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2002
2001

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 Vintage2001
TypeRed
ProducerNicolas Potel (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
Designationn/a
Vineyardn/a
CountryFrance
RegionBurgundy
SubRegionCôte de Nuits
AppellationRichebourg Grand Cru

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2012 and 2030 (based on 3 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Potel Richebourg on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 93.8 pts. and median of 94 pts. in 12 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by Enworb on 5/21/2023 & rated 94 points: From magnum for my 60th birthday lunch. In fine condition. No rush. (418 views)
 Tasted by Rabun on 12/13/2018 & rated 94 points: From magnum- Shockingly good and completely ready. The depth of the wine was stunning. Simply a magnificent terroir. Great nose, great body, and great length. As good as the 2009 Echezeaux was, this wine was at another level! (1665 views)
 Tasted by Alex G. on 8/29/2015 flawed bottle: From magnum, VA. (1631 views)
 Tasted by Paul S on 4/26/2014 & rated 95 points: Drinks at Mood Indigo (Mood Indigo, Jalan Kilang Barat, Singapore): It is quite a surprise that I had completely forgotten having had this before - it was mindblowingly the first time round and, from a magnum this time, still absolutely brilliant. It is no secret that I am not always a big fan of Potel’s wines – I find the quality to be rather patchy and inconsistent at times, while the “house-style” can be overly prominent across much of his production. This bottle, however, was a beautiful expression of its terroir. It had an absolutely knock-out nose, with dark cherries ringed by toasty earth, a little meaty accent, and then gentle reams of Vosne, with cloves and nutmeg and peppercorn. A truly wonderful bouquet. The palate was perhaps not quite as nice as the nose, but that really is no criticism. It had a great freshness and a lovely purity to its dark cherry and berry flavours that were rather unusual for a Potel, all this seasoned by more of that lovely fragrant spice picked up on the nose. It seemed a bit light bodied for a Richebourg at first, but this really had a deceptive depth, it crept up on you with a surprisingly mouthfilling midpalate, then a sneakily long finish, where metal and mineral notes flecked a dark fruited back palate. This was absolutely superb – it had both strength and grace, with power without weight, and length with effort. A great wine, drinking wonderfully well on the day. (4274 views)
 Tasted by Pknut on 2/10/2014: Very dark color and palate profile, more black cherry and black berries than red cherry, with some spices on nose and palate. The mouthfeel is very silky and sexy. Shows a good amount of depth. But, overall, this needs time to further develop some complexities and resolve some of its structure, which, although is not too dominated by tannin or acidity, still comes across as somewhat tight and lean and will probably be more relaxed and giving with a few more years in the cellar. Still, shows very good class. Should be pretty impressive with a few more years. Thanks, Yaacov. At Charlie Bird with Ray, Chet and Yaacov. (3805 views)
 Tasted by cellarid on 3/16/2013 & rated 92 points: Drinkable now but takes a surprising amount of time to open up. Fullish with very classic aromas. Not super stylish but excellent nonetheless. Still fairly dark and fairly primary so this is still an adolescent. (3830 views)
 Tasted by Paul S on 5/22/2012 & rated 96 points: 2010 Maison Roche de Bellene / Nicolas Potel Dinner (Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck, Paragon): A brilliant Richebourg. This was one of two favourites on the night (the other being a knockout 2010 Clos de Beze). Here, we had the essence of Vosne on the nose, with earthy, meaty, umami inflections swirling around a beautiful dark fruited core with wonderful layers of wood spice bringing up the rear. While it did not have the aromatic fireworks of either the Clos de Beze or the Romanee St. Vivant on the same flight, this was still very attractive in a rather more masculine, earthy manner. The palate, on the other hand, was amazing - quite batting the RSV out of the park. Perfectly integrated, beautiful balanced, it unfolded in wonderfully deep, inexorable layers of sour plums, dark cherries and blueberries, all with ringing with a startling purity. Yet for all that lithe, bright clarity, it had such a solid, powerful core, almost voluminous in its depth - a true iron fist in a velvet glove, indeed even more so here than on the 2002 Bonnes Mares. From a magnun and at 11 years of age, it was at a wonderful place, resolved into an perfect whole. The finish was brilliant too, pulling away into a deep, resounding mouthful of plums and dried cherries flecked with hints of earth and a kiss of spice that just went on and on and on. A profound wine - I can still taste it in my head even now. (4653 views)
 Tasted by Sleepy Dave on 5/22/2012 & rated 94 points: Meet the man - Nicolas Potel (Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck @ Paragon): Oh my, this is even more complex and seductive than the already impressive aromatic profile from the RSV. Breathtaking sweet spices, herbs and dark fruits with even better depth. Medioum - full bodied. Oh, such depth and power, yet has this underlying elegance and builds up weight, depth and length in the mouth. This classy, refine Richebourg is stunning. (4244 views)
 Tasted by La Grappe on 7/14/2011 & rated 90 points: A touch of brown in the colour. Dense, mature fruit, with a slightly austere feel. However, it seems to have more depth and character than the Potel RSV 2001 (see 7/7/2011). Not a great Richebourg, but there is plenty of substance and it may improve (as may the RSV). It has a slightly stalky character which is perhaps a feature of the vintage. (1822 views)
 Tasted by cellarid on 7/10/2011 & rated 95 points: Profound wine. Needs a good amount of air and then does eventually close up a bit, but for a good hour in between, this is rocking. Ethereal nose of dark fruits, truffle, intense soil/minerality and a never-ending melange of spices. Great sap on the finish. And similar to the Arnoux Suchots 2001, this has brilliant acidity. Very long finish with Grand Cru presence in spades. Great wine that is still very, very young. Barely shedding its barrel sample-like purple-ness. Brilliant effort. (1830 views)
 Tasted by winenutnyc on 1/15/2007: OK, waay too early for this, be worth trying b/c the potential is so obvious- opened but not decanted for 1.5 hrs. lovely spice notes and "purple-ness"- almost impenetrable fruit. The palate took a while to open, but evlolved into power without weight personified. very good now, stunning in 10-15 years. (1748 views)
 Tasted by cellarid on 10/27/2006 & rated 94 points: Wow. Stunning stuff. Opened up shy with mild oak on the nose, but after about 2 hours of air, the minerals really lept from the glass. The structure is hidden behind a wealth of pure and still-purple fruit. Very persistent and rich on the palate with tons of depth and reserve. Lots of volume in the mouth with a lingering finish that screams Grand Cru. This is big, ripe and very fleshy, but you can tell that there's a ton of wine still deep inside. (1904 views)

