2014  

Bernard Burgaud is one of the more understated producers of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, making just one wine from 100% Syrah. From his small domaine, perched atop a steep hill overlooking Ampuis, he produces 1,000 cases a year from 22 acres of vines planted in several lieux-dits in the appellation, the majority from the Les Moutonnes and Côte Blonde vineyards. Bernard believes the blending of his terroirs results in a more complete and balanced wine: His vineyards in the Côte Brune provide power and muscularity, while those in the Côte Blonde bring finesse and elegance. Bernard eschews passing trends and stays true to traditional methods, aging his wines in 600-liter barrels, 20% of which are new and the rest up to five years old. The resulting cuveés are best personified by Bernard himself, a humble, charming, traditional man who waxes poetic on the beauty of his land and his wine. His classic, well-balanced wines taste of black fruit and olives, with earthy and rustic flavors. They are to be aged, developing into perfectly elegant wines.

1993  Hermitage

Hermitage

2011  Renaissance

2010  Domaine les Gran Chemins, WA91

2001  La Landonne

2011  Domaine des Tourettes, WA 95

2011  WA 99

This cuvée is a vineyard plot selection. The grapes come exclusively from the oldest plot within the renowned area of "Les Bessards", in the heart of the Hermitage hill. This wine is only produced during the very best years, the production is deliberately limited to 6,000 bottles (75 cl.) per year. 100% Syrah.

1998  Dionneres, WA90

1994  

1993  

2009  "Arena Mica"

Very simply, Stéphane Vedeau makes expressive, beautifully balanced wines in an approachable (and affordable!) style. Hermitage is the most famous Northern Rhone appellation and typically the Syrah-based reds from the region are powerful, deep, muscular wines that can take years to soften and develop. The 2009 J. Boutin Hermitage stands apart from the crowd for its elegant purity, its concentrated (not extracted) plush flavors of raspberry, cherry & a kiss of chocolatey iron. Its texture evokes the descriptor "seductive" & we don't toss that around carelessly or without merit. With tannins far softer than is typical for a young Hermitage, it absolutely may be drunk now and indeed, is a stunning glass of wine. Delicious now, it will also reward cellaring over the next several years.

1990  

100pts WA, 98pts JS, 18.5/20 JR