Rare Burgundy Offer: one “bargain” and eight high-end gems

Pricing available as supply lasts.
SALE CLOSES MONDAY FEBRUARY 3rd at 12:00 pm.
ALL WINES AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP starting Wednesday February 5th at 5pm.

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Hi everyone –

The quotes around the world “bargain” in the title are intentional, for there are no longer true low-priced bargains in Burgundy.

A string of short vintages, combined with growing world wide demand, combined with tariffs, combined with inflation, has made even the most basic Bourgone-level wines out of reach for regular consumers and by-the-glass programs. Which is a shame, for if the door opener wine is not easy for people to buy, how do they ever get introduced to the most magical of all wines?

This week’s offer is split into two parts. One part is a rare offer on high-end Burgundies from a range of vintages from a favorite top-level producer. I’m the first to say these wines are not for everyone, but they are for someone. The local importer of the wines did a diligent job of bringing them in year after year for some time, and the bits and pieces are all that are left (and that’s what we have in this offer). It’s rare to be able to offer such a collection.

But to make sure we have something for everyone else, we found our quote-unquote bargain Burgundy. Let’s start with that.

2021 Domaine Bourgogne-Devaux Bourgogne Hautes-Côte de Beaune

That’s a mouthful to say!

If you want to have a few bottles of delicious, drinky, fun, sassy, accurate red Burgundy in the house, this is for you. It’s simply great Pinot Noir, but the story makes it even better.

Domaine Bourgogne-Devaux is micro winery, run by Luc Bourgogne-Devaux (yes, he actually has “Burgundy” in his name). Luc’s family has been in Burgundy growing grapes since the 1800’s, and for generations they sold their grapes to other producers for they owned some choice parcels that made great wine. In 2012, Luc decided to hold onto the family grapes and develop their own label.

This is a part-time venture for Luc, for he’s in the banking industry during the day. But when it comes time to make his wine, he heads downstairs to his basement, where an average of 22 barrels holds his entire production.

Haute-Côtes de Beaune refers to the wind-swept hills at the top of the southern half of the Côte d’Or and is increasingly seen as a reliable source for great Pinot Noir (even with climate change impacting the area).

No snow, no puffy jacket, a nice wine with a nice fire in the backyard. Welcome to winter in Minnesota 2025. Those are barrel staves from an old Chateau Ste. Michelle barrel that we had for 20 years, which finally fell apart. Nothing better that that for a great fire. Smelled like Cabernet! (just kidding)

This wine is detailed and fresh, with a very Burgundian nose of earth, licorice, minerals, and black raspberry. The aromas swirl amongst each-other, with no particular one beating out the others. This is one thing I love about Burgundy and find only in Burgundies: a helix of aromas, instead of a bar graph. Medium bodied, long finish, great acidity, and perfect with lamb tenderloin (which I can say I confirmed last night, thank you very much … hint: take out the sous vide machine for a cut like lamb tenderloin and cook to 125 degrees on the spot, finish with a quick shot on a very hot grill to add texture. If you need a source for lamb tenderloin, let me know).

The big time show: La Pousse d’Or

I love this winery. Back in the day (pre-covid) we did a couple of classes highlighting many of these wines and they were some of the top wine classes of the year. People still talk about them.

Domaine de la Pousse d’Or is located in Volnay, Burgundy and has a storied history dating back to at least the French Revolution in 1789 when the church properties were put up for auction and the top vineyards went to the highest bidders. Pousse d’Or acquired many of the best plots centuries before world wide explosion of Burgundy pricing.

In 1855 the winery was part of a larger estate that included renowned vineyards like Romanée-Conti and Clos de Tart. Over the years, the domaine has seen various owners, with Patrick Landanger acquiring it in 1997. Under his stewardship, the estate expanded its holdings, notably acquiring the 3.5-hectare Domaine Moine-Hudelot in Chambolle-Musigny.

La Pousse d’Or in 1892

Pousse d’Or today

Today, La Pousse d’Or boasts 17 hectares of vineyards, including seven grands crus and eleven premiers crus, with three monopoles (rare single-owner vineyards).

