Profound (Yet Elegant) Burgundy

Today’s Story: Domaine G. Roumier

Domaine Georges Roumier originated in 1924, however most of their production at that time sold to wine merchants. This changed though, in 1945, when Georges Roumier started bottling wine at the domaine. I’m thankful Roumier made this change, as I’m sure many throughout the wine world are, because the reputation of this domaine has soared higher and Roumier sits as one of the upper-echelon producers in Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Corton-Charlemagne.

Christophe Roumier and his father Jean-Marie became partners in 1981 to manage the domaine, which as it currently stands covers 11.52 hectares in some of Burgundy’s premier appellations. Christophe has been instrumental in the continued rise of Roumier’s wines, immeasurably due to his very strict and dedicated care for the vines and winemaking process. Christophe produces 11 different bottlings ranging from the village level to Grand Cru, each wine made with this same rigor to produce high-quality, luxurious, profound, and always delicious wines.

All of Roumier’s fruit is hand-harvested and sorted, the village wines are typically made with destemmed fruit (the rest of the wines vary), punchdowns occur during fermentation, all yeasts are natural, and minimal new oak is used for aging (Christophe says he never goes above 30%). I’d love to dive deeper into the farming and winemaking practices, but I believe this Decanter article does an incredible job and suggest you read it if you’re interested in learning more.

Today’s Wine: 2014 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Clos de la Bussière

100% Pinot Noir; 13% ABV

This wine is medium ruby in color and is fairly transparent. I recommend decanting the wine due to its youth, and once the wine opens up I get aromas of cherry, cranberry, asphalt, smoke, charred green herbs, red florals, crushed rock, and forest floor. Once in the mouth, this showcases notes of black cherry, cranberry, redcurrant, red licorice, sous bois, tobacco, green underbrush, and black tar. The 2014 Clos de la Bussière is medium-bodied with high acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish. A gorgeous wine now with some air, though I’d cellar this for another 10 years and it’ll last for decades beyond that.

Price: $200. It might be seen as tough calling a bottle of this price great value, but Roumier produces exquisite wines that are relative value to many estates whose prices have exploded the last several years. Roumier consistently makes some of my favorite wines ranging from entry-level to the absurd (their Musigny Grand Cru of this vintage goes for $13,000+ per bottle). Pair this with beef, lamb, or chicken.