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 with GROUND SHIPPING INCLUDED:

REDS:
Michel Arcelain Beaune 1er Cru 'Clos des Mouches' 2017
Even though the best-known Beaune 'Clos des Mouches' (from Domaine Drouhin) is a Chardonnay and sits on a pedestal on the world stage, most Clos des Mouches is red. The best known, and arguably the best parcel of vines on the slopes above Beaune, it can be either white or red. So put Michel Arcelain's perfect Pinot vines in a vineyard of this caliber, and you get something special. Michel comes from the old school. He thinks that women like his Clos des Mouches and men like his Pommard. But be real! What he really means is that his Clos des Mouches is elegant, lacy and fine, fresh and floral, with impeccable balanced intensity.  And it is!  This is an example of meticulous winemaking in a world-class parcel of vines.

Domaine Borgeot Santenay 1er Cru 'Les Gravieres' 2020
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.

Jean-Claude Rateau Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Bressandes 2016
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’.

WHITES:
Domaine Jean Fery Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Vergelesses' Blanc 2019
Yes, we admit, it can be complicated! There is this WHITE Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Vergelesses', but the domain also makes both a red Savigny-les Beaune 1er Cru and a red Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru ‘Les Vergelesses’ as well. To make things even more complicated, the Pernand 'Vergelesses' and the two Savigny 'Vergelesses' touch another Pernand premier cru called 'Ile des Vergelesses'! Sorry! We do our best to keep it all simple and clear. In addition to being the most complicated corner of the Savigny valley, it is also the most interesting. This Savigny white is an eye-catcher, with a greeny-gold hint. Fresh, elegant fruit notes with spice tones and a hint of honey and flinty smokiness.

Domaine Oudin Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaucoupins' 2020
The uppermost right bank premier cru, situated between Fley and Chichée, and the next valley over from the premier cru Mont de Milieu, this Oudin Vaucoupin is ripe and fresh, subtle with a touch of salt. Lively and powerful, yet controlled enough to allow the minerality and purity to sing.

Chateau Cary Potet Montagny 1er Cru 'Les Burnins' 2020
From the southern reaches of the Cote Chalonnaise, the wines of Montagny are among the best value in White Burgundy. With a unique and dusty minerality that many compare to a suave left-bank Chablis, the wines also profit from their southern position, so ripeness and maturity yield seductive and charming Chardonnay. This premier cru ‘Les Burnins’ has a mineral attack with orange blossom floral notes and spicy round fruit. Rich and smoky, with green apple acidity and a touch of butter. Good long finish carried by the minerality.