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The soul of Vosne

Aux Malconsorts isn’t just a Premier Cru—it’s a name whispered with reverence. Nestled right next to the legendary La Tâche, this vineyard produces wines that walk the tightrope between sensuality and precision. Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, now led by Sébastien Cathiard, has become one of Burgundy’s benchmarks for detail, balance, and emotion in the glass.

Tasting note

A seductive bouquet of black cherry, star anise, and rose petal. On the palate: velvet texture, a core of dark fruit, refined minerality, and a persistent, stony finish. The 2019 is structured yet graceful—one of those wines that doesn’t scream, but sings.

Fun fact

“Malconsorts” literally means “bad neighbours.” Legend has it the name dates back to a centuries-old land feud between monasteries. Burgundy: rich in terroir and local drama.

Score 91/100

A small note on our tasting impressions

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

From another time

Arthur Barolet & Fils may not be widely known today, but in mid-20th century Beaune, the name stood for quality and excellence. Their Charmes-Chambertin—one of the most charming of the Gevrey Grand Crus—has always offered accessibility without sacrificing nobility. This bottle likely dates from the 1940s or 50s and carries the timeworn elegance of pre-modern Burgundy.

Tasting note

These weren’t the bottles from the photo—those stayed safely untouched. But when the cork of a 1959 Vosne-Romanée slipped during transport, and a 1964 Gevrey-Chambertin showed up with an unusual label, we took it as a sign.

Fun fact

Barolet sometimes bottled without vintage labels. Why? “The vintage should speak through the nose, not the label,” or so the story goes. Romantic? Absolutely. Documented? Less so. 

Score

Vosne-Romanee 1959  Not rated(oxidized)

Gevrey-Chambertin 1964 94/100

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

Art, power, and controversy.

Mouton Rothschild is a household name, yet its true character often reveals itself in the trickier vintages. 1993 was one of those: September rains challenged the harvest, and many châteaux struggled. Yet Mouton crafted a poised, structured wine. The label, painted by Balthus, featured a nude sketch that caused quite a stir in the US, leading to a censored “white label” version.

Tasting note

Cassis, graphite, and cedar dominate the nose. On the palate, focused and classical: redcurrant, dried tobacco, pencil shavings, and a lean, precise finish.

Fun fact

The 1993 Mouton is one of the only vintages with two labels (together with the ’78). The American version was released without the artwork—just a blank white rectangle.

Score 85/100

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

A modern legend.

La Mondotte wasn’t always a star. In the early 90s, it was virtually unknown until Stephan von Neipperg transformed the tiny plot into a precision-crafted powerhouse. Biodynamic farming, micro-vinification, and low yields turned it into a darling of critics—and one of the first so-called "garage wines." Today, it's no longer niche—just world-class.

Tasting note

Opulent nose of ripe plum, violet, crushed stone, and dark chocolate. The palate is plush and dense, yet focused—layered with graphite and a long, spicy finish.

Fun fact

“La Mondotte” may sound like a brand, but it’s actually the old local name for the hill where the vines grow. Who says terroir can't be fashionable?

Score 98/100

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

A rebel with a cause

Didier Dagueneau was one of a kind. With his wild hair and no-compromise approach, he redefined what Sauvignon Blanc could be. His wines—radical, pure, electric—put Pouilly-Fumé back on the map. “Buisson Renard” is one of his most mineral-driven cuvées, sourced from flinty soils that give it tension and precision.

Tasting note

Smoky and saline on the nose, with lime zest and crushed oyster shell. On the palate: razor-sharp structure, grapefruit pith, and a clean, chalky finish. No makeup, no noise—just clarity.

Fun fact

“Buisson Renard” means “fox bush” in French. The vineyard was once a popular hiding spot during fox hunts. These days, it’s wine lovers doing the chasing.

Score 95/100

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

A survivor

1949 is legendary in Bordeaux. Alongside ’47, it delivered wines of extraordinary depth, especially in Pomerol—then a quiet, unfashionable village. Château L’Évangile, neighbour to Pétrus and Le Pin, had already built a solid reputation. Bottled by Barrière Frères, this particular wine is a rare link to a Bordeaux made long before critic scores or technical farming.

