Domaine Ragot La Grande Berge 2005 Tasting Notes

Givry rouge Premier Cru La Grande Berge 2002
Givry blanc 2002  

This year’s wines are from the outstanding 2002 vintage, which was very successful throughout Burgundy.  Quality was equally good for the  Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but the yield was slightly down for the reds which, allied to their exceptional quality, is why they are in short supply.  The winter was long and hard but eventually gave way to a warm spring and a cool, dry summer.  A small amount of rain at the beginning of September refreshed the grapes before the harvest, which was carried out under blue skies and sunshine - it could hardly have been better.  The result was a crop with high levels of natural alcohol (12-13%) and good concentrations of natural sugar: perfect for what is now regarded as a classic burgundy vintage.

We have known your winemaker Jean-Paul Ragot for over 15 years and, although we liked his wines from the outset, there is no doubt that they have improved enormously in quality over the years.  Earlier vintages were perhaps a little light, favouring finesse over concentration, which sometimes led to them being a little austere in their youth.  Things have certainly moved on at Domaine Ragot; some of you have been visiting almost as long as we have and will have seen the outward manifestation of the improved quality and vinification techniques in the newly-finished winery.  

However, this is only half the story - there are no great wines without great grapes and it is the unseen but meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard that has had as much to do with the improved quality of the wines as the work in the winery.  Let Jean-Paul - and his son Nicolas who is now working with him in the vineyard and the winery - explain when you visit.  Over the years Jean-Paul has built up a deserved reputation among his peers for his fastidious approach to winemaking, which is now amply reflected in the quality and consistency of his wines. Thank you Jean-Paul - long may it continue!

The red Givry has, over the years we have been tasting these wines, increased in the intensity of its aromatic expression.  From the moment you get the first whiff of our exclusive premier cru, La Grande Berge, there is no doubt that you are about to appreciate a classic Pinot Noir.  It has strawberry, raspberry and cherry in equal measure, a touch of sous-bois (undergrowth) and, in its youth, just a faint hint of vanilla betraying its élevage in new oak.  Smooth and supple on the palate, with the mellowest of tannins imparted by partial barrel ageing, the fruit shines through, giving the wine great length.  Although last year’s wine - the 2001 - was awarded a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge, we feel the 2002 is even better.  It will certainly keep longer than any of the three preceding vintages and we advise drinking in the order 2000, 1999, 2001, 2002.  

The Chardonnay grapes for the Givry blanc come from the famous Champ Pourot vineyard and undergo cold maceration before fermentation which helps the extraction of the flavour components in the skins.  Temperature-controlled fermentation followed by a judicious amount of oak ageing - partly in large wooden vats and partly in new oak barriques - helps to add an extra dimension to the flavour and texture of the wine.  The nose is of citrus and vanilla which leads to a smooth, buttery palate with excellent length.  As an apéritif or to accompany fish or white meat, this wine is delicious to enjoy now and over the next 2-3 years.