Beaune Premier Cru, Les Sizies, Domaine de Montille, 2020

Our visits to de Montille get (thankfully) longer each year as we continue to deepen our relationship with Etienne, Brian and the team. I can’t think of another address in Burgundy that has such strength in its domaine whites and Cote de Beaune reds (and the highly sought after Vosne Romanée ‘Malconsorts’ cherry on top) so we are delighted to carry a good selection from across their portfolio. Brian is rightly pleased with the domaine’s wines again this year commenting on a good balance of acidity and alcohol but adding a note of caution about climate change: 2019 was one of the driest vintages on record and he suggests Burgundy is in “in a window right now. Pinot Noir is a delicate variety and we need more water and less sun”. Overall he preferred slightly fewer whole bunches and less new oak than 2018. Etienne adds that 2019 has a “classic textural character” and was “a consensual vintage – everyone could make the style of wine they wanted, unlike the last three vintages, here there is something for everyone”. The latter is certainly true here at de Montille with chiselled, polished reds and racy but juicy whites. Once again Beaune 1er Cru (both colours) continues to over perform and offer exceptional value.