Albert Bichot Domaine du Clos Frantin Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru Les Malconsorts 2021

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Albert Bichot is one of the big names in the French wine industry and has historically played a pivotal role in Burgundy wines. The family business, created in Monthélie in 1831, under the impetus of Bernard Bichot, is today in the sixth family generation and owns more than 100 hectares of vineyards, distributed from north to south of Burgundy and grouped into 6 prestigious estates, including the Domaine du Clos-Frantin located in Nuits-Saint-Georges. The exceptional Premier Cru of Vosne-Romanée "Les Malconsorts" takes its name from a probable dispute between "bad consorts" over the acquisition of these lands. In fact, "Consorts" in Latin means "in community property" and, associated with the prefix "Mal", indicates that people have acted badly towards these lands that they held in community property. The grapes are sourced from vines with an average age of 35-40 years, located on a parcel of 1.75 hectares, near-legendary parcels such as Romanée-Conti, and Richebourg. This splendid Pinot Noir, aged in oak barrels for 14-18 months, reveals subtle woody notes on the nose, accompanied by fruity fragrances and hints of black pepper. On the palate, the wine is fresh with silky tannins and a great elegance of flavors. It pairs deliciously with roast goose and game birds.

Price: £200.50 from 8wines UK