Bourgogne Cuvee Saint-Vincent 2021 (Vincent Girardin)

Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Although he hails from a famous winemaking family, Vincent Girardin set off on his own in the early 1980s, blazing his own trail with 2 hectares of inherited vineyards in the Côte de Beaune.

That initial plot has grown exponentially over the decades, turning into a patchwork quilt of land that covers some of the most significant vineyards in Burgundy. This cuvée comes from some of the best plots in Vincent’s metaphorical backyard of the Côte de Beaune, largely growing on clayish-limestone soils.

The Cuvée Saint-Vincent begins with a refined nose of red hedgerow berries. Look for scents of wild strawberry, raspberry, and redcurrant - though it is a rich scent of sour cherry that comes to the fore, reflecting the deep Maraschino colour of the wine.

The Pinot Noir fruits were picked by hand from 45-year-old vines, before ageing for 10 months in 10% new French oak barrels. It is a brilliant balance of power and softness on the palate, with supple tannins and vibrant acidity.

Notes of dark cherry envelope the mouth, with background hints of garrigue, minerality, and forest floor. It is an excellent Burgundy, suitable for pairing with beef bourguignon, roast turkey, and cranberry sauce.