“Over the course of just two nights at the end of April 2017 on which frost hit hard, the estate lost about 45% of its crop. Marie-Thèrese Barthelmy told me that she remembers budbreak taking place on March 25, and that on March 31 their cherry tree was already in bloom; then, on April 21, the roof fell and frost wiped out entire vineyards. Harvest began earlier than usual and was also finished fast, over just three weeks. What wines the estate did manage to produce are, as always, superb”
“The star of the show was the 2019 Côte Rôtie Coeur De Combard, and this beautifully balanced, pure, seamless 2019 has ample blackberry-like fruits (it’s certainly darker fruited) as well as violets, peppery herbs, and some obvious minerality. Medium to full-bodied with impeccable balance as well as a great finish, drink bottles any time over the coming 15 years or so. Drink: 2022-2037. 94 points”
“The NV (2017) Initiation is a beautiful, exotic wine. Apricot, orange confit, hazelnut, spice and chamomile give the 2017 a decidedly exotic feel. My impression is that the 2017 will offer its best drinking sooner rather than later, as it is a bit forward, with slightly honeyed notes that start to appear over time. Initiation is a blend of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Meunier, vinified in oak and bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: July 27, 2019. Drinking window: 2020-2025. 93 points”