Professional 'Channels'
By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, March/April 2003, IWC Issue #107
(Nicolas Potel Richebourg) Subscribe to see review text.
By Allen Meadows
Burghound, 1st Quarter, 2003, Issue #9
(Maison Nicolas Potel Richebourg Grand Cru Red) Subscribe to see review text.
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous and Burghound. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Nicolas Potel

Producer website

Nicolas Potel set as wine négociant in 1996 and continued through to 2009 when he left to set up his new Domaine Potel. The business is now fully run by the Cottin brothers who have financed the operation since 2002.

The following Burgundy Report article from 2009 covers more detail;http://www.burgundy-report.com/summer-2009/maison-nicolas-potel-2009-update-2007s/

Pinot Noir

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.


Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.

Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.

The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.

Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.

In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.

Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.

France

Vins de France (Office National Interprofessionnel des Vins ) | Pages Vins, Directory of French Winegrowers | French Wine (Wikipedia)

Wine Scholar Guild vintage ratings

2018 vintage: "marked by a wet spring, a superb summer and a good harvest"
2019 vintage reports
2021: "From a general standpoint, whether for white, rosé or red wines, 2021 is a year marked by quality in the Rhône Valley Vineyards. Structured, elegant, fresh and fruity will be the main keywords for this new vintage."
2022 harvest: idealwine.info | wine-searcher.com

Burgundy

Les vins de Bourgogne (Bureau interprofessionnel des vins de Bourgogne) (and in English)

Burgundy - The province of eastern France, famous for its red wines produced from Pinot Noir and its whites produced from Chardonnay. (Small of amounts of Gamay and Aligoté are still grown, although these have to be labeled differently.) The most famous part of the region is known as the Cote d'Or (the Golden Slope). It is divided into the Cote de Beaune, south of the town of Beaune (famous principally for its whites), and the Cote de Nuits, North of Beaune (home of the most famous reds). In addition, the Cote Chalonnaise and the Maconnais are important wine growing regions, although historically a clear level (or more) below the Cote d'Or. Also included by some are the regions of Chablis and Auxerrois, farther north.

Burgundy Report | Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne - na stejné téma od Heleny Baker

# 2013 Vintage Notes:
* "2013 is a vintage that 20 years ago would have been a disaster." - Will Lyons
* "low yields and highly variable reds, much better whites." - Bill Nanson
* "Virtually all wines were chaptalised, with a bit of sugar added before fermentation to increase the final alcohol level." - Jancis Robinson

# 2014 Vintage Notes:
"We have not had such splendid harvest weather for many years. This will ensure high quality (fragrant, classy and succulent are words already being used) across the board, up and down the hierarchy and well as consistently from south to north geographically apart from those vineyards ravaged by the hail at the end of June." - Clive Coates

# 2015 Vintage Notes:
"Low yields and warm weather allowed for ample ripeness, small berries and an early harvest. Quality is looking extremely fine, with some people whispering comparisons with the outstanding 2005 vintage. Acid levels in individual wines may be crucial." - Jancis Robinson

# 2017 Vintage Notes:
"Chablis suffered greatly from frost in 2017, resulting in very reduced volumes. As ever, the irony seems to be that what remains is very good quality, as it is in the Côte d’Or. Cooler nights across the region have resulted in higher-than-usual acidity, with good conditions throughout the harvest season allowing for ripe, healthy fruit." - Jancis Robinson

# 2018 Vintage Notes:
"The most successful region for red Burgundy in 2018 was the Côte de Beaune. The weather was ideal in this area, with just enough sunlight and rain to produce perfectly balanced wines naturally." - Vinfolio

Côte de Nuits

on weinlagen.info

 
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