New Burgundy Releases from Direct-Import Standouts

Today's Burgundy Newsletter shines a spotlight on several direct-import favorites and their recent releases that have just arrived in stock. The Chardonnays of 2022 are the focus with Sylvain Langoureau's superb St-Aubins, Paul Pernot's ultra-classic Puligny-Montrachets, Mâconnaise value stunners from Château Vitallis, and Chablis QPR performers from Seguinot-Bordet. The old-school 2021 red Burgundy vintage is highlighted by a quintet of astounding 1er Beaune offerings from Albert Morot for simply unbelievable pricing.

Unparalleled Value in Chablis from Domaine Seguinot-Bordet

With a history that dates back to 1590, Domaine Seguinot-Bordet’s roots in Chablis run incredibly deep. Jean-François Bordet oversees the day-to-day operations at their 16 hectare estate. The 2022 vintage in Chablis was much like the rest of Burgundy, it was one of the hottest vintages in recent memory. Yet, with few hiccups after May it, was a relatively easy growing season that resulted in a much larger crop than 2021 or even hot vintages like 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Meet Our New Chablis Winery, Robert Goulley

Wines from Chablis are currently seeing a surge in popularity. The problem with that is, like much of Burgundy, Chablis has seen a decrease in production thanks to hot vintages and then a disastrously cold, wet, and fraught vintage in 2021. We are always searching for new producers to import directly, but they have to pass our high standards at K&L to make the cut for our shelves. Fortunately for all of us Chablis lovers, Robert Goulley aced the exam.

Since 1590: Chablis Seguinot-Bordet

During our lovely vacation in Chablis, Cinnamon and I visited Seguinot-Bordet to meet Jean-François Bordet, see his facility, and taste his wines. He is located in Maligny, a picturesque 10-minute drive north of the town of Chablis. Along the way you cross the river Serein to la rive droit and pass in front of Les Clos, Grenouilles, and Bougros Grand Crus and the Premier Cru of Fourchaume—a gorgeous ride!

Visiting Domaine Gérard Tremblay in Chablis

It is hard to come back from Chablis. After a week vacationing in this paradise-like northern corner of Burgundy, I think I have fallen in love for ever. Cinnamon and I had a great time there cooking with the local ingredients, dining at wonderful local restaurants, hiking in the vineyards, and of course, visiting a few producers. One of the catalysts for this trip was a bottle of 2014 Domaine Gérard Tremblay Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir that we drank on Christmas eve from the case that we bought several years ago. Paired with our local Dungeness crab, it beguiled us, and the empty ended up going on our wall of fame.

An In-Depth Dive Into Burgundy's Best Buys

Today's Newsletter takes us on a multi-stop jaunt through Burgundy with intrepid K&L buyer Alex Pross. Perhaps more than any other region in France, Burgundy has been subject to the viccissitudes of economics and Mother Nature the past few years, so an already tight market has gotten even tighter. But luckily for us, in addition to some indefatigable reference-point producers, Alex keeps a deep stable of top-tier direct-import hidden gems that bring us both exceptional value and impeccable class.

A Bounty of Burgundy

Our second newsletter of the year is here, and it’s an ode to all things Burgundy. We can’t get enough of the gorgeous wines from this region, and, thanks to savvy wine hunting by Buyer Alex Pross, we don’t have too. He’s filled our shelves with fantastic values that make “weeknight Burgundy” not an oxymoron. In these pages, he’s also highlighted some talented stars of the region and digs into can’t-miss vintages.

K&L Wine Merchants

www.klwines.com