AVAILABLE TO SHIP IN FEBRUARY 2024

The Premier cru is the second-highest classification level, below that of Grand cru and above the basic village AOCs. For Burgundy wines, the terms Premier Cru or 1er Cru are usually kept rather than being translated into English. There are 635 1er Cru vineyards officially recognized and so classified in the AOC statutes.

12 Bottle Case includes 2 bottles of each RED with GROUND SHIPPING INCLUDED:

Regnaugot Maranges 1er Cru 'Clos des Loyeres' 2021
This much-awarded wine, from an appellation you have probably never heard of, is the standard-bearer for the Maranges. When we first arrived in Burgundy, neighboring Santenay was considered rustic and undrinkable. All that has changed. And now it’s the turn of Maranges to come into the fold. Producers like the Regnaudots have been making it happen for a decade now. This premier cru ‘Clos des Loyeres’ is black cherry in color and black cherry in flavor, which is considered typical of the vineyard. It’s a gutsy wine, full-bodied, round and balanced. There’s a touch of cocoa on that fruit that is persistent right through to the finish. A classy example of what Maranges can be. You have to try this.

Domaine Borgeot Santenay 1er Cru 'Les Gravieres' 2021
Not surprisingly, this Borgeot Santenay 1er Cru 'Gravieres' red comes from the same vineyard as their Santenay 1er 'Gravieres' white, just further down the slope where the soil becomes denser and red. ‘Gravieres’ is one vineyard with two different soil types, apt for two different wines. Sadly, many producers have succumbed to the temptation of the bottom line, and have replanted Chardonnay where there should be Pinot Noir. But not the Borgeots! Their 'Gravieres' red is their signature Pinot, with ripe dark fruits tinged with chocolate and coffee, rich, powerful and fat right through the lingering note of pure blackberry.

Gilles Bouton Saint Aubin 1er Cru 'en Creot' 2020
Garnet robe with bright fruits, raspberry, black currant, black cherry, seasoned with spice and coffee. Full bodied but silky with a lively fruit finish.

Domaine De Suremain Rully 1er Cru 'Preaux' 2018
Very pretty Pinot Noir from the charming 2015 vintage. This premier cru Rully from the Cote Chalonnaise throws out a range of complexity from red currant acidity to black cherry suavity. A touch of rusticity in the tannins brings out a freshness and vivacity that makes this wine approachable now, and that will make it magnificent in 4-5 years’ time.

Domaine Royet Maranges 1er Cru 'Clos Roussot' 2018
Deep garnet color, fine woody nose with hints of candied cherries. The palate is balanced, gourmand, with a lot of class. Fine example of the new generation of Maranges. Aging potential: 5 to 10 years

Domaine Mouton Givry 1er Cru 'Clos Jus' 2021
Domaine Mouton's aptly-named 'Clos Jus' ('jus' means 'juice') is the Mouton wine we go to first. Always ripe and juicy, ready to drink relatively early. Minerality is the key here, from a vineyard with different soil make-up to the rest of the appellation. Dark fruit, earth notes, delicate structure fleshed out to fullness. We appreciate the finesse in the winemaking, an unstinting perfectionism that has been communicated across a generation. The self-effacing Moutons would be the last to admit it, but for us their wines are nearly always perfect.