Albert Morot Beaune Rouge Les Aigrots Premier Cru 2022

Plenty of single-vineyard Premier Cru Burgundies out of Beaune rightfully push well into the $100-$200 (plus) range – but why pay triple digits when you can get a masterfully crafted bottle from a historic house for under $70? Tack on 93 points and free shipping on just three bottles, and you’ve got yourself a doozy of a deal!

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 of whom 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 meticulous vineyard and cellar efforts and crafting some of the region’s finest wines.

The grapes for this wine come from “Les Aigrots” – a small, 0.75-hectare parcel next to the famous Clos de Mouches just west of the town of Beaune. With vines growing toward the upper part of the slope, the vineyard translates to “holly” in Burgundian dialect, as these thorny, red berry-adorned bushes used to grow on the land prior to grapevines. Picking takes place by hand with hand-sorting and traditional, open-vat vinification followed by aging in 50% new French oak for 16 months.

These measured methods produce a wine that is all at once steeped in tradition while built to age. When you pop this open, give it a good 10 minutes or so in the glass and some vigorous swirls to allow it to open up (or, better, decant for 30 minutes to an hour). Your patience will reward you as a bit of struck match reduction blows off and reveals so much to enjoy – blackberry compote followed by dark cherry, vanilla, and cherry blossoms on the nose. The palate unveils tart cherry, black currant, and pomegranate framed by spicy cedar chips, clove, and black pepper. Grippy tannins with dusty granularity support the long finish that grabs hold and carries with it a touch of rocky, mineral acidity. Yeah, this is some rockin’, old-school Burgundy for a price that screams attainability. We have very little, so go ahead and grab your three to secure free shipping, and save at least one for the long haul. 

PAIRING IDEAS: Some Indian spice would slap with this fruity, spicy Burgundy – and these Tandoori lamb chops are so up my alley (and silly-easy).