2019, Domaine Chandon de Briailles, PERNAND-VERGELESSES 1er Cru, 'Ile de Vergelesses', Rouge

The 2019 Pernand-Vergelesses Ile de Vergelesses 1er Cru was more muted on the nose, dark berry fruit mingling with autumn leaves and earthy notes. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins on the entry. This has more substance than the preceding Savigny Les Lavières, and more grip, with subtle mushroom notes combining with red fruit on the finish. This should drink well over the next 10-12 years. 90-92 Neal Martin, Vinous (2020).

The 2019 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Ile de Vergelesses is very promising, mingling aromas of cherries and berries with hints of peony, orange rind and forest floor in an incipiently complex bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it's charming and complete, with supple tannins and a concentrated core of fruit. 92-94 William Kelley, Wine Advocate (2021).

From a parcel of more than 3ha in this premier cru, perfectly exposed to the southeast. The best of the red is fermented with about two-thirds whole clusters, before ageing in older casks to produce this wine that is initially somewhat backwards, but opens with time to show a pleasant blackberry fruit and mineral notes. The texture is fresh and tightly wound, with grippy tannins leading to a very rewarding finish. 93 Charles Curtis MW, Decanter (2020).

Not yet racked. Rich purple colour and significant weight to the nose, some liquorice touches to add to the dark raspberry, there?s a genuine mineral fresh touch to this over and above the acidity. Very good. All whole bunch except a few young vines. **** 90-93 Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (2020).

An even more floral-suffused nose offers another step up in elegance with its attractively spiced aromas of rose petal, violet, sandalwood and cool red cherry. The sleek, intense and sophisticated medium weight flavours brim with minerality and dry extract on the balanced, persistent and complex finale. This mildly austere effort will need most of a decade to arrive at its peak - well worth seeking out. 91-93 Allen Meadows, Burghound (2021).

Drinking Window: 2023 - 2033