2005 Edmond Cornu Ladoix

Importer: Rosenthal

Source: Viscount

Consumption Date: 3/17/2013

Notes: Moderate metallic (almost medicinal) aroma with a distinct musty/moldy character and only faint hints of spice and fruit (blackberry).  Very earthy, almost musty flavors with an odd soupy character up front, opening rather surprisingly into dry spices and rich fruit which gives way too quickly to an odd finish of musty wood and metallic minerality with some spice, but only hints of fruit.  Moderate tannin.

Another example of the tremendous variability inherent in Pinot Noir and Burgundy.  Unfortunately, in this case, most of the dominant flavors are either odd or somewhat offputting.  There does not seem to be an obvious flaw here, so I am supposing this is what is meant by a “rustic” wine.  If this wine is truly characteristic of rustic Burgundy, then I will not be a fan of such wines.  A disappointing wine overall.

Value: Poor

2004 Domaine Gerovassiliou Malagousia (Regional Wine of Epanomi)

Source: Sherry-Lehmann

Consumption Date: 3/8/2013

Notes: Moderate aroma of vanilla and lemon with hints of flowers and chalk and a distinctive ‘meaty’ quality.  Fresh and vibrant with lots of tart lemon fruit at the beginning, leading into a full body of fruit, vanilla, flowers, and chalky minerality.  Relatively short finish of tart lemon, vanilla, and minerals.

This wine surprised me with its quality.  Although not particularly complex, this is the type of white wine I would seriously consider for everyday drinking, as it has many of the flavor components I enjoy in white wine with bracing acidity that keeps it lively.  I am surprised at how fresh this wine tastes nine years after harvest.  I imagine the use of new oak as well as the natural acidity has helped it to survive.  I regret not trying this wine sooner and look forward to the opportunity to try a more recent vintage, as well as additional Greek wines.

Value: Good to very good

2002 Edmond Cornu Chorey-les-Beaune 'Les Bons Ores'

Importer: Rosenthal

Source: Viscount

Consumption Date: 3/3/2013

Notes: Moderate earthy aroma with some dry wood and a hint of cherry fruit.  Moderate body with a fair complement of cherry and black raspberry fruit followed by hints of earth, wood, and mushrooms/truffles.  Moderate finish of more fruit with faint hints of fruit, earth, wood, and truffles.  Extremely mild tannins.

This wine has been a fine example of value Burgundy.  Although from a humble appellation (but in a good vintage), this wine has plenty of character to be enjoyable.  While not particularly complex (and having an earthy aroma that doesn’t quite reach typical Burgundy ‘funk’), this wine is clearly Pinot and clearly Burgundy.  It is also a step up in quality and character from the recent generic Bourgogne I had from this producer.  All in all, a very enjoyable wine.

Value: Very good to excellent