2010 A. & P. de Villaine - Côte Chalonnaise La Digoine

The 2010 Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise La Digione has a vibrant cranberry and undergrowth-scented nose that possesses a more depth and conviction than the 2012. The palate offers crunchy red berry fruit on the entry and exhibits more weight than the 2012. A dash of white pepper sprinkled over the finish lends it more persistency. Excellent. Drink now-2017. While Aubert de Villaine is synonymous with Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, there is no question that at least one ventricle of his heart is devoted to his personal estate in Bouzeron that he bought with his wife Pamela in the 1970s. I think it is partly responsible for Aubert remaining such a down-to-earth personality, when others might have succumbed to self-aggrandizement occupying such a position. Pierre de Benoist, Aubert’s nephew, has been at the helm since 2000. As you might expect, these are well-crafted wines that are often understated and nuanced, occasionally utterly beguiling. The Bouzeron comes from Aligote dore rather than Aligote vert, which de Villaine feels is more aromatic thanks to its lower yields. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524; and Corney & Barrow in the UK.