Tasting note? Not this time…

Just holding this bottle feels like a once-in-a-decade moment—opening it would border on sacrilege. Sometimes, the experience is in the anticipation.

Fun fact

Many bottles from 1949 had wax seals instead of capsules. Finding one with intact wax today is like finding a time machine with a cork.

Score - Not rated

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

The monarch

There are Grand Crus—and then there’s Montrachet. Joseph Drouhin’s cuvée comes from the Marquis de Laguiche holdings, some of the most prized plots on this hallowed slope. Montrachet consistently delivers Chardonnay of unmatched depth and finesse. The 2022 vintage is already being praised for its balance: ripe fruit, but electric freshness.

Tasting note

The 2022 Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche Grand Cru was harvested in three picks this year. Exhibiting aromas of pear, peach, honeycomb, toasted nuts, baking spices and buttered toast, it's full-bodied, ample and unctuous, with a richly layered core of fruit, lively acids and a long, resonant finish. Tasted from a barrel sample before an aerating racking, it displayed fine tension. (William Kelley)

Fun fact

The Drouhin–Laguiche family has held their Montrachet vines since the 18th century, making it one of the longest continuous Grand Cru vineyard holdings in Burgundy. Today, Joseph Drouhin manages the plot through a lease from the Marquis de Laguiche, whose ancestors once advised Napoleon Bonaparte.

Score

Robert Parker 94-96 (not rated by us as all bottles are in mint condition)

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

A quiet vintage

This isn't the flashy Saint-Julien Lagrange. This is Pomerol—clay, Merlot, and mystery. Château Lagrange in Pomerol is a small, often overlooked estate, with a production so discreet you’d miss it if you blink. The 1992 vintage? Let’s be honest—nobody is putting it on posters. Yet this bottle proves that time and terroir can conspire to surprise.

Tasting note

Notes of leather, dried cherry, and forest floor. Tertiary tones dominate, but there’s a soft sweetness still lingering. The texture? More silk than structure, but still charming.

Fun fact

There are two Château Lagranges in Bordeaux—one in Saint-Julien (Grand Cru Classé), the other here in Pomerol. The confusion is so common that importers used to sticker the labels just to avoid shipping errors.

Score 87/100

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

Before the upgrade, after the controversy

Pavie has always provoked strong opinions. Before being promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" in 2012, it was already turning heads—especially in 2003, when the Parker vs. Robinson drama made headlines. The 2004 flew under that radar, but that’s precisely its charm: more finesse, less flex.

Tasting note

Dark berries, graphite, and licorice. The palate is firm and linear, with a cooler, almost minty freshness that sets it apart from surrounding vintages.

Fun fact

Pavie’s 2003 vintage sparked a legendary public disagreement between Robert Parker (who loved it) and Jancis Robinson (who called it "ridiculous"). The 2004? It kept its head down—and aged beautifully.

Score 96/100

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.

Old-school

Montrose is one of the Médoc’s most stoic châteaux. The gravelly soils of Saint-Estèphe give it a signature backbone, and the 1981 is a prime example of old-school claret: firm, savoury, and resolutely unshowy. A wine that speaks more in gravel than in fruit.

Tasting note

Dried tobacco, old leather, soy, and forest mushroom. The palate is lean, still structured, with bright acidity and a dry, lifted finish.

Fun fact

In the 19th century, Montrose was known for hunting and game—a “château for men” in the Médoc. It still carries that aura: serious, structured, and no-nonsense.

Score 89/100

A small note on our tasting impressions:

Many of the wines we taste come from bottles that aren’t quite sale-worthy—levels a bit low, labels too distressed, or simply not pretty enough for the spotlight. While we love the character these bottles bring, our notes are not based on a single glass alone. They reflect years of tasting experience—both within our team and from trusted friends in the wine world.

As for the fun facts?

All true (we promise)… though possibly enhanced by the gentle glow of a good glass of wine.