14 Jan 2021: Camille Giroud has tiny vineyard holdings in Beaune; otherwise relying on contracts from as far afield as Marsannay and Maranges, with particular strengths in Corton and the Gevrey Chambertin vineyards.

The quality of winemaking is consistent and very much in the modern, quality-oriented genre, although the practice of very gentle oak treatment and little racking continues, so that each cuvée shows a very individual character.

Camille-Giroud had a long history as a négociant that released powerful, very long-lived wines. In 2000, it was sold to a group of American investors, and David Croix installed as director, who, to put it simply, is a genius, and made a raft of great wines until his departure in 2016. His successor is Carel Voorhuis, who is crafting similarly pure, seductive and terroir-driven wines. The course charted for the Maison from its origin remains unchanged, whilst pursuing new projects implemented since 2002.

There are two parts to the Camille Giroud story. With the first begining in 1865 when the enterprising young Camille Giroud founded the small négociant firm which carries his name. He married late, as did his son, so by the end of the 20th century the company was still being run by the founder’s daughter-in-law and her two sons. The company’s motto in the later days was to make wine in as old-fashioned a way as possible: heavy extraction and very long barrel ageing. Part of the crop might be sold early on but most was kept back until it was ready to drink, which might be 30 or 40 years later. There were plenty of misses but also some extraordinarily fine wines. Almost all production was and still is red. Stocks of these old style wines still exist, with various 1976s still to be offered for sale.

In January 2002 the company was bought by an American consortium led by banker Joe Wender and winery owner Ann Colgin, and a new chapter began.  The business is managed by winemaker/technical director David Croix (of the eponymous Domaine des Croix) with a major revamping of the winemaking facilities and especially replacement and renewal of the old barrels to make wines in a much purer, more modern style. The company also owns 1.20 hectares of vineyards, consisting of Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Beaune premier cru Cras and Beaune premier cru Avaux.

Camille Giroud Wine Samples:

1. 2017 Santenay, Clos Rousseau, 1er Cru
2. 2018 Meursault, Les Vireuils
3. 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet, Tonton Marcel, 1er Cru
4. 2018 Corton, Renardes, Grand Cru
5. 2017 Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru
6. 2018 Clos de Vougeot, Grand Cru

27 August 2020: Pay attention at the back – Aligoté is coming to town! No longer the grape relegated to receiving a slug of crème de cassis to make a vin blanc Kir, Aligoté has taken the wine world by storm in the last two years. The younger generation of vignerons have started to produce some truly exciting wines, and not just from Aligoté’s own appellation, Bouzeron, but throughout the region. I will lead us through half a dozen of the most exciting portrayals of this ancient grape, now offering a whole new range of flavour experiences – and at affordable prices.

Wine Samples:

1. 2017 Bourgogne Aligoté, Clos Perrières de la Combe, Thibault Liger-Belair
2. 2017 Domaine Rougeot, Bourgogne Aligotè Les Plumes Sans Soufre
3. 2017 Domaine Alice et Olivier de Moor Bourgogne Aligoté
4. 2015 Domaine de Villaine Bouzeron Bourgogne Aligoté
5. 2017 Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Bourgogne Aligoté
6. 2015 Domaine Jean Fournier Aligoté Champ Forey Vielle Vignes

“To kick off 2021, we dive right into the fascinating, frustrating, compelling wine world that is Burgundy. Iconic – certainly. Over-priced? Plausibly. At great risk from climate change? Undoubtedly. We explore these issues and more across two special episodes – and in this first part we quiz our fellow Master of Wine and renowned Burgundy expert, Jasper Morris, as well as buyer Rebecca Palmer from Corney & Barrow, agents for Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (among other things). We give our summary on the 2019 vintage, which is currently going on sale, explore how to find good value, the new generation, alternatives to Burgundy and biodynamics, all in the time in takes to sink a fine bottle of Passetoutgrains. Or Chambertin.” – Wine Blast with Susie & Peter: Burgundy in 2021 Part 1

• Introductory quote: 2.18
• Preface of terms: 4.25
• Interview with Jasper Morris MW: 11.01
• Our summary of the 2019 vintage: 34.18
• Interview with Rebecca Palmer: 40.35

21 April 2020:  With the 2018 vintage suggesting for the first time that Global Warming might be causing some real problems in the time ahead if intelligent steps are not taken on the viticulture front, this zoom webinar investigates which parts of Burgundy might do well under warmer conditions, and who the young stars of the future might be.

Alongside this, the team at 67 Pall Mall had organised for 200+ participants in the webinar to receive samples of 6 different wines, each one of which illustrates something to look out for in the upcoming future. Superb organisation!

Wines in order:

1. Pouilly-Fuissé, En Bertilionne, Domaine du Roc des Boutires, 2017
2. Saint-Aubin, 1er Cru, En Remilly, Domaine Bachelet-Monnot, 2017
3. Volnay, Clos de la Cave, Domaine Jean-Marc Bouley, 2012
4. Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine Coquard-Loison-Fleurot, 2015
5. Vosne-Romanée, 1er Cru, Les Chaumes, Francois Confuron-Gindre, 2017
6. Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru, Les Cazetiers, Henri Magnien, 2014

This initiative was set up by the wonderful 67 Pall Mall Club, as part of an ongoing series: many thanks for a great idea!

