This is hands-down one of the best red Burgundy values you’ll ever see—a wine that drinks so far above its station you’d be hard-pressed not to guess Premier Cru in a blind tasting. Best-known for brambly, classically structured reds from the Givry appellation, the Sarrazins nevertheless over-deliver across the entirety of their lineup, especially so with this Bourgogne Pinot Noir. Yes, they do tell you that it comes from vieilles vignes (“old vines”), but they don’t tell you that those vines exceed 50 years of age and cling to a steep slope at about 1,000 feet, right at the edge of both the Givry boundary and the forest line. These wines speak of their woodsy, rustic surroundings in a clear, resonant voice. You will not find a more thoroughly “Burgundian” Pinot Noir, and, as “entry level” wines go, this is as good as it gets. If you love red Burgundy as much as we do, stock up on this—it has no peer at this price!
In the glass, the 2024 “Les Vieilles Vignes” is a medium ruby moving to pink and magenta at the rim, with perfumed aromas of black and red cherry, red plums, cranberry, damp roses and violets, black tea, crushed stones, underbrush, and a hint of leather. It’s juicy and nicely concentrated but also tangy and spicy, with that inimitable wave of freshness that gives it lift and lilt. It glides gracefully across the palate, without too much tartness or twang, and ends with a floral flourish. Decant it about 30-45 minutes before serving in Burgundy stems at around 60 degrees (the cooler temp here designed to highlight fruit over acid). Perhaps the best word for this wine is “surprising”—considering everything that went into it, we're surprised it doesn’t cost more. It offers great versatility at the table as well, with enough finesse for some seafood preparations but is ultimately better-suited to chicken, pork, game meats, or even beef. Enjoy!
Why You'll Love It
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Well above what a basic Bourgogne Rouge usually delivers. Sourced from 50+ year-old vines from a single high-altitude, clay-limestone site near Givry
- Farmed organically, hand-harvested, aged in neutral barrel, unfined and unfiltered for maximum transparency. Just fruit and terroir
- Bright red and dark berry fruit laced with baking spice, light on its feet but full of energy
- An easy, versatile red for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
How To Serve It
- Serve at 55 to 60°F in Burgundy stems to capture the aromatics
- No decanting needed, this wine is ready to enjoy right out of the bottle
- Pair with duck breast and black cherry gastrique, mushroom risotto, or a simple roast chicken with herbs
- Drink now through 2029
