiness and exemplary smoothness. Their rounded tannins make them particularly pleasant and delicious and will allow them to age in the best conditions.

The Côte de Nuits

In 2009, the Côte de Nuits produced magnificent, racy wines with aromas of red berries, flowers, and black fruits. Well-balanced and imposing, they are supported by a fleshy palate with impressive length, which will undoubtedly make this a very fine vintage for aging.

Crémant de Bourgogne

Harvested early to maintain sufficient acidity, which guarantees freshness, the 2009 vintage offers a beautiful structure on the palate for Crémant de Bourgogne. It has an intense aromatic expression, faithful to the Burgundy grape varieties: notes of citrus and white flowers for Chardonnay and notes of red fruit for Pinot Noir.

The 2010 vintage in Burgundy was a success despite difficult weather conditions. Two thousand years of history have enabled the vines and winegrowers of Burgundy to adapt to all kinds of conditions. Far from being a coincidence, this longevity is proof that the vines have found a favorite terroir in this northern vineyard, while adapting to climatic variations. Here, winemaking is an art that knows no easy answers. Burgundy's winemakers demonstrate discernment, great adaptability, and expertise to get the best out of each vintage. State-of-the-art weather forecasting tools, analytical controls and berry tasting are all factors that help to anticipate and plan each of the decisive stages leading up to the harvest. Berry tasting was particularly crucial this year, allowing the development of the aromatic potential to be monitored on each plot, which is the strong point of this vintage. Here, the level of ripeness and health were the main factors in choosing the harvest date. While the harvest is usually done by color (traditionally red then white), the winemakers, concerned about quality, alternated between red and white plots. The low yields obtained are the result of careful pruning by the winegrowers, the coulure and millerandage caused by the spring weather conditions, and the sorting carried out in the vineyard and in the cellar. The winemakers then adjusted their techniques to the raw material harvested in order to reveal its beautiful balance of sugar and acidity without distorting its aromatic expression. There is no doubt that the 2010 Burgundy wines have some wonderful surprises in store for wine lovers! With the harvest having ended in early October, it is still too early to make a definitive judgment on the wines of this vintage, although a few dominant characteristics are already emerging.

White wines:

From north to south Burgundy, the white wines reveal the full range of expressions of Burgundy Chardonnay, often copied but never equaled! These well-balanced wines are appreciated for their freshness and purity. The minerality on the palate illustrates the typical characteristics of the Burgundy terroirs. They reflect the elegance and finesse of the great classics of Burgundy.

Red wines:

The red wines' aromas range from red berries to fresh fruit. These highly fragrant wines also have a lovely cherry red color. On the palate, they reveal silky tannins and a beautiful balance between acidity and roundness. The lingering freshness perfectly expresses the character of Pinot Noir in Burgundy.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

The 2010 vintage produced high-quality juices for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The quality of the grapes allowed for gentle extraction, resulting in base wines with moderate acidity, intense aromas, and beautiful maturity.

Comments from “Les vins de Bourgogne – 15th edition,” Sylvain Pitiot and Jean-Claude Servant.

2011 was an early vintage following a relatively warm spring. As is often the case, the end of August, which was largely sunny, produced the must. Each plot was harvested at peak ripeness, with the early September sunshine and low rainfall rewarding our patience. Careful sorting of the grapes produced fruity, silky reds and energetic whites. The aging potential varies depending on the style of wine. However, the delicious character of this vintage will allow wine lovers to enjoy it without delay.

White wines:

The whites are characterized by aromatic purity. Clear, clean citrus aromas and delicate floral notes reveal themselves on tasting. Beautiful acidity enhances these flavors, resulting in fresh, expressive wines. The whole is reinforced by a lovely roundness on the palate. The aging process has brought additional complexity and finesse to these wines, which can be enjoyed in their youth.

Red wines:

These are delicious wines. They offer a wide range of aromas: fresh fruit, red fruit (raspberry, cherry) and a few notes of sweet spices. On the palate, they are fresh and well-balanced.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

This year, Crémant de Bourgogne wines are supple and expressive, with beautiful roundness on the palate.

Comments from “Les vins de Bourgogne – 15th edition,” Sylvain Pitiot and Jean-Claude Servant.

This vintage proved challenging for winegrowers, with spring frost, numerous diseases, and hailstorms. These phenomena, which occurred before the ripening period, led to a significant drop in harvest, but did not affect the quality of the grapes. On the contrary, the bunches were well-aerated with berries that guaranteed concentration and intensity. This rare vintage will be all the more precious.

White wines:

These wines reveal notes of fresh fruit and citrus. They offer a beautiful balance on the palate. The whites from northern Burgundy reflect the typical characteristics of their terroirs: minerality, flint, and chalky notes.

