This home was one of the historic homes of downtown Nantucket, built in 1765. A painter painted murals in the hallways and the furnishings reflect a nautical theme. The house is comfortable and charming and part of the preservation of 800 homes on Nantucket from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Bertrand Ambroise was on hand to present the wines.
2007 MAISON BERTRAND AMBROISE NUITS-ST-GEORGES VIELLES VIGNES. From their own grapes. Vines are 70 years old. 100% new oak for 18 mos. Medium tart cherries; leggy. Ripe tannins.
2007 MAISON BERTRAND AMBROISE N-S-G 1er Cru CLOS DES ARGILLIERES. The vines are rented and tended by Maison Bertrand Ambroise but not owned by the house.
2007 MAISON BERTRAND AMBROISE N-S-G 1er Cru EN RUE DE CHAUX. Their own grapes. First time I've tried a wine from this vineyard. I prefered this over the first two wines. Mellow with cherry notes.
2007 MAISON BERTRAND AMBROISE N-S-G LES VAUCRAINS. When another attendee asked which was my favorite wine, I said "It was # 3 until I got to #4." This was quite aromatic, well balanced with a slight earthiness. Some said hint of barnyard but I do not agree with that assessment. The earthiness was more subtle than barnyard scents.
2007 MAISON BERTRAND AMBROISE N-S-G CORTON LE ROGNET GRAND CRU. Some dark fruit on the nose. More complex than the premier cru wines with a bit of added spice. I would say the wines got progressively better throughout the tasting and I was quite fond of the En Rue de Chaux, the Vaucrains, and the Corton. These wines may not be easy to locate in the United States but where available, they seem to be reasonably priced for Burgundies (higher prices on the 2009 and 2010 vintages.)