Product Description
The 2022 Sylvain Cathiard Bourgogne Rouge is a remarkable expression of Pinot Noir, offering far more depth and complexity than its humble appellation might suggest. Sourced from a small, 0.272-hectare parcel planted in 1987 in the village of Flagey, opposite Clos Vougeot, this wine is a true testament to the meticulous care and craftsmanship of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard. The 2022 vintage brings an impressive balance of ripe, dark fruits and subtle spice, with a distinct peppery quality that adds depth to its flavour profile.
The fruit is hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyard, ensuring only the best grapes make it into the fermenter. After 100% de-stemming, the grapes undergo cold settling before fermentation with natural yeasts. The wine is aged in used oak barrels, allowing the fruit’s natural expression to shine through without the overpowering influence of new oak. With just 7 barrels produced in a good vintage, this Bourgogne Rouge is a limited and coveted offering.
On the nose, expect enticing aromas of smoky oak, sweet-edged raspberry fruit, and a hint of spice. The palate is clean and crisp, with layers of red cherries and subtle floral notes, while the finish is marked by a pleasant youthful bitterness and a mineral, persistent length. This wine demonstrates great promise for ageing, with enough depth and freshness to improve over the next few years.
Maker
Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, established in the 1930s by Sylvain's grandfather, has since become a standout name in Burgundy’s winemaking world. Starting with a foundation in Vosne-Romanée, the Domaine now spans multiple prestigious Burgundy villages including Nuits-St-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, and Santenay. In 2011, Sylvain’s son, Sebastien, took over the family estate and has since refined the production of the wines to produce some of the finest expressions of Burgundy, particularly from the renowned Vosne-Romanée village.
Sebastien is dedicated to creating wines that express the true essence of their terroir, employing organic and biodynamic practices throughout the vineyards to ensure the vines thrive in harmony with nature. Sebastien’s hands-off approach to winemaking includes using native yeast for fermentation, with minimal intervention during the aging process. His focus on the balance between precision and natural expression has earned the Domaine widespread acclaim, with their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines consistently impressing critics and wine lovers alike.
Philosophy
The winemaking philosophy of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard is centered around a deep respect for the land and a commitment to producing wines that showcase the true character of the vineyard. Sebastien's approach is organic and biodynamic, focusing on creating harmony between nature and the vines. He believes that the best wines are those that develop naturally, and therefore employs minimal intervention in the winery. The estate avoids fining and filtering its wines, allowing them to mature naturally and express the purity of the fruit and terroir. Sebastien’s wines are known for their harmony, elegance, and complexity, each bottle offering a window into the distinctiveness of Burgundy's terroir.
Sebastien’s approach to winemaking is built on long-term sustainability, focusing on careful vineyard management and allowing the land to rest and rejuvenate. By working with fully mature vineyards, Sebastien ensures that each wine captures the true essence of the place, allowing for wines that are both precise and expressive. With limited production and meticulous care, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard wines are crafted to be a true reflection of Burgundy’s greatest terroirs.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Enticing Spice, Wild Red Berries, Hint of Smoke
The nose opens with a delightful mix of smoky, toasty oak and sweet-edged raspberry fruit, enhanced by a touch of pepper and spice, offering an inviting and complex aromatic profile.
Palate:
Earth, Red Cherries, Floral
The palate is clean and crisp with a pure quality of fruit, featuring red cherries and a subtle floral note. There’s a background hint of briary undergrowth that adds a layer of complexity.
Finish:
Pleasant Bitterness, Mineral, Nice Length
A long and persistent finish, marked by balanced acidity and fine tannins, with a refreshing minerality that lingers, making each sip more enjoyable.
The Finer Details
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Pinot Noir
Country – France
Region – Burgundy
Vintage – 2022
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 12.5%
Other – Organic Practices
