A Golden Burgundy Opportunity from 2006
We now have in stock a trio of 2006 Burgundies from first-rate negociant Nicolas Potel at prices HALF of what they normally are.
Red wine from Burgundy in 2006 was the victim of some pretty bad timing; squeezed in between a weak dollar and a global recession and coming on the heels of the 2005 vintage, one of the most highly anticipated vintages of Burgundy in memory. Put on top of that some less than stellar press for the vintage AND a price increase from most vintners and you have a “How To” manual for making wine NOT sell.
As far as the scores and reviews of the quality of the wine in 2006, I’m not sure what most writers were drinking (or smoking) but I’ve always found 2006 Red Burgundies to be aromatic and floral with really nice structure and acidity. For sure they’re not as lush and powerful as 2005, but 2006 is a “purist’s vintage” producing wines with nice fruit and good acidity and wines that are great with dinner. The British wine writer Hugh Johnson once wrote of wine ratings that Americans love numbers because numbers are easier than words. Truer words were never spoken regarding wine critics casting a net over an entire wine region as it pertains to 2006 Red Burgundy. Its always amazing what some ho-hum press can do to an entire vintage’s sales. Remember good winemakers make good wine and you evaluate each wine one by one, rather than taking a two digit number to quantify the work of hundreds of vignerons over thousands of acres of vines. But I digress. . .
Anyway, take 2006 red Burgundy, wines that show a classic style, and add on top of that the deft touch of negociant Nicolas Potel and what you have is a winning combination of responsible winemaking using the very best of what the vintage had to offer. I have always loved Potel’s wines for their purity and simplicity; they don’t try to overpower you but if you listen close enough they have a lot to say. Basically that’s the wine geek in me saying these wines are beautifully balanced and are “BS” free. Either way, considering these prices, they’re a trio of wines you should NOT look past.
Because of limited quantities we ask that you purchase in store or on the phone (504.483.6314) – no email or internet orders on this one. Happy Hunting!
2006 Nicolas Potel Volnay Vieilles Vignes $46.99 – on sale $23.50
Tanzer 87: Bright medium red. Expressive nose offers redcurrant, tobacco, leather, meat and dried flowers, with coffee and smoky nuances emerging with aeration. Juicy and on the lean side, with good cut and verve to its spicy red fruit and leather flavors . . .
2006 Nicolas Potel Vosne Romanee Vieilles Vignes $59.99 – on sale $29
Tanzer 88: Dullish medium red. Aromas of redcurrant, coffee, chocolate and cola. Fat and plummy, with a pliant texture and restrained sweetness.
Parker 89: “exotically – but village-typically – scented with ginger, star anise, ripe black raspberry, lily perfume, and orange zest. Soothing and oily-rich on the palate, yet with lift and near-delicacy, this finishes with an animated sense of floral, fruit, and spice interaction. ”
Wine Spectator 88: Elegant and firm, with red berry and red cherry flavors accented by violet. Nicely balanced, this should come together in two to three years. Best from 2010 through 2015. 90 cases imported.
2006 Nicolas Potel Pommard Les Vignots $49.99 – on sale $25
Wine Spectator 88: Nice depth and more dark fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum. It’s rich and smooth, with adequate tannins and spine. Should come around soon. Drink now through 2012
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