Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Rouge La Taupe 2022

Shanteh Wale

"In the past this single vineyard was once included in the Pommard AOC, now it falls in as Bourgogne Rouge but with its 70 year old vines, close planted to 10,000 vines per hectare and resting in clay soils, this is of premium quality for its price tag. All destemmed fruit, the wine opens with smouldering christmas cherries and dried raspberry and persimmon. A hint at some blood plum and orange oil. Brown spices of mace and cumin, acidity is gradual and builds in its grandeur. There is even more fleshiness in the middle palate with lovely fine, sandy tannins that fan out the tail of the wine. This is energetic in its fruit profile followed by lithe spice and plenty of line. Drink now or in another 3-5 years, perfect for a date night red, accompanied by a wagyu tartare."

Wine Orbit

Refined and complex, the wine shows dark cherry, thyme, warm spice, and toasted almond characters on the nose, leading to a succulent palate delivering supple texture and finely woven tannins. Stylish and beautifully proportioned with a persistent, elegant finish. At its best: now to 2032. NZ$100.00.

Wine Pilot

There was a time when one would approach Bourgogne Rouge with the greatest trepidation. Thankfully, those days are long gone. This is made by a rising star, Romaric Chavy, and is, at least in Burgundian terms, excellent value. From a single vineyard site near Pommard with an average age of 70 years. 100% destemming, before fermentation. 2022 is one of this legendary region’s finest vintages in recent years. Synthetic cork. A crimson/garnet hue, the nose gives us red fruits, cherries, dried herbs, leaf litter, undergrowth, animal skins and coffee grinds. There is quite a sleek palate with an alluring texture and satiny tannins. Focus and balance, with impressive length. This is so far ahead of the old fashioned style of Bourgogne Rouge and it does give a serious nod to Pommard. It should drink beautifully over the next six to eight years.

John Szabo, Master Sommelier

Côte de Beaune-based Chavy-Chouet is more of a white wine specialist, with a dozen references compared to 3 in red, but this Bourgogne Rouge, from a lieu-dit next to the Château de Pommard planted well over a half century ago is surely worth tracking down. It's a much more dense and compact, structured and concentrated wine than one might expect from a regional appellation pinot in the southern Côte, but it does indeed resemble the firm wines of Pommard. I like the streak of iron that runs through the ripe, darker cherry fruit; wood plays no role in flavour here, but the nourishment of lees is in evidence on the broad palate. Length and depth are excellent. Nicely detailed and not yet near peak - I'd revisit after 2027 - it has the stuffing to evolve and improve to be sure. Tasted November 2024.

John Szabo, Master Sommelier

Michael Godel

Domaine Chevy Chouet’s Romaric Chavy is a seventh generation winemaker who makes terrific Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet from 15 hectares in these two villages just three kilometres apart. The ’23 vintage is a special one with freshness not too dissimilar with ‘22, viscous texture and captured mouthfeel, all examined and explained through the Domaine’s La Taupe. Resides at a Bourgogne AOC level but consider the village and therefore where fruit grows for high quality’s and in this case also intensity. As aromatic as pinot noir will get in the Côte d’Or, lengthy and of a relish that keeps you coming back for more. Drink 2024-2028. Tasted November 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck

Ripe redcurrants, rose petals, baking spices, and assorted warm, earthy notes all emerge from the 2023 Bourgogne Rouge La Taupe, a medium-bodied red Burgundy that's balanced and has a layered, tight, grippy mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's beautifully done, and I'd certainly happily drink a bottle. It goes to show that there are still plenty of beautiful wines at reasonable prices in Burgundy today. This should have 7-8 years of longevity, and it will probably be better this time next year. I think the 2023 is a solid step up over the more forward, charming 2022. Drink 2026-2033.

Sara d'Amato

It is "chouet(te)" like Chavy, this pinot noir labelled as a basic Bourgogne is so much more. Highly perfumed with attractive notes of red apple skin and plum with gentle spice and black cherry. Bramble and tilled earth also chime in, along with a hint of charcoal on the finish of excellent length. Youthful and brimming with possibility. Best 2024-2027. Tasted November 2024.

Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy

A waft of engaging ripe pinot on its floral side. Engaging full fruit, just the right acidity, gourmand but stylish. “Beaucoup de buvabilité” says Romaric, meaning that this is for drinking, not sipping.

Vivino