Those who are unfamiliar with the name Dominique Laurent, take note. He's known in the wine world as a "garagiste," a Garage winemaker. He often releases 10s of burgundies a year, all in small batches, such as Echezeaux, Charmes Chambertin Vieilles Vignes or Chambolle Musigny les Charmes Vieilles Vignes. These command $60 to $180 on the shelves of PremierCru but this bottle, his vin ordinaire, is only $10.99 and it's a steal.
Every year, he makes a good quantity of his ordinary Bourgogne, this vintage, 2002, was labeled "Pinot Noir" but I don't remember the 2001 having that called out.
If you're looking for a huge burst of flavor and a long finish, seek out one of his special bottlings, but for everyday drinking with salmon or a little steak, this is a wonderful value. And 2002 was an excellent year in Burgundy.
The body is light, the color is purple around the edges.
A great perfume and flavor -- full of bright fruit, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries. Great balance and a short, but clean finish. A real surprise value.
Repeat purchase? Definitely. I see from the French websites that his 2003 is out and I've seen it for as much as 11 Euros, so I would expect this to be in the $20 range when it hits the States.
