From the esteemed négociant-éleveur Moillard, this Côte de Beaune-Villages Vieilles Vignes 2018 represents a quintessential expression of red Burgundy. The Côte de Beaune-Villages appellation allows for a blend of Pinot Noir grapes sourced from various communes within the Côte de Beaune, offering a broader, yet distinctly regional, profile.
The "Vieilles Vignes" designation signifies that the wine is crafted from older, more established vines. These mature vines naturally yield fewer grapes, but with greater concentration and complexity, contributing to a wine of enhanced depth and structure. The 2018 vintage in Burgundy was marked by a warm growing season, resulting in ripe, generous fruit while retaining characteristic freshness.
Moillard's winemaking tradition typically involves careful fermentation followed by maturation in French oak barrels, a portion of which may be new, to impart subtle spice and texture without overshadowing the delicate fruit and terroir expression. This approach aims to produce a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing further complexity with bottle age.
Tasting notes
The 2018 Moillard Côte de Beaune-Villages Vieilles Vignes presents a vibrant ruby hue. On the nose, an aromatic spectrum of ripe red berries—cherry and raspberry—intertwines with subtle earthy undertones, a hint of forest floor, and delicate spice notes derived from judicious oak ageing. The palate is medium-bodied, showcasing a harmonious balance between generous fruit concentration and a refreshing acidity. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, leading to a persistent finish marked by red fruit purity and a touch of savoury complexity. This wine is poised for enjoyment now, yet possesses the inherent balance for graceful evolution over the next 3-5 years.