En primeur tasting - Burgundy Briefing

Domaine Germain, Chateau De Chorey-Lès-Beaune
White Wines
Pernand-Vergelesses
A slightly savory aroma. Rounded with plenty of fruit, pear and a touch of hazelnut.
Medium bodied and fresh with a fair and fruity finish. A pleasing wine - study and
characterful. I like this. Very attractive to good. From 2006
Meursault, Les Pellans
Germain bought this is 1999 and changed the pruning from Guyot to Cordon Royat to
keep the yields in check and to avoid doing a green harvest, even in 2004.
Rich, aromatic and rather sumptuous with a thick texture. It is medium-full and
nicely balanced with a fresh and mineral core. Correct. Good. From 2007
Pernand-Vergelesses, Vieilles Vignes
1 hectare of 40 year old vines including 10% Chardonnay muscaté. Gemain made
only one barrel. The rest goes into the Pernand-Vergelesses. It is made in a 500 litre
cask of new wood.
Fleshier and more muscular palate. Broad and fullish body with the savory character
of the straight cuvée, but fatter. I actually prefer the liveliness of that wine. Good.
Beaune, Sous Les Grèves
Savory aroma, rich and biscuity. Good bite of minerality on the palate, full, nicely
compact, rich earthiness and vigour to this wine and a pleasing level of power and
intensity onto the finish. Particularly good. From 2008
Red Wines
Chorey-Lès-Beaune
Zesty, fruity aroma and plenty of bright crunchy red fruit and a hint of bell-pepper on
the palate. Fresh, unpretentious and immediate wine with a lively personality and
excellent typicité. Exactly as it should be. Very attractive. From 2006
Chorey-Lès-Beaune, Vieilles Vignes
1 hectare. Germain keeps keep 2 barrels for this separate bottling.
Perfumed with violet notes. Very approachable with an attractively ample middle
and shares lively red fruit with the former wine. Medium bodied, rounded with
peppery tannin. Good. From 2006/7
Beaune Premier Cru, Domaine Des Saux
This name is taken from the family who sold the château to the Germain family. 50%
Bouchrotte, 25% Cent Vignes and 25% Teurons
A light and energetic wine. Peppery and bright, nicely rounded and balanced with
slight spice. Modest substance. A pretty and unassuming wine. Good. From 2007
Beaune, Teurons
Germain explains that hail came from the South at the end of August, so it had a
major effect on this vineyard. This was followed by “beautiful weather and a cold
wind…..so important ….the wind stopped any rot problem.”