JEAN-CLAUDE RATEAU 2020 MIXED CASE
I've known Jean-Claude Rateau since we were both just kids, and I watched the early years of his work in biodynamic winemaking here in Burgundy. At the time, he was the only one. And everyone thought he was nuts. But he eventually became the mentor and guru of an entire generation. Now, everybody is organic!
I recently read a NY Times article about 7 undiscovered Burgundy producers that wine aficionados should know about. Number 7 was Jean-Claude, last in the list because the writer said that while his wines are extraordinary, they are extremely difficult to find in the US. That's because there is only one place you can find them in the US: burgundywine.com!
And he just gets better and better.
He says that it's because his vines are ever-healthier due to the biodynamic care they receive.
But we want you to be the judge.
And there is not a better moment for you to try Jean-Claude's wines.
2020 is a vintage that's ripe and ready and at the same time full of potential.
And here are two of Jean-Claude's premier cru Beaunes to make the point!
Read about the 2020 Vintage
12 Bottle Case includes 6 bottles of each with GROUND SHIPPING INCLUDED
Jean-Claude Rateau Beaune 1er Cru ‘Les Bressandes’ 2020
Jean-Claude has a large parcel in the 1er Cru Les Bressandes on a steep slope facing east with pebbly clay and limestone soils, conducted in biodynamic farming since 1979. The soil is warm and well-drained giving ripe, structured wines. Long, slow fermentation with manual cap-punching followed by 18 months in not-new oak. The aromas are subtle and complex with black fruits, earth, violets and spice. The palate is relatively light, but intense with black cherry, earth and saline minerality. No "fruit bomb" here, but rather a traditional Burgundy, showing off it’s impressive ‘terroir’.
Jean-Claude Rateau Beaune 1er Cru ‘Les Reversées 2020
From young and old vines, on brown limestone subsoil and clay topsoil, in biodynamic agriculture. Long, slow day fermentation with manual pigeage, aged 18 months in not-new oak. Rich, showing deep aromas of blackberry, violets and earth with hints of citrus, plum and spice. The palate is round and ripe with firm acidity and deep black fruits ripe plum and earth going to a lovely long finish. While this can be enjoyed young it will be best after 5 to 7 years of aging.