1999 Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Maison Dieu Vieilles Vignes

Burgundy-Report

• By Bill Nanson
  11/1/2007, (See more on Burgundy-Report...)

  (Potel Nicolas Bourgogne Rouge 'Maison Dieu' Vieilles Vignes) Medium, medium-plus ruby-red colour. The nose is deep, with dark oak coating more distant baked red cherry, topped by higher-toned alcoholic notes. Initially good acidity starts to turn a little bright in the mid-palate and even faintly bitter as it runs into the finish - but I’m being picky here. To focus purely on the acidity ignores reasonably well grained tannin and ripe, oak coated fruit. This remains an above average and quite young bourgogne that is pretty well balanced and still needs a couple more years in the cellar - I think it will always retain its oaky base, but it’s not drying.

• By Bill Nanson
  7/1/2006, (See more on Burgundy-Report...)

  (Potel Nicolas Bourgogne Rouge 'Maison Dieu' Vieilles Vignes) First bottle corked, marginally, but corked. Medium ruby-red colour. The nose starts meaty, eventually giving up red berries - quite super as the bottle is finished. In the mouth it's somewhat stodgy with acidity a little to the fore and noticeable tannin. It's still quite good, but perhaps needs a couple more years in the cellar if 'easy-drinking' is your target - we'll see.

• By Bill Nanson
  3/1/2005, (See more on Burgundy-Report...)

  (Potel Nicolas Bourgogne Rouge 'Maison Dieu' Vieilles Vignes) Medium cherry-red. The nose is deep but slightly diffuse, sweet and meaty, eventually showing more of a rd confiture. Good concentration, very good acidity and with a black aspect to the fruit. It's become just a little spicier than I prefer, also there's a little bitterness on the finish, but not enough to cause concern. Certainly it's tightened in the last 18 months but no rush to drink-up.

• By Bill Nanson
  11/1/2004, (See more on Burgundy-Report...)

  (Potel Nicolas Bourgogne Rouge 'Maison Dieu' Vieilles Vignes) Medium-plus cherry red. The nose has good depth, but the red fruit is a little diffuse. The palate has much more going for it than your average bourgogne, good intensity to the fruit, nice acidity and tannins that still need a year or two. Certainly better than most 'no-name' village wines and probably giving it's best around 2006-2010.

• By Bill Nanson
  3/1/2003, (See more on Burgundy-Report...)

  (Potel Nicolas Bourgogne Rouge 'Maison Dieu' Vieilles Vignes) Medium ruby colour to the rim. Nose has wood spice and cherry pie fruit. The palate has good acidity and some prominent tannin, both of which are reasonably well covered with layers of beautifully delineated fruit, raspberry, redcurrant and strawberry. Length is good, the only slight disappointment being that it’s a bit ‘thin’ in the mouth. Hopefully the other 11 will put on some weight over the next few years. Given the appellation though, fantastic.