Affordable Burgundy Royalty for the Rest of Us - A Red and a White

There is Bourgogne Rouge and then there is Denis Bachelet Bourgogne Rouge, which tome is the benchmark Bourgogne Rouge.  It is just way way beyond Bourgogne Rouge. Denis gives it the utmost attention and does not "dumb it down," like some other producers. This is not an easy drinking pop and pour BR with some mild cherry fruit, this is a thrilling rollercoaster of a wine with amazing density and richness that belies its humble origins. This is a structured wine and can age as long as his Gevrey. I have 02, 05 and 06 I am still sitting on in my personal cellar. I think maybe the 02 is ready for current consumption. I've heard anecdotal evidence that 99 is drinking great today. Maybe. These wines, if caught, at peak age, are the ultimate ringers in any Burg blind tasting as they punch way above their weight. Any true Burg lover would love to have a case of this in the cellar. Along with Mugneret-Gibourg it is the most desired Bourgogne Rouge out there.

Today I have the completely awesome 2014 Denis Bachelet Bourgogne Rouge for as little as $39.99 NET.  This will be allocated.  The '14 has an obscene level of fruit just like this wine always does. You could drown in the fruit of this wine. It's just such a stunner. Black berries, black cherries with a heavy dose of minerals and tannins all come together for such a fruit crescendo on the finish you can't believe it. It truly leaves all other Bourgogne Rouges in the dust.  It is nice to be able to spend $40 and still get a taste of Burgundy royalty.

Aligote is seen as the third wheel in Burgundy yet almost every great producer makes one. Ramonet, Leroy, Arnaud Ente, Aubert de Villaine and countless others. You should ask yourself a question: if all of these great winemakers are making wine from Aligote even though it is relatively inexpensive, what do they know that you don't?  What is the appeal of this grape? It makes a very crisp wine, with lovely skeletal textures and is a real showcase for terroir. It also it the polar opposite of Chardonnay. I love Chardonnay, riesling and chenin but I don't want to drink them every day and once a week or so, I want something different.  Something distinctive. Today I have the 2014 Denis Bachelet Aligote for as little as $24.99 NET. The wine is brilliant and shines in '14. Extract for days with so much mineral density you cannot believe it. Sappy, salty with huge acids and a sweeping crescendo of a finish. Deep, powerful with tons of citrus. Long finish. This is incredible in 2014. This is VERY LIMITED.

2014 Denis Bachelet Bourgogne Rouge - $39.99 NET

2014 Denis Bachelet Aligote - $24.99 NET