Red wines:

These wines offer rich and intense red fruit aromas. The ripe, silky tannins provide beautiful harmony on the palate.

Comments made in October 2014 (Joint press conference 2013 BIVB – Hospices de Beaune)

After a long winter, a gloomy spring and a beautiful summer, the harvest did not begin until early October in most areas. This is the latest harvest in a quarter of a century. The consequences of the unpredictable weather had an impact on the quantities harvested. Once again, experience made all the difference.

White wines:

Fruity and well-balanced, the white wines are characterized by a nose marked by citrus notes. This aromatic clarity is also found on the palate. These well-structured wines are lively and fresh, without the aggressiveness that the acidity measured just before the harvest had led to fear.

Red wines:

These wines are fruity and give the impression of biting into a handful of freshly picked red fruits (cherries, raspberries, redcurrants). Some Pinot Noir grapes, harvested later, offer more jammy aromas. On tasting, the initial tart notes give way to a beautiful structure provided by fine, well-present tannins. A lovely length on the palate prolongs the pleasure.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

Sustained acidity and good sugar levels meant that the grapes harvested at the end of September were ideal for making Crémant de Bourgogne. The lively, fruity white base wines reveal aromas of white peach and grapefruit. The Pinot Noir wines are characterized by good structure, while the Gamay wines, which are of very high quality, display intense red fruit aromas.

Comments made in November 2015 (Joint press conference 2014 BIVB – Hospices de Beaune)

2014 confirms the initial predictions: it is a very good vintage and volumes are good. Burgundy experienced a few outbreaks of sour rot. The Pinot Noir plots affected were rigorously sorted, both in the vineyard and in the winery. This isolated and localized phenomenon remains an exception in what was a generally healthy year. As a result, the harvested grapes produced beautifully balanced wines with intense colors.

White wines:

2014 will be an excellent year for white wines in Burgundy. The grapes, which reached optimal ripeness thanks to the September sunshine, have already been vinified. They reveal perfect balance. Their chiseled and precise character promises great aging potential.

Red wines:

Intense colors, a fruity nose, concentration on the palate, and supple, pleasant tannins. These red wines express beautiful notes of fresh fruit. Full of finesse, they reveal all the qualities of great Burgundy red wines.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

The grapes harvested for Crémant wines have relatively high acidity levels, which are necessary for the structure and freshness of these sparkling wines. Thanks to satisfactory yields, particularly for the generous Aligoté grape variety, Burgundy should be able to meet growing demand.

Comments made in November 2016 (2015 Burgundy wine press kit)

In 2015, the grapes were just perfect! Impeccable health and optimal ripeness were the winning combination this year! The magnificent balance of the wines reflects the fantastic aromatic richness of this vintage. The great consistency in quality and exceptional concentration observed from north to south promise a legendary vintage.

White wines:

Already very expressive, with lovely notes of summer fruit, the white wines are very pure on the nose and balanced by incredible freshness and richness on the palate. This harmony will appeal to those who are impatient to drink them, while they will improve with time.

Red wines:

Intense, brilliant colors—in a word, dazzling! These energetic wines reveal aromas of incomparable complexity, with notes of ripe, fleshy red fruits. Silky, round tannins, reflecting absolute maturity, give them balance and elegance. 2015 is a very great vintage that is already delicious and will reveal itself over the years!

Crémant de Bourgogne:

In order to preserve the right balance, the harvest, which must be done by hand, begins at the end of August. Aligoté and Chardonnay production is normal. Yields are more varied for Pinot Noir and Gamay. This vintage is characterized by very aromatic, intense, and complex base wines.

Comments made in November 2017 (Press release – BIVB)

The wines from this vintage are excellent, despite the unpredictable weather that battered the vines. The grapes harvested are perfectly healthy, ripe, and very appetizing! During vinification, the wines' quality potential quickly became apparent. One year after the harvest, there is no doubt that 2016, although small in quantity, is a great vintage in terms of quality. The balance on the palate, which gives the wines elegance, finesse and structure, is the unexpected signature of this vintage.

White wines:

On tasting, these wines display the characteristic tension of Burgundy whites. There is already good substance, which should fully express itself after malolactic fermentation. The aromatic palette, marked by white fruits, should also become richer during aging.

