Pinot Noir with Character From the Beaune Hilltops
The ‘Hautes Côtes de Beaune’ appellation consists of the vineyards up the hill from the Beaune appellation vineyards. These are a little more exposed to the elements and near the top of the hills. These vineyards typically produce wines a little lighter and slightly less complex than their lower neighbors, but are typically a very good bargain, being two-thirds to half the price. The growers here are serious about making good wine. Sixty percent of this particular wine is aged in oak, in 3 to 5 year old barrels allowing complexity from the barrel without the excess tannin.Lovely garnet in color, the wine has a very fruity nose of cherry pie filling with hints of vanilla and violets. Very smooth on the palate with good fruit, this wine’s complexity and length make you think of something more expensive. Says the magazine ‘Bourgogne Aujourd’hui, “Two Bunches [they rate on a scale of 1-4 grape bunches], The Lycée Viticole de Beaune, shows the example, with this wine issuing from the experimental vineyards of Mont-Battois in Savigny, a red color with violet nuances, an open nose revealing ripe wild cherry, black currant, and spice, with a delicate mid-palate fresh with civilized tannins. Almost rates a 3^rd bunch.”