The estate is distinguished by its commitment to biodynamic viticulture, natural winemaking methods, and wines aged on lees for 18 months, practices that contribute to the exceptional aging potential and pure expression of their terroirs.

These are bigtime wines. They are not cheap. They are rare. And this offer is a great opportunity for Burgundy lovers to acquire rare verticals of amazing wines.

Chambolle-Musigny Premier Crus: Les Feusselottes 2016, Les Charmes 2016

Chambolle-Musigny is the AOC that sets Burgundy lovers hearts aflutter. The combination of delicacy and power that Chambolle tends to bring is unexplainable.

2016 Pousse d’Or Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Feusselottes”
This premier cru exudes elegance with its expressive red fruit flavors and floral notes, balanced by a silky texture and well-integrated tannins. The wine’s finesse and depth make it a standout, with a long, graceful finish. Enjoy this alongside herb-crusted lamb chops or a creamy brie for a sophisticated pairing.

2016 Pousse d’Or Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Charmes”
This wine presents refined and elegant aromatics, showcasing a lively character. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins and well-judged acidity. Flavors of orange rind and spice enliven the finish, contributing to its overall complexity. Pair this with roasted duck breast or a wild mushroom risotto to complement its vibrant and nuanced profile.

These wines are available individually or (for best pricing) as a two-pack.

Volnay Premier Cru “60 Ouvrées” Monopole: 2011, 2014, and 2015

Volnay AOC is all about delicacy, detail, finesse, and beauty. It’s a region of intellectual wines that enchant and hypnotize more than others. If you prefer bigger styles of Pinot Noir, steer clear. If you find joy in details, read on.

What is an “Ouvrée”?
In Burgundy, an “ouvrée” is an old land measurement traditionally used to describe the area of vineyard that one worker could tend in a single day using manual tools. Equivalent to about 428 square meters or 0.1 acres, it is a historical term that reflects the labor-intensive nature of viticulture in the region. The use of “ouvrée” is a nod to Burgundy’s deep-rooted winemaking traditions and emphasizes the meticulous care given to its vineyards.

Clos des 60 Ouvrées is a Monopole, meaning it’s a vineyards 100% owned and controlled by one winery.

2011 Pousse d’Or Volnay 1er Cru “Clos des 60 Ouvrées”
This monopole vineyard produces wines with distinctive character. The 2011 vintage offers aromas of dark cherries, plum, and earthy nuances. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with firm tannins and a mineral-driven finish. This wine pairs wonderfully with coq au vin or a mushroom-stuffed ravioli, enhancing its savory depth. My latest tasting of this wine showed it firing on all cylinders right now, ready to be enjoyed in the next five years.

2014 Pousse d’Or Volnay 1er Cru “Clos des 60 Ouvrées”
This wine presents a nose of red currants, violets, and subtle spice. The palate is harmonious, with polished tannins and bright acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish. Enjoy this wine with roasted pork loin or a fig and prosciutto flatbread to accentuate its vibrant and refined flavors. This particular vintage is showing INCREDIBLE right now.

2015 Pousse d’Or Volnay 1er Cru “Clos des 60 Ouvrées”
This vintage is characterized by its richness and depth. Aromas of black cherries, licorice, and cocoa emerge from the glass. The palate is full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a lingering finish. Pair this luxurious wine with braised short ribs or a dark chocolate tart for an indulgent pairing that matches its opulence. Drink now (with decanting) through 2035.

All wines are available individually or (for best pricing) as a three-pack vertical.

Number 3 and number 11 represent the microscopic plots of land in this offer.

Volnay Premier Cru “Clos de la Bousse d’Or” Monopole: 2011, 2014, 2016

2011 Pousse d’Or Volnay 1er Cru “Bousse d’Or”
The 2011 vintage of this Volnay premier cru offers aromas of red cherries, earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a harmonious finish. Pair this elegant wine with roast chicken or a truffle-infused pasta dish to highlight its earthy and delicate flavors.

