Domaine de la Vieille Fontaine 2006 Tasting Notes

Aligoté de Bouzeron 2003
Bourgogne rouge 2003
Rully blanc 2004

This year, David’s Aligoté and Bourgogne rouge come from the outstanding 2003 vintage, which was successful throughout Burgundy for both red and white wines. This was an extraordinary year as searing heat and very little rain brought problems for many winemakers. However, those who adjusted their vineyard practices to protect their vines against stress made some amazing wines. The harvest at the beginning of September was the earliest in living memory, and the resulting crop had high levels of natural alcohol and excellent concentrations of sugar; perfect for what is now regarded as a classic burgundy vintage.

As you might expect with such weather conditions, the Aligoté is fuller-bodied than normal, with bags of ripe peachy fruit, yet retaining its typical Bouzeron minerality. Gentle citrus acidity balances the rich fruit, resulting in a wine with wonderful power and length. Although this wine is the usual basis for kir we feel that it is too good for such treatment. Try it lightly chilled on a warm summer’s day as a deliciously different apéritif, or as an accompaniment to the local burgundian speciality jambon persillé (this is similar to a Lincolnshire delicacy called chine), shellfish or goat’s cheese.

David’s Bourgogne rouge 2003 also has more power and weight than is normal in the area. The hot summer has resulted in a Pinot Noir with dark-fruit characters and velvety-smooth tannins. It is perfect with grilled steak, casseroles or hard cheese, and although it will continue to develop in bottle for a couple of years, our advice is to enjoy it in its youth.

This year’s Rully blanc St Jacques is from the vintage of 2004. This is a classic Chardonnay harvest with a perfect balance of fruit and acidity. The wonderful honeysuckle aroma is complemented by a delicate fruit bouquet and a hint of hazelnut - these characters continue on the palate, which is long and structured. This wine has been aged in stainless steel cuves before bottling and is ready for drinking now.