Watch the video replay here.

Hosted by myself and Stannary Wine’s Burgundy Buyer, Jason Haynes.

I provide exclusive insight into the 2019 Burgundy vintage. My 2019 tasting notes will be available shortly. Stay tuned!

Watch the video replay here!

14 Dec 2020: What non-Burgundy and Bordeaux wines do I and Jane Anson always have on hand in our cellars? This special tasting will see each of us select our favourite producers and regions outside of their respective specialties, and see them share the reasons for their choices.

I admit I need a bit of Riesling to tune up with, and a firm favourite remains cabernet franc from the Loire. For a special treat then the unique wines of Vega Sicilia beckon:

1. 2017 Heymann-Löwenstein VDP, Uhlen Roth Lay Riesling
2. 2008 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Clos
3. 2004 Vega Sicilia Unico

Jane has gone for an unusual ‘field blend’ white wine from the brilliant Telmo Rodriguez at his home estate of Remelluri in Rioja. For the reds, a producer that is pretty much always in her wine rack at home, Stéphane Ogier. Hard to narrow it down to one choice from this excellent northern Rhône producer, but in the end she selected his Côte Blonde single parcel Syrah, Le Lancement. Over into northern Italy for her final choice and GD Vajra, another producer where it is almost impossible to pick one from their exceptional range but hard to fault the Bricco delle Viole; a 7 hectare vineyard that delivers classic Barolo:

1. 2017 Heymann-Löwenstein VDP, Uhlen Roth Lay Riesling
2. 2008 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Clos
3. 2004 Vega Sicilia Unico
4. 2017 Remelluri Blanco, DOCa Rioja
5. 2010 Stéphane Ogier, Cote Rotie Le Lancement
6. 2015 G.D. Vajra, Barolo `Bricco delle Viole

Watch the video replay here.

Tuesday 27 October, 12pm CET (11am UK)

A unique opportunity to learn how the Hospices de Beaune auction works, and what the exciting 2020 vintage at the Hospices has in store for us.

François Poher, Director of the Hospices de Beaune
Ludivine Griveau, Hospice Manager
Jasper Morris, Master of Wine
Aline Sylla-Walbaum, Global Managing Director, Luxury
Pablo Huarte, Head of Sales, Continental Europe – Wine

Topics covered:

1. The unique role of the Hospices de Beaune as a hospital, museum and wine domaine
2. What the sale means to the hospital?
3. How the proceeds can be used?
4. Information about the Piece de President this year
5. Special conditions for the sale in 2020
6. Questions about each group of vineyards (value reds from around the Côte de Beaune; the Beaune 1ers crus, Volnay, Pommard, Corton and the Côte de Nuits; value cuvees in white, Meursault, grand cru)

With Cote d’Or prices sometimes a little too rich, it is time to explore the north and south of Burgundy for world class Chardonnay at affordable prices. Chablis, Pouilly-Fuissé and the Mâconnais are all exciting, happening places at the moment.

Join us for an in-depth discussion of the latest news.

Watch the video replay here.

This is No. 4 in the JMIB series covering the vineyards and vignerons of Burgundy in this age of global warming. On this occasion we take a look at the white wine vineyards of the Côte d’Or:

• Which villages and vineyards are coming more into focus in these hotter vintages?
• Which may be suffering?
• Who are the bright young hopes in the world of white wine production?

Join us for an hour packed full of information, insight and anecdote.

Watch the video replay here.

Following on from our successful webinar discussing the northern half of the Côte de Nuits, we continue with the great red wine vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, including Corton, Beaune, Pommard and Volnay, while touching on some of the more rarely seen appellations which may be enjoying a boost under the warmer conditions. Throughout the hour long discussion, Jasper will highlight established producers, the rising stars, and a few new names to keep your eye on. Insights galore!

Watch the video replay here.

This zoom webinar will look at recent developments in each of the villages from Morey-St-Denis to Marsannay, predict which vineyards are the new sweet spots and evaluate the producers to follow:

• Who has raised their game to a new level?
• Who might be the ones to watch in the near future?

This is the first in a series that will cover the different districts of Burgundy. These sessions will include updates on the 2019 vintage and the 2020 growing season.

Watch the video replay here.

This is the first zoom event offered under the JMIB Live banner. It is the first part of a series looking at some of the crucial themes in Burgundy.

There are no wines to be tasted except what you choose to open alongside, nor interviews with producers enthusing about the joys of their own wines.

Instead, Jasper will be analysing the underlying causes of the Premature Oxidation phenomenon, looking at the timeline over the last 25 years since the first affected vintage (1995):

• Where do we stand now?
• Do we really know all the causes?
• Have we definitely found the answers?
• What can we expect in the future?

Listen to Jasper for a Happy Hour of in-depth investigation of this thorny issue.