2017 Domaine Lafouge Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Les Climat du Val

Wateford Wine & Spirits Notes:

Auxey-Duresses is on the rise and here is an under the radar producer making great Preimer Cru wine that competes with Premier Crus from any other appellation.

Critical Acclaim:

“One of my favorite insider domaines in Burgundy, Domaine Jean et Gilles Lafouge produces a range of impressively consistent and compelling wines. Old vines, cultivated soils and classical winemaking are the rudiments of Gilles Lafouge’s recipe for success. The clean and organized cuverie and cellar immediately communicate a sense of dedication and attention to detail that comes across just as strongly in the glass.

This estate is a source of superb Meursault and Pommard, but don’t neglect the range of Auxey-Duresses red and white, wines that demonstrate what these terroirs can deliver when given the same treatment as more glamorous appellations.

That these wines age beautifully, I can personally testify, having enjoyed a lovely 1969 Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru La Chapelle last summer—an unexpected but happy encounter on a local wine list.”

“91+ points. Somewhat more structured and reserved than the outgoing Duresses, the 2017 Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Climat du Val unwinds in the glass with aromas of smoky berry fruit, plums, loamy soil and spice. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, with a satiny attack, good depth at the core and enough fleshy fruit to largely conceal its chassis of fine but chalky structuring tannin. This will merit a few years’ bottle age.”