Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru 'Ecusseaux', Domaine Robert Ampeau et Fils 1990 vs Santenay Premier Cru, Beauregard, Edouard Delaunay, (Magnum) 2019
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications. Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru 'Ecusseaux', Domaine Robert Ampeau et Fils 1990 currently starts £0.30 lower.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £73.40 | £73.70 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Robert Ampeau & Fils | Edouard Delaunay |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir |
| Size | 750ml | 1500ml |
| Where to buy |
Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru 'Ecusseaux', Domaine Robert Ampeau et Fils 1990
Michel Ampeau, now in his 70s, has retired after making more than 35 vintages at the family domaine created by his grandfather at the turn of the last century. The domaine covers many of the finest climats of the Côte de Beaune. For decades, however, he pursued a policy of only selling his wines when mature and, as a result, has one of the finest collections of back vintages in the whole of Burgundy. The wine-making has long been traditional. The reds are 100% de-stemmed, fermented in cement, open-topped vats at a maximum of 30C with regular pigeage and aged for up to 12 months in 10% new oak barrels. The style is one of lean, intellectual, harmonious wines where the fruit is complemented by crisp acidity and/or firm but ripe tannins. They are built to age and are fantastic partners for food. "This is a delightful surprise – fully mature but showing wisdom, not wrinkles. Ecusseaux is on the eastern boundaries of the village and touches Monthelie to the north and Meursault to the east. This has some firmness but no rusticity, the quality of this super vintage shines through – literally, with a warmth and generosity to the fruit. A really fun, rewarding bottle to produce at a tasting or dinner table." Tom, Head Wine Guru
Santenay Premier Cru, Beauregard, Edouard Delaunay, (Magnum) 2019
Over the hills and far away to the Haut Cotes... And a kaleidoscopic tasting with Laurent Delaunay at the family’s beautiful Chateau de Charmont. 28 wines tried – from Bourgogne Aligoté (absolutely outstanding – who needs Chardonnay?!?) right through to Echezeaux and Clos Vougeot, with many highlights across appellations and crus. The choice of parcels, and pragmatic approach – where every cuvée is treated individually without a set formula for quantity of new oak, or amount of whole bunches used etc, allows each wine to offer a true and deeply satisfying expression of the terroirs. Whilst the strength in Nuits Saint Georges is especially noticeable, there are some absolute gems throughout – and the consistent balance of succulence and focus, sweetness and salinity, authenticity and sophistication shows that there are great things ahead for Maison Delaunay. Watch out for Laurent picking some of his top under the radar wines for us and elsewhere explaining why we should embrace his passion for Nuits Saint Georges… "From a well-drained, nicely exposed limestone-spiked site on the same level of the slope as Chassagne, there are plenty of stones here for mineral drive but the aspect means the fruit ripens well and is always harvested early. 10% whole bunches used and 20% new oak. “The most affordable red Burgundy premier cru” is how Laurent convincingly sells this wine. The aromas are up front, a combination of red and black plums and cherry tobacco and a hint of polish and pencil lead. Palate is very juicy, with bright summer fool fruits and the sponge to match, a hint of star anise, plus crunchy peppery fresh tannins. What’s not to like?" Tom Harrow, Head Wine Guru
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