JC is back in France! Day 2
Day two took us to the northern most Appellation in Burgundy of Marsannay with our first visit to Domaine Charles Audoin - rugby mad Cyril Audoin (lengthy discussion on the possible results of World Cup 2023!!) showed us his lovely vibrant 2020s - we both really enjoy his style of reds, and always have some on hand at home!!
Next saw us in Gevrey Chambertin visiting two cult producers-
Domaine Jean-Marie Fourrier - we met with Francois who has been in charge of the Domaine for the last five years – ex-sommelier/Dijon restaurateur Francois showed us some of 2021 barrel samples, and the bulk of the tasting their outstanding 2020 wines. After this lengthy tasting you understand why Fourrier wines are so sought after around the world.
Domaine Denis Bachelet - Afterwards we were invited for a delicious lunch at the home of Jo and Denis Bachelet, along with the new generation Nicolas and Doriane, who are gently taking over the reins. Tasted with lunch their 2020’s – what a treat – they are so good, and despite the ripeness they are showing freshness and minerality on the finish. On the menu was sous-vide eggs with a light creamy mushroom sauce, followed by a rolled and stuffed chicken breast and light jus, a selection of Burgundian cheeses and finished with a delicious pistachio, meringue duo.
Something to note - because of the frosts in early April 2021 that decimated large areas in Burgundy - volumes of this vintage are minuscule both here and at most domaines – especially in the Appellation of Gevrey-Chambertin.
We managed to drag the gorgeous Cecile Tremblay out of her vineyards for a quick visit but intense visiting and tasting of the 2021’s - wow – a hugely impressive line-up from Bourgogne appellation right through to Grand Crus – confirming her superstar status. She’s recently acquire three hectares in the Cote de Nuits and hopefully that will mean a bigger allocation for us.
5pm saw us at the cellars of Ghislaine Barthot and Louis Boillot. Husband and wife, they both have their own stellar domaines. It is always a pleasure to visit with these top producers offering exceptional and consistent selection. Their son, Clement is now in charge of the day to day running of both estates.
Straight afterwards we caught up and shared dinner with Cecile and her husband Philippe Charlopin (another top Gevrey producer) (and their very cute new puppy) at the restaurant Castel des Tres Girard in Morey St Denis. The line-up of wine was impressive (see below) – and awesome evening and lots more talk of the RWC 2023 -we feel the French are very excited about the next Rugby World cup!!
Agrapart Blanc de Blancs 2013
Tremblay Vosne Romanee 1er Cru les Beaumonts 2018
Tremblay Grand Cru Echezeaux 2019
Charlopin Grand Cru Mazis-Chambertin 2019
What a night!
1.The super cool Cyril Audoin! His wines are something else! 2.Jean-Marie Fourrier’s cellar 3.Barrel tasting of fourrier’s 2021 - My kind of vintage
 Bachelet.jpg "Denis")
4.Francois at Domaine Fourrier with their latest acquisition 5.The new generation at Domaine Denis (on the left) Bachelet 6.After a tasting at Cecile Tremblay! Respect!
7.Always an amazing time at Domaine Ghislaine Barthod & Louis Boillot 8.Awesome dinner with Cecile Tremblay and Philippe Charlopin at Castel Très Girard