Albert Morot Beaune Bressandes Premier Cru 2022

A tiny parcel of vines high on the slope above Les Greves grows this bright, spicy, and lovely 94-point Premier Cru Burgundy. It’s opulent and intense while being seductively smooth and elegant… and we have it for one of the best prices anywhere.

The Les Bressandes Premier Cru vineyard in Beaune is a highly sought after climat known for its aromatic and structured Pinot Noirs (and some Chardonnay, too). If you do a quick search for the 2022 vintage online, you’ll find the likes of Domaine Rapet for about $90, Chanson for $100, and Henri Germain for $155. Then we have Albert Morot – with 94 points from Decanter, who calls it “fresh and firm” while “abundant ripeness balances the structure” – for UNDER $75 here at First Bottle.

If you’re new to this producer, Domaine Albert Morot has been crafting precise and charming wines in the Côte de Beaune for generations. Philibert Jacques Angélique Morot began selling wine from his vineyard in 1820, later accompanied by his sons Simon and Albert, the latter who continued the business on his own under his name. Albert’s daughter and son-in-law later purchased low-priced land during the phylloxera epidemic in Savigny and Beaune in 1890, expanding the estate and continuing the family legacy. The winery remained within the family, passed from one generation to the next and becoming certified organic in 2015, before finally passing the reins to new owners in 2023. The new owners brought on the exceptional winemaker Pierre-Jean Villa to continue leading the steadfast vineyard and cellar efforts, and crafting some of the region’s finest wines.

They harvest the grapes for this bottling from a small, 1.27-hectare parcel in Bressandes on the mid-slope facing southeast, followed by partial destemming and fermenting with combined punch downs and pump overs before aging in a third new oak. The aromas and flavors are brimming with muddled strawberries and red cherries, alongside notes of dried apricot and dates, with some violets, mushroom, sage, and damp forest floor. Its structure is immaculate, and it offers impressive balance, elegance, and depth for a 1er Cru at this price point. Three bottles will get you free shipping, and that is exactly the amount you’ll want (at least)!

FOOD PAIRINGS: I’ll say it. I love a sheet pan meal. They can actually be chic! (I know, two polarizing statements.) With this wine, I’m pulling out one of my staples: dump some chicken thighs with your favorite olives, canned artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and any other veggies (red peppers and mushrooms would be great) on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss, roast at 425 for 30 minutes, and serve over arugula or rice. So insanely easy and flavorful.