WTN: 2017 JC Rateau Beaune Bressandes

I've also wondered about Rateau over the years, often finding a reason not to buy. But last night I found myself with 2017 Rateau Les Bressandes and it showed many faces. At first it was somehow combining a ripe juicy creamy body with high-toned tart flavors. But, then it settled down into silky ripe but also earthy and slightly-four-square Beaune-ness.

All in all, it reinforced my prejudice against Beaune, as it's not the area to make me forget my favorite villages. But, it was also very nice and stylish and probably has a place in my rotation.

[David M. Bueker]

I like Beaune wines. Granted that’s probably because when I finally got into Burgundy I drank a lot of Jadot Beane 1ers. The Ursules captured my attention and still holds a place in my heart and cellar.

I like Beaune wines. Granted that’s probably because when I finally got into Burgundy I drank a lot of Jadot Beane 1ers. The Ursules captured my attention and still holds a place in my heart and cellar.

Yes, nothing like emotional attachments to guide our wine purchases. It's probably a case of knowing the producers/vineyards, as in the other thread. Without careful knowledge of Beaune, I've been exposed to the less thrilling examples. But I'm sure proper selection would produce a nice set to follow.

Don't think I've ever had Rateau.
But some of the wines I buy most are Beaune 1ers- pretty sure I have more Drouhin Clos des Mouches than any other bottling of Burgundy, with Jadot Clos des Ursules not far behind.

I have had good experiences with Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaunes (Ursules and L'Enfant Jesus especially) over the years.

-Paul W.

Paul, Baby Jesus is Bouchard, but think you are thinking of Jadot for Ursules, it's a monopole.

Nice to see all the enthusiasm for Beaune. Value definitely plays a role. This Rateau Bressandes is a $60 1er cru, which is not standard elsewhere in Burgundy. Although at a certain point it's less about cru hierarchy and more about overall value in terms of quality/enjoyment. And within the framework of Burgundy, this does qualify!

[David M. Bueker]

Pricing just kills me. I used to buy Beaune 1ers in good vintages for under $30. My dad still had a few bottles of 2002 Jadot SVB Dominode in the cellar. The price sticker was $24.99.

Pricing just kills me..

Indeed. Especially when I see people raving on The Berserk Board about their 'good value' village wines for $100, or sometimes much more.

[David M. Bueker]

Pricing just kills me..

Indeed. Especially when I see people raving on The Berserk Board about their 'good value' village wines for $100, or sometimes much more.

Or the couple of highly privileged guys who talk about good value grand crus at $500 or more.

Pricing just kills me. I used to buy Beaune 1ers in good vintages for under $30. My dad still had a few bottles of 2002 Jadot SVB Dominode in the cellar. The price sticker was $24.99.

Still have some 2002 Jadot Beaunes. Boucherottes and Clos des Couchereaux were $27, Clos des Ursules $40.