Domaine Thenard, ‘Clos Saint-Pierre’ 1er Cru, Givry 2015

Domaine Thenard is an extremely interesting house – they are the second largest land-holder in the famed Le Montrachet vineyard (second only to the Marquis de Leguiche).  The domaine itself is in Givry, and they have over 18ha of land in the Givry appellation, the vast majority of the wine produced from there is red although they do make a Givry Blanc.  The Clos Saint-Pierre vineyard at the highest point on the hill and is a monopole of Domaine Thénard, generally displaying more tannins and structure than the Bois Chevaux and the Clos du Cellier aux Moines, which are both vineyards further down the same hill. The grapes are fermented in large wooden open top fermenters, and afterwards are aged in a combination of wooden foudres and used French oak barrels.  The 2015 vintage in Burgundy was a good one, with the following being documented of its quality: “….a hedonist’s vintage” Jancis Robinson, “…2015 is an extraordinary vintage” Decanter, and “Burgundy hit the jackpot in 2015” Wine Enthusiast.

So, to the wine: Typically light in colour, the 2015 is no exception.  A very traditional style of red Burgundy, this is delicately spiced, aromas of forest floor and fresh mushrooms play with black cherry, red currant, black berry and liquorice.  The palate is silky and fine, the flavours pluming into something more substantial as it moves over the palate.  This is always very (very) good value for money and represents both a cellaring opportunity (these are proven to age gracefully and slowly) and a ‘drink tonight’ wine.  The structure provides the delicate fruit with a trellis upon which to hang, the acidity keeping everything fresh and ‘on its toes’.

94+/100​