If you know where to look in Burgundy, there is some outstanding value to be found. Head down some of the lesser trodden paths and you’ll find skilful young vignerons making delicious wines at very fair prices. One such bottle is the new cuveé from Côte Chalonnaise stars Domaine de la Folie.
The 2019 Rully red, Clos de Bellecroix, may only have just landed on these shores, but is drinking beautifully already – a superb bottled opened and enjoyed last weekend attests to this.
Read MoreThe Clos de Bellecroix is an east / north east facing vineyard aged in tanks only, no oak, and is made with early drinking pleasure in mind; something to enjoy while you wait for the estate’s equally good value, but more serious, Rully Cuvée Marey to come round.
Bellcroix’s open-knit and charming fruit explodes on the palate. Lovely ripe, lively Pinot characteristics. Bright and generous cherry, raspberry and loganberry flavours wrapped in a soft sensual, fluid texture. Light on its feet but full of fruit, this may not be hugely sophisticated but it offers so much immediate pleasure. Rully at its pretty and enticing best.
“Keep an eye on Domaine de la Folie. Tasting the 2014, 2015 and 2016 I could see a progression, even through those three recent vintages, in particular some very promising 2016s. There is wonderful purity of fruit beginning to develop and genuine terroir expression both in white and red, my picks being the Clos de Bellecroix, which I just prefer to the oak aged Cuvée Marey version and the 2016 Rully Clos Saint-Jacques , the best white I tasted from the estate. There is clearly a lot of love being lavished on Domaine de la Folie and, whilst they might have limited means, as far as I can see Clémence and Baptiste and doing everything right, showing that Rully can make top quality wines. And of course, next time a wine know-it-all asks you to name the five growers of Clos Saint-Jacques, you can reply “How about the sixth?” Neal Martin, “Burgundy Under the Radar” www.vinous.com
This wine is in stock and available for immediate delivery.