2021 l'Embellie Chantal Martin Chorey-Les-Beaune, Les Bons Ores

What a gift to those of us, as Jancis remarks above on the 2021 vintage, who treasure delicacy and perfume. Aromas of Ranier cherry, bing cherry, juicy raspberry, and bright strawberry mingle with a floral lift and touches of forest floor. These flavors remain on the palate, which showcases supple red fruit, elegant acidity and a soft, lively texture. Chorey-les-Beaune is often thought to be a cheerful, friendly red that “goes down too easily,” which this absolutely does. However, this wine shows off a structural balance of acidity and tannin that hints at age-worthiness. Drinking well now through the next five to ten years with proper storage.

Domaine l’Embellie, once known as Domaine Michel Martin, is a small Burgundy estate shaped by a long family history and a recent shift toward more focused, hands-on winemaking. After the family vineyards were divided in 2002, Michel Martin and his wife Chantal took charge of 4.5 hectares across Chorey-lès-Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune, and Beaune, with Chantal retraining in viticulture and oenology as she moved into the role full time. The domaine follows integrated viticulture, relying on limited chemical use, soil work, and hand harvesting, with growing interest in biodynamic methods that emphasize prevention and vine health. Their Savigny-lès-Beaune wines draw on south-facing slopes along the valley, a site known for producing steady, good-value Pinot Noir shaped by the sheltering hills of Battois and Corton.