Domaine de Bellene Côte de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes

In excellent shape with good depth and weight for its level

Somewhat closed at opening as expected. Uncorked 5 hours, decanted 30 mins. Then performed well - quite perfumed with whole cluster touch and dark berries. From comblanchien - so lighter soil and quite velvety

Medium bodied. Better with air. Blackberries, spicy. Overall an okay wine.

Corked. Initially thought this was just a bit rubbish, but a murky pondwater taste in my mouth became stronger over time and some TCA indicators started to show on the nose too. Not the most corked of corked wines, but not enjoyable.

There’s a bit of reduction which needs a bit of air to clean up still but some good fruit underneath this, and has some decent depth and length, good quality for the designation and prices

Deep, red, spicy fruit nose continues on the palate. This is a charming and delightful young Burgundy.

A touch of the farmyard frames an attractive mix of blue, black and red berry fruits, and there are further complex Pinot notes of leaf and smoke. All. Very. Nice. Generous attack, medium-bodied (maybe a little more), with a lifted, elegant and sappy dimension. Good energy and intensity… lots to like! Always a favourite of mine in the line-up.