Philippe claims not to be a dogmatist (“Taliban”) but by farming biodynamically, insisting on 100% whole bunch fermentations, only natural yeasts, no additional sulphite and with a marked preference for old oak his wines are unusually distinctive. His philosophy is all about preserving the integrity of the grapes and avoiding oxidation but as naturally as possible and he owns some great parcels of vines across the Cote d’Or (concentrating on Nuits reds).
Thanks to an itinerary change we were
able to spend well over two hours with Philippe in his
cellar and tasted everything – including several cuvées
from different aged barrels – first from new oak and then
from others ten year old. Putting senior Premier Crus
and Grand Crus in decade old oak (constantly filled) is a classic example of how, like
everything about his wines, Philippe marches to the beat of his own drum.
Philippe echoed the conversations we’d had with several other winemakers about climate
change adding that “the vines are adapting quicker than we are”. He suggests the hot
vintages from 2015 to 2020 (excepting the cooler 2017) resemble the post war years 1945-
49 that were also replete with extraordinary ‘vins gards’. “We have more tannins, more
acids, more sugars, more aromatics, more everything”. He doesn’t worry about sorting
the grapes as the dry harvests ensure the grapes always arrive in perfect physiological
health. He also appreciates the hot summers when out working the vines. “We used to
have cold, wet summers like in England, being in the vineyards was shit, I prefer it now”.
I won’t go into detail about the wines, that’s all to come – but lots to love across the
appellations and cru levels. I do however think the Fixin and even more so Fixin 1er Cru
are well worth a look for anyone wanting to begin their Pacalet journey and was really
impressed by the whites. We also tried a Beaujolais ‘vin de primeur’ (Nouveau - 2020)
he makes exclusively for Japanese clients and a delicious cremant from Aligote and
Pinot Noir ‘Bulles’ – which thankfully is not. Great alternative festive bubbles from one of
Burgundy’s true mavericks.
Burgundy 2019 En Primeur: Super-Charged Classics
Tom and Clemence had a fascinating week in Burgundy and even with Covid-19 restrictions, they were able to meet and taste with the majority of our key growers - for which we are glad as 2019 is a vintage that deserves your attention: the reds have lived up to the early promise showed last year and the whites have surprised everyone, growers included, by turning out sensationally. In fact Tom can’t recall such an even-handed year in terms of quality since 2010.
This page is where you can find all the growers and their releases (or filter accordingly for red/white). For more information on upcoming releases, register to be added to our Burgundy 2019 En Primeur mailing list, or view our brochure.
Tom Harrow's 2019 Vintage Report
Could Burgundy 2019 rival the 1865 vintage as the greatest ever?! Our Wine Director Tom’s thoughts and recommendations.
Burgundy 2019 Hidden Gems
2019 is one of the great modern Burgundy vintages and here Tom reveals his favourite under-the-radar "Hidden Gems" with which to line your cellar.
Wine List
Browse all Burgundy 2019 En Primeur wines.
View Growers
Ballot-Millot
Charles at Ballot-Millot will always have an exciting line-up and 2019 is no exception.
Bichot & du Clos Frantin
A really pleasing set of wines from Domaines Bichot, with once again the highlights coming from jewel in the crown Domaine du Clos Frantin.
Christian Clerget
"...real purity and succulence across the range with a minerality and tension that quivers like a bloodhound on the scent."
Comte Armand
Although it takes years to reach its full potential, it’s worth the wait as with maturity Epeneux is like a universe in a glass, exploding exponentially in all directions at once.
de Montille
The domaine’s consistently top class reds and whites gives an unrivalled perspective on the quality and style of the vintage.
Dugat-Py
Loïc Dugat, now 13th generation, is continuing the family tradition of making some of the greatest and most sought-after wines in Burgundy.
Duroché
Pulling up at Pierre’s in Gevrey is accompanied by a sense of huge excitement and a question – can he do it yet again? The answer is an emphatic yes.
Edouard Delaunay
The consistent balance of succulence and focus, sweetness and salinity, authenticity and sophistication shows that there are great things ahead for Maison Delaunay.
François Raquillet
Up-and-coming pockets away from the centre can often provide real satisfaction for less money. Here, Mercurey is one such area that is definitely fulfilling its promise.
Geantet-Pansiot
Fabien and Vincent make superb and unjustly overlooked wines; they taste extremely well young and have a great capacity to age.
Georges Lignier
“The vintage of my life” is how the ever ebullient Benoit Stehly describes 2019, adding “the grapes were perfect, the balance, energy and terroir expression – perfect.”
Henri Magnien
These were among the most hedonistic, plush and muscular sets of wines we tried, although alcohol levels remained between 12.7 and 13.6%, and there is no lack of energy here.
Jane Eyre
One of the pioneers of the growing micro-negotiant movement, Jane continues her inexorable rise to stardom.
Jean-Marc Boillot
The Boillot wines are rich, ripe and ample but oak is kept to a maximum of 30% and there is always the underlying minerality and a core of zesty citrus to balance the waxy, yellow fruits.
Jean Tardy et Fils
“2019 has the warmth and richness of 2015, with the freshness and terroir expression of 2016.”
Long-Depaquit
Within the house of Albert Bichot, Domaine Long-Depaquit is well known for its careful selection of Chablis styles.
Michel Gros
Low yields, hand picking, total destemming and minimal racking are factors in the resultant style of Michel’s wines – supple and seductive.
Paul et Marie Jacqueson
Extremely proficient winemaking and judicious use of new oak (20% for whites and 25% for reds) make for beautifully crafted, ripe, intense, sensual wines.
Philippe Colin
Emmanuel suggests 2019 has the “matier” and intensity of 2014 with more of the generosity of the warmer vintages - definitely “Grand Year”.
Philippe Pacalet
On the recent hotter vintages: “We have more tannins, more acids, more sugars, more aromatics, more everything.”
Pre-Release of Prieuré Roch 2018
The Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 'Clos des Corvées Vielles Vignes', 2018.
Taupenot-Merme
Wines of structure, clear vineyard expression and complexity, from Bourgogne Rouge up to Clos des Lambrays.
Tollot-Beaut
Founded in the 1880s, Tollot-Beaut remains amongst the best value and consistently rewarding growers in the Côte de Beaune.
Duty Paid: Duty and VAT already paid and available for delivery now. In Bond: Price quoted ex-duty and VAT, which must be paid before the wines can be delivered.
Duty Paid: Duty and VAT already paid and available for delivery now. In Bond: Price quoted ex-duty and VAT, which must be paid before the wines can be delivered.
