A Burgundy and a Bdx, both nice!

With my wife out of town, and eating take-out, I was looking for something to drink, so I opened a newly arrived '07 Magnien Fixin "Crais de Chene" from N. Berkley Imports ($21), and not expecting much I splash decanted and poured. Decent juice, rustic, earthy, and then....BAM! after 15-20 minutes it opened up to reveal a better-than-average CdN Pinot(91 pts). I was most impressed. Re-corked for a meal tomorrow. Then opened the '05 Cht La Gurgue, Margaux, and again a splash decant, then the Venturi. Kind of went up an down for about an hour, then settled into a very agreeable Margaux profile. Seems to be an early drinker (90 pts.). Decant recommended. As for the Burgundy, I've been very impressed with the few wines I've had from him, and this Fixin is something I might like more of. Apparently '07 was another good year in the Cote d'Or.

If I were a bottle of Burg, what would "CnN" mean to me? Sorry, I really like Burgs and other PNs, but some of the shorthand escapes my aging and limited mind.

John

Sorry for the shorthand. That would be Cote de Nuits, being the northern part of the Cote d'Or, that specializes in Pinot Noir, and seems to create heftier, more masculine Pinots. Very little Chardonnay is planted there. Amazing then you realize that the Cote d'Or is only 35 miles long, and the top half is very different from the bottom. The Cote de Beaune is 1/2 Chardonnay and 1/2 Pinot, but between the two, they produce the finest Pinot Noir and Chadonnay in the world. One of the "sweet mysteries of life".

As for the Burgundy, I've been very impressed with the few wines I've had from him, and this Fixin is something I might like more of...

Is this Frédéric or Michel? (I'm assuming Frédéric).

Have you tasted his wines over the years? If so, have you noticed an evolution? I remember around the early 2000s they tended a bit more 'modern' than I would like, but I hear that the style may have been shifting?

Ah, thanks, Richard. I've even traveled to the Cote d'Or and stayed in Beaune. I just totally failed to figure out the connection to Cotes de Nuits.
And BTW, maybe Chablis makes better Chard than Cotes de Beaune. Definitely different. And I have an Alexander Valley Chard I'd like to show you!

John

This Fixin was Frederic. I understand that Frederic is in charge of both now, and that the "Michel Magnien" label are domain wines, while "Frederic Mangien" label is for negotiant wines, Michel being the father, now pretty much retired. Is this what you've heard?

Mistaken entry. See next post.

And I have an Alexander Valley Chard I'd like to show you!

John

And which one would that be? I like Alexander Valley. Had a lovely dinner at Alexander Valley Vineyards one night, highlighted by their Cyrus![/quote]

This Fixin was Frederic. I understand that Frederic is in charge of both now, and that the "Michel Magnien" label are domain wines, while "Frederic Mangien" label is for negotiant wines, Michel being the father, now pretty much retired. Is this what you've heard?

That sounds familiar, but to tell you the truth I stopped paying attention to these folks after the early 2000s because the wines seemed so modern. At least all the NBI ones. But they're relatively cheap so if Frederic has started changing his style then I might take another look.

That sounds familiar, but to tell you the truth I stopped paying attention to these folks after the early 2000s because the wines seemed so modern. At least all the NBI ones. But they're relatively cheap so if Frederic has started changing his style then I might take another look.

Try one and let me know what you think. I've been impressed, but I am somewhat new to Burgundy (4-5 years). I had a Michel Magnien '06 Morey St. Denis "Tres Girard" which I though was fabulous (92+) and an '06 1st Cru from Morey that was exceptional (93), I can see the "modern" influence but it is not something I would be opposed to, were it consistent. I do not like Cali Pinot and don't feel like Oregon offers any value below $50. Try one if you can find it, it will not be a bad wine!

The Alexander Valley Chard I like is Hawkes. The family has been farming in the area for a long time, but just built a retail wine tasting shop in Jimtown a couple of years ago. Their Chard reminds me of one of the less oaky Fevre Chablis, though admittedly a bit rounder. Nice steely underpinnings and really good length. I haven't been able to keep a bottle for any length of time, but I sort of think it might take some age, much like a Swan chard.

John

Dear Richard,

Just side track a bit, how does the Venturi work? Got one from my friend and would like to try it out.

cheers,
eric

how does the Venturi work? Got one from my friend and would like to try it out.

It is fun, and helpful if you do not have time for a lengthy decant. My favorite "decanter" is a Pyrex measuring bowl. I decanted this wine into the Pyrex and then through a Venturi. You are not going to get a lot of air with it (but I love the way it sounds) but it can only help. If you are used to decanting wine you will not use it very often as it is not the equivalent to the standard decant. If you are not used to decanting you will notice a difference and maybe be encouraged to "decant" more frequently. Give it a go and tell us what you think.