First tasting of the year

I wonder why things seem different at the beginning of the year. 

I know it's just number ... 2019 became 2020 ... but, somehow, it always feels special to attend the first tasting of the new year: everything, wine, glasses, even the faces I usually see at these events, is ... luminous.

This year, it was Burgundy and Rhone wine tasting. 

These are the wines which are especially luminous to me at this event.

Domaine Marc Roy Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2018

Liveliness of cranberry, raspberry, rose and black pepper is balanced with firm structure.
The liveliness is like a pleasant explosion in my mouth!
Great wine and great with Camembert cheese.

Domaine Marc Roy Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice 2018
Flavors of high quality cranberry, red plums and raspberry which are embraced by subtle oak and fine grained tannin.
Its creamy texture is like velvet.

Laurent Fayolle Hermitage Les Diognieres 2017

Abundance of aromas and flavors of flower, red fruits, potpourri and black pepper are supported by fine-grained tannin.
Elegant wine.

Joseph Colin Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru 2018

Old vine Chardonnay grown on very steep slopes.
Complex aromas of almond, almond flower, marzipan, apple and orange zest.

Just enough amount of acidity, not overwhelming. 

Good food wine.

Joseph Colin Puligny Montrachet Le Trezin 2018
The vineyard is at the highest altitude in Puligny.
White flower, orange zest and lemon with high acidity.
There is tenderness which reminds me of natural wine. 

Charlene et Laurent Pinson Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2018
Freshness and bitterness of grapefruit is balanced with acidity.
Minerality of flint and stone adds depth.
Interesting wine with long finish.


When I think back all the wines after these tastings and choose the memorable ones, Chablis is usually not one of them.
I of course love Chablis but trying crisp Chablis with other wines, richer, more complex white wine is easier to pick. However, this day, this Chablis wine stood out.