Red wines:

Deep and bright red in color, the wines surprise with their intensity. Their seductive colors reveal what the nose, still a little shy, does not yet reveal: wines that will give pleasure. The palate, fresh and tender, confirms this first impression, supported by good fullness. However, it will be necessary to wait a few months to discover the full personality of these wines.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

The base wines for Crémant de Bourgogne are round, subtle and fresh. They display the characteristics of their terroirs, with a good balance based on moderate acidity. The full aromatic palette of Chardonnay is present, from the more mineral aromas of the Auxerrois vineyards to the notes of white fruit and white flowers in the southern part of the appellation. Pinot Noir produces fine, supple wines with aromas of red fruit (cherry). The Gamay grape variety is very expressive, with a tangy flavor.

Comments made in November 2018 (Press release – BIVB)

Burgundy has returned to a near-normal harvest volume, particularly for reds, accompanied by wines of great quality. Vinification is proceeding smoothly. A sense of calm prevails, with this vintage marking Burgundy's return to its classic standards of quality and quantity.

White wines:

From north to south Burgundy, the opinion is unanimous: 2017 reveals one of the most elegant expressions of Chardonnay, with perfectly balanced wines that are very aromatic on the nose. The freshness is evident in notes of citrus and white fruits. With aeration, notes of peach and apricot emerge. On the palate, minerality and tension balance this rich fruity palette. A very good vintage!

Red wines:

Intense, bright colors, ruby red or garnet. The very expressive notes of fresh red and black berries in these wines also invite you to indulge. The perfect balance on the palate, combined with silky tannins, creates a very harmonious, subtle and unopulent whole.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

Chardonnay offers a beautiful balance, combining freshness and aromatic richness with scents of peach, quince and exotic fruit. The acidity is present but not excessive, giving a light finish. Pinot Noir wines are fruity, with notes of cherry and raspberry, and structure and good length on the palate. The Aligotés will prove perfect in blends, allowing their aging potential to shine through. Finally, the Gamays are lively, fruity, and expressive, and will be indispensable allies, particularly in the production of Crémant de Bourgogne rosés.

Comments made in November 2019 (Press release – BIVB)

This vintage is generating rare enthusiasm from north to south Burgundy. The unusual weather during the year and exceptional conditions during the harvest resulted in perfect growing conditions, which explains why the harvest was spread over nearly a month. A dream vintage, 2018 offers generous volumes and superb quality.

White wines:

In 2018, the aromatic complexity of the white wines is incredible. These are explosive wines on the nose, whose diversity of aromas reflects that of each terroir. The wines retain a certain freshness and minerality. The palate is round and generous, balanced by a beautiful tension.

Red wines:

The 2018 red wines stand out for their intense color, which never ceases to seduce! The wines are structured and powerful, with well-integrated tannins. They retain a beautiful concentration of fruit. The wines are perfectly balanced. They are exceptional and already drink very well in their youth. This is a delicious vintage with accomplished ripeness.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

This year is a benchmark, with expressive and contrasting aromas from one grape variety to another, favoring balanced and aromatic base wines. The Pinot Noir is generous, with notes of cherries and roses. It produces balanced wines with lovely freshness. The Chardonnays are powerful, with moderate acidity and a lovely roundness on the palate. The fruity aromas reveal exotic notes, nuanced by fragrances of apples and peaches. Gamay has delicate aromas of red fruits (raspberry and strawberry), underscored by hints of citrus (clementine, lemon). Finally, Aligoté is lively and lemony, as usual. It has good length on the palate.

Comments made in November 2020 (Press release – BIVB)

2019 was a unique and highly contrasting year. It was hot and dry, but the wines display a freshness that will delight Burgundy wine lovers, accompanied by an appealing richness.

White wines:

Fermentation began very easily and ended gently for the least advanced cuvées. This straightforward vintage is characterized by great aromatic purity and remarkable balance: liveliness supports a rich palate that is very present.

Red wines:

With a fairly soft ruby color, the wines show real elegance, with supple tannins and pleasant freshness. The already well-defined fruit brings a delicious flavor. 2019 is a vintage in the making, with beautiful harmony.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

This year is very characteristic, with high acidity levels coupled with real richness in sugars, providing perfect balance. The wines display intense aromatic maturity, favorable for extended aging in the cellar.

Comments made in November 2021 (Press release – BIVB).

2020 is a very unique vintage and will be remembered for many reasons. It was produced under relatively complicated conditions and circumstances for everyone. It was marked by historic precocity, from bud break to harvest. Ultimately, the result is absolutely exceptional and remarkably classic.

White wines:

The white wines are fruity and express beautiful aromatic complexity with very nice acidity. Despite the summer heat, they are very well balanced, carried by a classic freshness in line with expectations for a Burgundy vintage.

