René Bouvier, Marsannay (Burgundy, France) “Le Clos” 2010

($30, Sherbrooke Cellars Selection): Marsannay, the northern most appellation of the Côte d’Or and practically a suburb of Dijon, is one of the last outposts of the “golden slope” where the consumer can find authentic Burgundy at reasonable prices.  Most Marsannay is red, but 15 percent of the vineyards are planted to Chardonnay, making it one of the rare white wines from the Côtes de Nuits.  With this single vineyard bottling, René Bouvier, one of the village’s top producers, has combined the firm stoniness of the Côte de Nuits, with a hint of creaminess you’d expect from a Côte de Beaune white.   With the vivacity characteristic of the vintage, it would transform a simple weekday night roast chicken into a celebration. This is a tremendous buy given the current exorbitant prices of Burgundy.
93 Michael Apstein Aug 19, 2014