Shop Wine

wines

The just-released 2019 Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet is showing nicely, unwinding in the glass with aromas of orange confit, honeycomb, pear and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless, it’s dense and layered, with bright acids and a charming, suave style despite its concentration. Aromatically, it’s still a touch reserved and will really reward a few more years of bottle age.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 93+ RPThe 2019 Viré-Clessé had just been racked on my visit, therefore there was so much gas in this wine, as expected. Nevertheless, there is already fine balance and harmony, a keen line of acidity with a lovely spicy finish that lingers in the mouth. It’s a work in progress, but there is plenty of potential here. This is due to be bottled September 2022.Vinous Media | 90-92 VM

Matured entirely in oak (20% new from François Frères), the 2019 Viré-Clessé Vieilles Vignes Sur le Chêne has a well-defined bouquet with yellow plum, honeysuckle, quince and light vanilla pod aromas that gather momentum in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with dried honey, peach skin and white pepper, good tension here with a precise finish that has more persistence than the Quintaine. Excellent.Vinous Media | 92 VM

This is the under $35 bottle of white Burgundy that Puligny Montrachet lovers serve at parties and pools. It’s so similar to 1st Cru Puligny Montrachets in that it has both richness, power and pleasant acid structure that many people don’t know the difference. It’s been my party trick for years to serve this blind and let all the white burgundy aficionados guess what great Puligny producer this is from. And this 2021 vintage may be the best vintage to date.Sokolin Tasting Panel | 94+ SP

The 2022 Viré-Clessé Breillonde is aged two-thirds in demi-muids and the rest in stainless steel. This has a slightly cooler and more malic bouquet than the regular Viré-Clessé. There’s some reserve here, so it will demand more coaxing. The palate is well balanced with a dab of dried honey and stem ginger on the entry. Quite a pithy Viré-Clessé complex with a very keen line of acidity that cuts through the waxy finish. There’s a hint of Muscat on the aftertaste. This is a great wine, and it should age well over the next 12-15 years.Vinous Media | 91 VM