2014 Pousse d’Or Volnay 1er Cru “Bousse d’Or”
This wine displays a bouquet of red berries, floral notes, and hints of minerality. The palate is refined, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity, culminating in a persistent finish. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled salmon or a beetroot and goat cheese salad, enhancing its delicate balance of flavors.

2016 Pousse d’Or Volnay 1er Cru “Bousse d’Or”
This wine showcases aromas of ripe red fruits intertwined with floral and earthy undertones. The palate is elegant, featuring fine-grained tannins and a lively acidity that provides structure and length. Pair this refined Volnay with beef tenderloin or a roasted vegetable tart for a memorable night.

The Bousse d’Or vineyard, to me, represents the pinnacle of Volnay in terms of being consistently delicate, elegant, beautiful, and bright. I’ve never had a single wine from this vineyard that hasn’t stopped me in my tracks long enough to thank the wine gods.

All three wines are available individually, or (for best pricing) as a three-bottle vertical.

More vintage details for you

Here’s a brief rundown on the vintages in this offer and what they brought to the wines. One thing to note is that many of these wines came from what the American wine press labels as “difficult” vintages, which get a lower score in publications like Wine Spectator. This is another reason that I dismiss Spectator in particular when it comes to Burgundy, for many of these so-called “difficult” vintages simply lowered the overall yield and increased the quality of the fruit that was left.

And there’s one other thing to keep in mind: a winery like Pousse d’Or and an owner like Patrick Landanger have ZERO incentive to put out a wine that is not up to their quality standards. They will happily reduce production by upwards of 50-90% in a given vintage to make sure that what is released is up to scratch.

2011 Vintage:

The 2011 vintage produced fresh, light, and approachable Pinot Noirs with vibrant acidity and charming red fruit flavors like cherry and cranberry. Despite a challenging growing season, the wines show finesse and floral complexity. These are not long-lived wines but excel in their early-drinking appeal and food-friendly nature. This vintage was particularly impressive for the delicate wines of Volnay. These are also wines for drinking now.

2012 Vintage:

The 2012 vintage delivered concentrated and intense wines, thanks to low yields and ripe fruit. With deep flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice, the reds are rich yet balanced, with firm tannins and aging potential. They also show a luxurious texture that makes them enjoyable in both youth and maturity.

2014 Vintage:

The 2014 Pinot Noirs are classic and precise, showcasing vibrant red fruit, floral notes, and fresh acidity (again, ideal for a Volnay-focused winery). A cooler season followed by a sunny September allowed for balanced ripening. These elegant, terroir-driven wines are approachable now but have the structure for graceful aging.

2015 Vintage:

The 2015 vintage is considered exceptional, producing rich and powerful Pinot Noirs with ripe red and black fruit flavors, velvety textures, and balanced freshness. The warm, dry growing season led to wines with opulence and depth, making them both age-worthy and immediately enjoyable. The 2015’s are now entering a great phase and will be delicious well into the 2030’s.

2016 Vintage:

Despite a difficult growing season with spring frosts, the 2016 vintage delivered refined and elegant Pinot Noirs. The wines are vibrant and aromatic, with fresh red fruit, fine tannins, and subtle floral and mineral nuances. Low yields concentrated quality, resulting in wines with excellent balance and aging potential.

In conclusion / buying advice

Like I said at the start, the Pousse d’Or wines are not for everyone, but they are for someone. They are not cheap, nor should they be.

As the wine world is being rattled by sales going down, tariffs, inflation, etc. there is little focus on higher end wines in America. Even the top level steakhouses of New York City are reporting people ‘buying down’ on the list (which I think is directly tied to corporate spending accounts). As a result wines like these are simply not being offered in wine shops or talked about much by sommeliers.

They deserve the spotlight they have earned, and true to our fashion on these Friday offers, we want to surprise you and let you know wines like this are available here in the Twin Cities.

But that opening wine, the affordable(-ish) Haute-Côtes de Beaune, is the one to grab for sure. OMG Vino is what you can call it. Yum juice. Fire up the grill!

Thanks, everyone!

Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education

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Offer and special pricing are available as inventory lasts