Maison Mallard-Gaulin — Aloxe-Corton
Aloxe-Corton is home to this
family-contolled producer that owns
several quality
properties in the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits in
Burgundy, They also purchase grapes (but not wine) from contracted and
supervised vineyards and are thereby able to offer a wide selection of
very well-made, terroir-based
AOC wines from Burgundy. As a matter of policy, the domaine seldom
exceeds 20% new oak in any cuvée.
The 2005s we tasted at VinExpo were especially delightful, nowhere more
evident than the
fine red Burgundies of Mallard-Gaulin where the fine work of their
young
winemaker, Ludevine Griveau, is showing very handsomely.
NEW RELEASES!
Chablis 2006 — From vineyards immediately above the famous Grand Crus lieu-dits that face the village itself. Clean and tart (lemon) on the palate, this wine is very refreshing now and it will present more complexity yet to accompany its excellent structure. Superb value!
Pinot Noir 'Chanceroy' 2006 – lovely fruit (berries & cherries) and herbal notes on the nose, medium body, beautifully balanced with delicate structure, finishes long with very fine tannins. (JPO March 2008)
Mallard-Gaulin — the 2005 vintage in Burgundy is effectively sold-out in whites and becoming scarce on the red side as well. Pricing reflects the quality here and our prices are very competitive with similar Cote d'Or/Nuits offerings just announced in Vintages Classics Catalogue (many of which are 2004s) and the Nov. 10 Vintages release of 2005s.
Ladoix 2005 – from the village adjacent to Aloxe-Corton. “Beautiful, welcoming fruit on nose, follows onto palate with beautifully defined red fruits, smooth with lovely tannins, fleshy & bright, excellent length.” (JPO/DMO, July 07/Nov 07).
Aloxe Corton 1er "Les Petites Lolieres" 2005 - Charming with fruit & animal on the nose, big and fruity (small red frutis and black cherry), big concentration but also structured in mouth, seamless really, quite beautiful, excellent length.” (JPO/DMO, July 07).
Chassange–Montrachet 1er Cru La Maltroie 2005 – Literally that last remaining bottles of 2005 Cru in their cellars! “Subtle oak & fruits on nose, full, spicy, fruits, lovely citrus structure, bright finish with some toast, excellent length.” (JPO/DMO, July 07).
Still available…
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Blanchots" 2004 — Les Blanchots is cornered against the very prestigious Grand Cru climats of Les Criots, Montrachet, Batard, and Chevalier (all at 200+€/btl.) The vineyard shares the same magic (white) soil and terroir but, with less slope, it is not awarded Grand Cru status. “Wonderfully focused nose of oak, honey, spicy fruit, balanced fruit and lovely spice on the palate, excellent structure, finesse and power.” (JPO, Aloxe-Corton July 06). Limited quantities.
Savigny-Les-Beaunes 1er Cru “Clos les Guettes” 2003 — From the big and plush 2003 vintage — a very classy Burgundy! “Shows beautiful colour, offers a nose of cherries-in-eau-de-vie and mineral and is finely tuned in the mouth, excellent structure, firm but well-behaved tannins, excellent finish and complexity.” (JPO Aloxe-Corton July 06)
Re-taste, Toronto Oct. 07: Everything we remember with more sense of undergrowth and forest floor set against lovely, soft fruits, elegant, delightful structure and finesse.
Nuits St. George 1er Cru “Les Damodes” 2003 — Les Damodes is Nuits’ northern-most climat, bordering Vosne-Romanée. “Terroir and animal notes on the still tight nose; in the mouth it is jammy, sweet, and rich; all supported by impressive tannins, super structure, superb length, fine style and remarkable depth.” (JPO Aloxe-Corton July 06). Limited quantities.
Re-taste, Toronto Oct. 07: Oh my! Grace, complexity, depth, it's all here in this utterly satisfying Pinot Noir. 1st class indeed!