Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Domaine Eric de SUREMAIN -- 2013s from Caks and 2012s from Bottle

Domaine Eric de SUREMAIN (Monthélie)

2013s  from Cask

This estate has been biodynamic since 1996. As with so many properties on the Côte de Beaune, the estate was badly hit by the triple whammy of hail in 2012-2013-2014. However, crop size in 2014 is about double that of 2013, which in turn is about double that of 2012.

All grapes are destemmed here. Malolactic fermentations finished just before the 2014 harvest.

All wines below are red. 

2013 Rully 1er Cru – Préaux
The nose here is floral, and the mouth is medium-light with pure red fruits and good acidic lift. The wine has lovely freshness and intensity and should drink well young. (88-91)

2013 Monthélie
This wine is denser than the Rully with red fruits and some spice, but it is not as charming or as fresh as the Rully; and there’s more tannin here than in the Rully. (85-88)

2013 Monthélie 1er Cru – Clou des Chênes
This vineyard is a continuation of the Volnay-Clos des Chênes into Monthélie. The wine is light and lacy with red currant fruit, nice acidity, and a bit of tannin on the finish. (87-91)

2013 Monthélie 1er Cru – Sur La Velle
This vineyard, down slope from the Clou des Chênes, also is a continuation of the Volnay-Clos des Chênes. This particular wine was raised in foudre (very large oak cask). The wine is pure and slightly spicy with red cherry fruit. Although the wine is denser and a bit more tannic than the Clou des Chênes, it shows good freshness. It is a wine that should be able to take some time in bottle. (88-91)

2012s  from Bottle

2012 Rully 1er Cru – Préaux
This wine is dense with red fruits in the nose. In the mouth, the fruit is dark and dense with some tannin, and there is some power here. 90/A

2012 Monthélie 1er Cru – Clou des Chênes
This wine shows greater density and substance than the Rully and more power than the 2013s. The fruits are dark and pretty. 90/A

2012 Monthélie 1er Cru – Sur la Velle

This wine is smooth, dense, pure, and concentrated with dark fruit. It is sensual for a 2012 and has some attractive saltiness. 91/A