Vanessa

9.2

Here’s to exploring Fixin AOC, the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits in the Côte d’Or of Burgundy!

Fixin is home to 6 premier cru climats including Clos Napoléon. It’s primarily known for its Pinot Noir (approx. 96%) but also produces Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.

Fixin rouge wines are sometimes compared to its neighbor to the south, Gevrey Chambertin AOC, but with a lighter body and profile. It can be a great source of value in an increasingly expensive region.

Tonight, we’re enjoying the 2019 Pierre Gelin Fixin rouge 1er Cru Clos Napoléon.

Clos Napoléon is also a monopole, owned exclusively by Domaine Pierre Gelin today. It’s a small but prestigious vineyard, situated on a hillside slope, with old vines dating back 70 years!

This property used to be owned by Claude Noisot, the surgeon to Emperor Napoléon, and the vineyard was formerly called “Aux Cheuzots.”

Claude Noisot renamed the property “Clos Napoléon” in honor of his famous patient and hired a renowned sculptor to create "Le Réveil de (the awakening of) Napoléon” – a nearby statue, featured on this label.

As for this particular wine, it’s beautiful! It’s medium ruby in color. Its bouquet is perfumed and layered with notes of black cherry, mulberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, red plum, fennel seed, fennel fronds, chervil, licorice, clove, cooked morel mushroom, wet earth, vanilla, and saddle leather. The palate is lively with bright acidity and smooth, polished tannins. The alcohol has a delicate warming presence and the finish lingers. — 2 days ago

with Deked1

Alan Snitow

9.0

Very youthful — 9 months ago

Anne Lebleu

9.3

Délicieux — 2 years ago

Steve Anderson

9.2

Love these with a few years of age. Alpine delight. — a month ago

Casey Curbow

Sales Associate Windsor Wine Merchants

9.2

Rich, ripe and rustic — 6 months ago

Wen Huang

9.2

Smooth and clean Syrah at a great price. — 6 months ago

Will Messer

9.0

Brooke really liked at DiDi’s. Nice balance of fruit and minerals — 10 months ago

with Diane

Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.4

In the zone. — 10 days ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.4

Great nose and showing signs of maturity. Lurid aromas of red berry fruit, smoked meat, granite, herbs and smoke. Really gorgeous nose. Unreal terroir expression and so so vivid. Brilliant. 9.7 nose. Palate is ripe and juicy with terrific freshness and purity and all red fruits. Maybe a hint of cassis. Such freshness and energy here. Long finish. — 5 months ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.3

Muscadet of the Alps! Nose is wet hay, wild flowers, minerals, some underarm and more. So complex and expressive. Palate is super juicy and has huge acid and energy but also a pillowy texture and terrific fruit intensity. Long and so pretty. Let’s see what air does. This has gained lovely richness with air. Still a 9.3 but love that contrast with the acids. Also killer finesse. Close to a 9.4. — 9 months ago