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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Of all the new direct-import discoveries to join our portfolio last year, perhaps none reach the heights of quality that Domaine Clos de la Chapelle does. This remarkable domaine under the direction of Pierre Merguey and his American partner Mark O'Connell is still flying under the radar, but they're poised for a big breakout into the elite echelon.
The domaine's vineyard holdings are impressive to say the least, centered around their monopole Volnay Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru. Top to bottom, the 2023s were incredibly impressive on both occasions we tasted them, at Wine Paris in February and again at the domaine in April. The critical press is equally impressed on a consistent basis, as the domaine has racked up solid accolades from Wine Spectator, Burghound, Inside Burgundy, and View From the Cellar.
The crown jewel is indeed the "utterly stunning" monopole Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Chapelle, a 96-point showstopper that's "all about finesse and its silky texture, with ... terrific dimension." The double 95-point Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds is itself a world-class expression of this hallowed site that can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of d'Angerville and Montille at a fraction of their prices. Gilman exclaims, "I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle!" The JG94 Volany Santentots du Milieu is a bona fide gem in its own. "Remarkably sensual," the 2023 is "a simply great bottle of Santenots du Milieu in the making." The sleeper gem, however, is the Beaune Champs Pimot 1er Cru. The lesser-know lieu-dit turned out a fantastic 2023 with a "complex aromatic constellation" and a "a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish."
It's safe to say we haven't been this excited to introduce a new producer in a long time, and our direct access to the domaine's cellars makes the entire line-up some of the sharpest collectible buys in our Burgundy inventory. |
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Showing oak spice notes, this red is smoky in style, with cherry, blackberry, mineral and green olive, plus hints of wild herbs and menthol. Displays excellent depth, harmony and structure, with a long, complex aftertaste that echoes the fruit, mineral and spice elements. Best from 2030 through 2047.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Apr 2026)
The 2023 Champs Pimont from Clos de la Chapelle was raised in fifteen percent new casks this year. Additionally, ten percent of the cuvée was raised in amphora. The wine has turned out beautifully, offering a complex aromatic constellation of red and black cherries, pigeon, coffee bean, a nice touch of whole clusters, a fine base of soil, cedar and a lovely smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, complex and very transparent down to its soil, with a very good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine focus and balance and a long, suavely tannic finish. Lovely juice in the making.
92 points, John Gilman, View From The Cellar (Apr 2025)
It was necessary to thin the crop as it was very generous even from 50+ years old vines. Attractive cherry and raspberry fruit on the nose, undemonstrative on the palate, less even concentration than Teurons, medium length with a couple of tannins. Drink from 2028-2033. Tasted Oct 2024.
89-91 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (Jan 2025)
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