This is one of the greatest Red Burgundy values you’ll see this year. It comes from the kind of family-run, farmstead domaine that defines—and distinguishes—Burgundy. We are big fans of Edmond Cornu: If you want to experience the most traditionally styled expressions of Burgundy Pinot Noir, these are the wines.

The Cornu family has been producing wine for over a century, and bottling under their own label since the 1950s, in the sleepy hamlet of Ladoix, where the Côte de Nuits gives way to the Côte de Beaune. Cornu is as steadfastly “old school” a Burgundy estate as we have encountered, and their wines are often mercilessly closed when young, but if you stash them away (for five to 20 years, depending on the vintage and cuvée), they are magically transformed.

The current release of the 2019’s are just waking up and entering that peak drinking age. It is worth noting that Cornu holds their wines back before release longer than other Burgundy houses. 

Pierre owns two hectares of 40-year-old vines in this lieu-dit situated at the southern edge of Chorey-lès-Beaune, with a gravel-infused mix of clay and limestone. A mere 10% new oak allows its appellation-typical supple red fruit to lead the show.

A light, tea-like hue, its refreshing medium body, and lip-smacking red fruit make for a challenging wine to drink slowly. I was half way through this bottle before I even got around to setting the table for dinner! Take care not to make the same mistake, though, because there’s a lot going on behind this bottle’s juicy and instantly gratifying first impression. Cured meats, dried flowers, exotic mushroom and truffle notes, and the perfect expression of this unusually gravelly site all come together in an aromatic profile that is sneakily complex, and a real treat for lovers of traditional red Burgundy.