The Wine Animal Verdict: This Chardonnay is a creature of elegant precision, a testament to the meticulous winemaking of Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey and the cooler slopes of the Hautes Cotes de Beaune. It's not a boisterous roar, but a focused and graceful glide across the palate, offering a compelling blend of bright fruit, subtle complexity, and a refreshing mineral core. This wine speaks of its high-altitude origin with a refined and invigorating voice.
What's in the Cage: Sourced from the higher slopes of the Hautes Cotes de Beaune, this Chardonnay benefits from a slightly cooler climate, often resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and elegant fruit profiles. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey is a highly respected producer known for his minimal intervention approach, often utilizing larger format oak and extended lees contact to build texture and complexity without masking the terroir. The 2020 vintage in Burgundy is generally regarded as excellent for white wines, offering both ripeness and freshness.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is inviting and refined:
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Bright Citrus and Orchard Fruit: Expect aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and perhaps a touch of white peach.
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Subtle Floral Notes: Delicate hints of white blossoms add a touch of elegance.
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Mineral Undertones: A characteristic flinty or stony minerality provides a backbone and freshness.
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Restrained Oak Influence: Any oak notes will be subtle and well-integrated, adding complexity without dominating the fruit.
The palate is where this creature truly shines:
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Elegant Texture: A refined and balanced mouthfeel with a lovely sense of energy.
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Vibrant Acidity: A refreshing backbone that keeps the wine lively and focused.
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Complex Flavors: The bright fruit notes are beautifully integrated with the subtle mineral and perhaps a hint of hazelnut or spice from lees contact.
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Long and Lingering Finish: Leaving you with a sense of purity and a refreshing, mineral-driven finish.
Who's it For: This is for the Chardonnay lover who appreciates elegance, balance, and wines that speak clearly of their terroir. If you seek a Burgundy that offers vibrant acidity, subtle complexity, and a refreshing minerality, then the PYCM 2020 Chardonnay Hautes Cotes de Beaune is calling your name.
Pairing Power: This Chardonnay is versatile and food-friendly. Consider:
- Lightly Grilled or Pan-Seared White Fish.
- Shellfish, such as scallops or prawns.
- Poultry dishes with lemon or herbs.
- Salads with a citrus vinaigrette.
- Goat cheese or other fresh cheeses.
The Bottom Line: The PYCM 2020 Chardonnay Hautes Cotes de Beaune is a beautifully crafted white Burgundy that showcases the elegance and vibrancy of the appellation and the skill of Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. It offers a compelling combination of bright fruit, refreshing acidity, and a distinctive minerality, making it a sophisticated and enjoyable wine.
