From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: The bouquet is an alluring blend of red and black cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, and a touch of cranberry, harmoniously mingling with earthy undertones of underbrush, dried mushroom, delicate rose petals, and a hint of exotic spice. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully polished, showcasing a deeply mineral core that lends a muscular backbone to this otherwise lifted and perfumed wine. The fine-grained tannins are light and silky, while the acidity is crisp and refreshing. The finish is long and lingering, leaving an enticing aftertaste of red fruits, floral nuances, and subtle earthiness.
Pairing: The elegance and complexity of this ‘21 Morey-Saint-Denis "Vieilles Vignes" make it an ideal partner for a variety of dishes. Its red fruit flavors and earthy undertones beautifully complement roasted or grilled game birds, such as quail or pheasant, as well as dishes featuring duck or crispy-skinned roast chicken. The wine's bright acidity allows it to cut through richer, cream-based sauces or dishes with moderate levels of fat.
For a regional Burgundian pairing, consider serving this wine alongside traditional Coq au Vin, a rich and flavorful braised chicken dish cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. Another option is Beef Bourguignon (see recipe below), a slow-cooked stew of tender beef, vegetables, and red wine, which would highlight the earthy and savory notes in the wine.
Vegetarian dishes that can stand up to the depth and complexity of this wine include wild mushroom risotto, where the earthy flavors of the mushrooms echo the wine's savory undertones. A vegetable gratin with a creamy béchamel sauce would also pair well, as the wine's acidity can cut through the richness of the dish. A hearty ratatouille, featuring an assortment of slow-cooked vegetables, would also complement the wine's fruit and earthy components.
Beef Bourguignon
By Melissa Clark
About. The 2021 Domaine Gérard Raphet Morey-Saint-Denis "Vieilles Vignes" from Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France is a testament to the skill and dedication of its creators. Despite the difficult conditions faced in the vineyards, this wine showcases the potential for greatness in a lean vintage. A family-run domaine, the Raphets have crafted a wine that is opulent, seductive, and a remarkable value for its quality.
Situated in the prestigious regions of Morey-St-Denis and Gevrey-Chambertin, Domaine Gérard Raphet boasts prime vineyard real estate. The Morey-Saint-Denis "Vieilles Vignes" is sourced from vines averaging 60 years of age and incorporates fruit from the Premier Crus "Clos des Ormes" and "Millandes." This combination results in a wine that offers exceptional quality at an accessible price point.
Gérard Raphet, his wife Sylviane, and daughter Virginie are hands-on proprietors, committed to traditional and sustainable winemaking practices. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, ensuring that their essence is fully captured. The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis is an elegant, silken expression of the terroir, boasting a medium ruby color and enchanting aromas of red and black cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, and cranberry, complemented by notes of underbrush, dried mushroom, rose petals, and exotic spice.
The wine's medium body and polished texture are balanced by a deeply mineral component, providing structure and longevity. Already drinking beautifully, the 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis "Vieilles Vignes" will continue to develop and reward those who cellar it through 2030 and likely beyond. Its versatility makes it a perfect pairing for game birds, roast chicken, and festive occasions like Thanksgiving.
Master Sommelier Ian Cauble praises the wine, stating, "The 'Vieilles Vignes' designation on this label really means something special—60-year-old vines on average, with some of them in the Premier Cru 'Clos des Ormes.' This wine is one of the great secret superstars in all of Burgundy.”
In a vintage like 2021, the true artistry of winemaking shines through. The best vignerons can still produce wines of freshness, energy, elegance, and finesse—qualities that the 2021 Domaine Gérard Raphet Morey-Saint-Denis "Vieilles Vignes" embodies. The harmony of its elements belies the challenges of the season, revealing the dedication and skill of the Raphet family.
