2017 Coche-Dury Hospices de Beaune Volnay Santenots 1er Cru "Cuvee Gauvin" [JG93]

Producer: Domaine Coche-Dury 
Region: Volnay Santenots, Volnay, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France 
Varietal: Pinot Noir 
Year: 2017 

John Gilman, 93 Points 

"I am not sure if Raphaël Coche is likely to buy this cuvée on a regular basis in the future, but I am very happy he purchased a lot of the 2017, as this is going to be an excellent wine. It is a bit more new oaky, and the wood is a bit more toasted than is the case with the domaine’s own red wines, but it has excellent depth and complexity on both the nose and palate. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a blend of sweet blackberries, black cherries, bitter chocolate, pigeon, dark soil tones and smoky new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and shows fine purity to its soil signature, with a lovely core, fine focus and grip and a long, ripely tannic and very nicely balanced finish." 

Winery Notes: 

"Raphaël Coche became interested in Hospices de Beaune cuvées when the new manager of the Hospices, Ludivine Griveau, took over a few years ago. The wines have been known for their oaky, over-extracted character in the past, but Ludivine has quickly brought more restraint and it has been noticed and appreciated by many. 

Raphaël attends private tastings early on in the selection process and sets his sights on specific lots where he really sees potential, often lots that are ignored by other buyers. He then gets special permission to rack the wines out of the Hospices barrels very early and take them to his domaine where he can pursue the classic Coche élevage, fining with egg whites, and bottling by hand. While his viticulture is obviously a large part of his magic, his touch in the cellar and his traditional, labor-intensive bottling technique also have huge impacts on his wines. 

These wines are really beautifully executed, in the style of his other reds. The Corton is similar in style to the domaine Corton released in the 2013 vintage before the vineyard was converted to white CC. The Volnay is extremely stylish, with serious depth and concentration. This project continues into the 2018 vintage with a Pommard 1er Cru Epenots and a Volnay 1er cru that is a blend of Taillepieds, Caillerets, and Fremiets. 

This project is a personal endeavor for Raphaël as he was born in the Hospices as were his children and many of his ancestors. He plans to continue this project for the long term." 

Alcohol: 13% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.