Richoux Irancy 2017 (750ML)

92+ Points, Zachys Buying Team: "A near repeat performance, this is a worthy follow-up to the best-selling 2015! It is once again an example of a generic appellation delivering immediate enjoyment with a touch of sophistication from the noble varietal - sans the crazy expensive premier and grand cru price tag. Thus, the enthusiastic Zachys rating of this value gem. It is yet another example where many critics get it wrong and that Burgundy is simply rated on a different scale - although, we have to hand it to The Wine Advocate for recognizing the allure of this wine and producer. This is an overachieving appellation wine and what you should know here is that the grapes are sourced from thirty-five-year-old vines on Kimmeridgian limestone soils. It is typically a rustic and mineral driven expression of Pinot Noir, but in a warm, ripe vintage like 2015 and 2017 (and 2018 for that matter), there is a layer of texture and juicy fruit that sits on this backbone of structure. In the glass, this wine screams Burgundy - with explosive red fruit, crushed flowers, earth, smoke and minerality - it is another one of those wines where the aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. On the palate, there is red fruit galore - concentrated cherry rinds, red raspberries, rose petals, that are accented by licorice, charcoal with a spine of herbs, sizzling minerality, and acidity. It is juicy, but yet the wine is so fresh and light on its feet. There is an inner perfume to the wine that echoes across the palate for a long finish. But here is the tip, we treat this wine like a Chianti, and serve it with yakatori steak - as Aubert de Villaine states, steak and Pinot are a brilliant pair. This is a rare $25 Bourgogne that will age 25 years, but is approachable today. Our recommendation on this wine and producer remains - buy by the case."

91 Points, William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Offering up aromas of spicy cherry fruit, woodsmoke and rich soil tones, this Irancy is medium to full-bodied, ample and supple, with fine but youthfully assertive tannins, succulent acids and a persistent finish. This is a charming wine that will be accessible comparatively young." 8/19