Red wines:

The red wines stand out for their incredible colors! They have beautiful, deep colors, indicative of high anthocyanin levels. Ideal sunshine and heat during ripening have resulted in concentrated wines with character, but without heaviness. Like the white wines, they have retained their freshness and offer delicious profiles of black fruits such as blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

This is not a sunny vintage, although the base wines show intense aromatic expressions. These are rich, complex, delicious wines. The surprise lies in their high acidity and low pH levels, which promote perfect balance!

Comments made in November 2021 (Press release – BIVB).

In addition to the volume losses due to frost (and hail in June in some areas of the Mâconnais), the harvested grapes undergo a very meticulous double sorting process, both in the vineyard and in the winery. The unpredictable weather in July and early August contributed to the development of a few pockets of disease, which were fortunately contained thanks to the efforts of the winegrowers and the return of dry weather in August. The general consensus is that 2021 is an interesting vintage to work with, as it requires real technical skill: the vinification process must be very precise. Although it needs to be carried out quickly, great care must be taken to extract the tannins and color from the red wines. After a few months, both the whites and reds are showing good balance.

White wines:

The whites express a lovely freshness that will appeal to lovers of Burgundy. Very well-defined, they currently offer citrus notes such as lemon and grapefruit, which will evolve during aging.

Red wines:

The delicate ruby color of the red wines is accompanied by aromas of fresh or more ripe red fruits. This beautiful fruit expression is found on the palate, with notes of cherry and raspberry. The textures are delicate and the tannins very silky.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

This is a vintage that promises to be elegantly classic, with a subtle and discreet aromatic expression. The palate is lively and straightforward. The base wines are fresh and fruity with good tension thanks to their marked acidity, which is conducive to aging on slats for wines with good aging potential. The Chardonnay expresses almond, white flowers and very light hints of English candy and exotic fruits. The Pinot Noir, more structured and powerful with earlier ripening, has aromas of red berries, cherries and plums.

Comments made in November 2021 (Press release – BIVB).

Once again, it was an intense year in terms of weather, with frost, heat waves, and drought. Bud break was later than in recent years, which partially protected the vineyard from the April frost. Then, thanks to the subtle balance it maintains with the Burgundy terroir, the vines survived four heat waves and widespread water shortages without damage. This balance is reflected in the musts, which, according to general opinion, have well-controlled alcohol levels. The wines are beautifully crafted, with good concentration and lovely balance. This vintage is surprising: despite the very hot conditions of the year, its fresh fruit aromas and lovely liveliness promise a bright future.

White wines:

The white wines are distinguished by their roundness, suppleness, and complexity. They are rich and very expressive, with fruity aromas that are present without being overly pronounced. On the palate, notes of fresh fruit and beautiful balance preserve the freshness.

Red wines:

Just at the start of aging, the reds are very colorful, supple on the palate, with good concentration. The wines have a structure supported by soft tannins and roundness coupled with real density. They concentrate delicious aromas of ripe red and black fruits.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

The base wines are well-balanced, with good ripeness, allowing for little enrichment. Acidity is moderate. The wines are powerful, with a soft, crisp character. They have good length on the palate.

Comments made in November 2023 (Press release – BIVB).

After a generous 2022, 2023 confirms the trend with above-average volumes, bringing relief to winegrowers and négociants. Despite unstable summer weather, quality is on the rise. Chardonnay, Aligoté, and Sauvignon reached optimal maturity in excellent health, while retaining the freshness characteristic of Burgundy white wines. Pinot Noir, meanwhile, once again demonstrated its nobility. Rigorous sorting, facilitated by high yields, resulted in juices of great aromatic richness. The wines are expressive and fruity, with a diversity of profiles linked to the choice of harvest dates, promising an interesting exploration of the 2023 vintage.

White wines:

The whole of Burgundy agrees that 2023 is “a very great year for whites.” The ripe, balanced, and healthy grapes produced rich and opulent wines without excess. The aromas evoke ripe white fruits such as pear and peach. Despite the heat at the start of the harvest, the balance has been preserved, resulting in wines of great finesse.

Red wines:

The 2023 reds are expressive and accessible. They reveal delicious aromas ranging from fresh red fruits such as raspberry to black fruits such as blackberry, sometimes with spicy notes. On the palate, they are distinguished by their beautiful density and silky tannic structure. The vinification conditions allowed for optimal color extraction, resulting in remarkably intense colors.

Crémant de Bourgogne:

The base wines for Crémant de Bourgogne are fruity, balanced, and elegant. The Chardonnay has citrus aromas, floral notes, and sometimes exotic fruit. Pinot Noir expresses small red fruits such as raspberry and cherry. Aligoté retains its liveliness with citrus notes, while the expressive Gamay brings aromas reminiscent of strawberry.