Domaine Etienne Delarche Corton Les Renardes Grand Cru 2023

Etienne Delarche has achieved the unthinkable – consistently amazing, highly sought-after, classic Burgundian wines that represent some of the best values in the region. Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Corton-Renardes for under $115? A ludicrously amazing deal when it comes to top-flight Burgundy – and a whole $10 less than the only other retailer in America to carry this wine – yet, oh so very limited. Grab some, quick!

Hidden away in a quiet and serene valley in the noble hill of Corton’s shadow lies the Côte de Beaune’s best-kept secret – Domaine Delarche. Winemaker Etienne Delarche took sole responsibility of the estate following his father Pierre’s death in 2007 and in a few short years has made Delarche one of the most sought-after productions in the Côte de Beaune.

Burgundy from Domaine Delarche stands as a modern-day example of what great Burgundy can and should be: memorable, delectable, and supremely approachable. We’ve been a fan for years – though they almost never make it to the states in quantity, and what does make it over the Atlantic is typically gobbled up by restaurants on the east coast and marked up drastically. We’re one of only two retailers in the U.S. to have this vintage available thus far, and the lowest price by far!

Expressive, earthy, and authentic – this 2023 Corton Les Renardes is still a baby yet, but an instant classic that will easily hold for decades. The 50-plus-year-old estate vines grow in the Renardes section of the larger Corton Grand Cru vineyard, facing southeast at 900 feet in altitude, with a mix of brown limestone and iron-rich marl soils. After hand-harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and fermented on native yeasts in stainless steel, and then aged in 30% new French oak barrels for one year. Prominent notes of rose petals, raspberries, delicate smoke, damp earth, plums, anise, and leather flit about the glass and erupt in the mouth for a particularly fresh and approachable Burgundy with supple ripeness and a solid expression of acidity. For a wine of this caliber, I suggest grabbing what you can while it lasts!

PAIRING IDEAS: With the subtle smoke and spice on this wine, a batch of this creamy Cajun Andouille sausage pasta will be a fine pair for a decadent and soul-pleasing meal!