Thursday 10th January, 12-6:30pm: 2017 Burgundy barrel sample tasting
Bishopsgate shop
Walkaround
£25 per person inc VAT (redeemable against 2017 Burgundy en primeur purchases over £250)
Wines will be offered over the next couple of weeks
Last November we made the trek to Burgundy for an unusually positive set of cellar visits and tastings. These were marked as much by relief that at last the size of the harvest was approaching normality as they were by pleasure in the overall quality. Vignerons have something to sell and what they have is rather beautiful. Though obviously we've been warned by everyone not to necessarily expect bigger allocations. You can insert your own eyerolling emoji.
The reds were immediately attractive but impossible to associate with any other vintage unless you're showing off and referencing the 1940s. They will age very well from the structure, but many older vignerons say they'll continue to be fun drinking and are unlikely to close down. Though this is Burgundy and all opinions are to be taken with a pinch of salt. What characterises them is their just-ripe balance and elegance. They're elusive and fey.
Whites are easier to judge across the board from their energy, texture, ripeness and integration. They share a lot with 2012 and 14.
But don't take my word for it, sign up for our tasting next Thursday 10 January from 12-6.30. Our Unfree Thursday tasting - Burgundy en primeur - should be one of the most interesting of the year and the nominal charge doesn't even cover our costs. Also it is redeemable against 2017 Burgundy en primeur purchases over £250. /CW
