Paul Pillot Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir 2023

As you might expect from a great red vintage like 2016, this is an absolutely fabulous Bourgogne. It’s drawn from two estate owned sites on the southern reaches of Chassagne, nearby Chagny and Remigny. The soils here are the classic clay and limestone and the vine age is an average of 35 years. The grapes are handpicked and partially destemmed before being naturally fermented and aged for 12 months on lees in a mix of small stainless steel vats and large barrels (15% new). Pillot’s red wines have come of age in recent years. Last year’s succulent yet crunchy wines were a fine example of this. The 2016s are even more exciting. For structure and perfume, Pillot employed 25% whole bunches this year and the result is something pretty special. The pretty, lifted nose offers red cherry and rose like aromatics and the palate is ripe and energetic with lip smacking freshness (Pillot’s ph levels were very low in ‘15). The palate has similar characters to the nose yet there is also a kiss of fine, cedary oak on the finish and loads of spice. You’re going to meet some outrageously good Bourgogne-level wines from 2016. Few, I imagine, will offer more energy and class than this puppy. Go, go, go.