Wine List

Domaine Faiveley
2017
Corton-Clos des Cortons Faiveley
Grand Cru Red barrel
Score: 92-94
Tasted: Jan 10, 2019
Drink: 2035+
Issue: 73
Sweet spot 
Producer note: Though I reported this last year, it's sufficiently important to bear repeating one more time. Long-time readers may remember that in 2007 the domaine made the dramatic decision to change the style of its reds, which up to that point could be fairly described as unapologetically old school. In other words, reds that were firmly structured, sturdy and built-to-age for the long-term. In 2007 this more rustic style was discarded in favor of wines that possessed more elegance and finesse in the hopes of creating more supple burgundies that required less long-term cellaring. Erwan Faiveley explained that "while we like the current style and what it offers, for several years we were feeling that perhaps we had strayed too far from our roots. To this end, we finally asked if there might not be a way to combine the two in a way that remained true to our history but didn't require 20 years before the wines were completely ready to drink. So now we're looking for more density and riper tannins while doing our best to retain a more refined mouthfeel. To achieve this we're harvesting a few days later in the search for a higher level of phenolic maturity and then vinifying the fruit in a fashion that reduces forced extraction and emphasizes natural extraction. In other words, we will take what the fruit has to give in any given vintage without forcing more out of it that often results in overtly extracted wines." As an aside, congratulations are in order for Erwan Faiveley and his wife as they were blessed with a baby boy on December 18th. Named Auguste Faiveley, he will represent the 8th generation of the Faiveley family though it may be a little early to predict that he will one day replace his father as the head of Domaine Faiveley!
Tasting note: An intensely earthy nose is comprised by notably ripe dark currant aromas that are cut with underbrush, spice and a whiff of wood toast and the sauvage. There is an attractive freshness and plenty of vivacity to the velvet-textured full-bodied and overtly muscular flavors that possess terrific punch on the beautifully long, youthfully austere and notably firm finish. I like the overall sense of complexity and this too should age effortlessly.
 

Tasting note: A tight and while not completely closed, it would be fair to describe as the nose of subtly layered and spicy dark currant aromas as highly restrained. By contrast, there is fine vibrancy and freshness to the silky and focused middle weight flavors that are shaped by fine grained if distinctly firm tannins, all wrapped in a wonderfully intense, mouth coating, impressively persistent and austere finish. This may be a Clos St. Denis of finesse but it doesn't lack for power or seriousness.

91-93 Burghound 

Tasting note: A toasty nose features notes of menthol, spiced tea, red currant and a hint of cherry liqueur. The velvety, rich and seductively textured medium weight flavors possess the usual muscularity of a fine Les Baudes, all wrapped in a robust and even more structured finale that is long, balanced and very serious. I would not advise buying this high-quality effort without the express intention to allow it at least 6 to 8 years first.

Tasting note: This is also quite elegant with its equally spicy nose of honeysuckle, yellow and white orchard fruit and citrus elements. There is a lovely vibrancy to the concentrated and relatively large-scaled flavors that possess good power on the markedly dry and somewhat compact edgy finish. As with the Combettes my predicted range offers the benefit of the doubt that the finish will flesh out and the dryness will dissipate with time.
 

The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuées 1er Cru has similar fruit intensity to the Les Baudes, although the oak is a little more vocal and therefore it does not quite have the same transparency. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. This is quite strict and linear at the moment, showing good grip, although I discern more complexity and nuance on the Les Baudes.
2022-2036

Score: 90/92Neal Martin, vinous.com, January 2019

Tasting note: Moderate reduction and wood dominate the nose today. Much more interesting are the highly energetic and more mineral-driven flavors that possess a beguiling inner mouth perfume before concluding in a saline and mildly austere finish that is shaped by admirably fine-grained tannins. This is not particularly dense but it is really pretty and should age well on its balance. Drink 2027