Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine Bertrand Ambroise 2017

Gloriously rich and robust with deep, dark and red fruit aromas, evolved spice and dry earthy notes leading onto a medium-bodied, silky smooth and structured palate. Fine tannins and a long, lingering finish round off this delicious, nicely mature red Burgundy from the Côte de Nuits. Maison Bertrand Ambroise have always produced big, oaky, very long lived wines but since turning to organic viticulture and his children joining him at the domaine in 2009 the wines have evolved and become a little more elegant while retaining that brilliant age worthiness. This 2017 Nuits-Saint-Georges comes from 2 hectares of vines in this famous Côte de Nuits appellation farmed organically and aged for 14 months in oak barrels, 40% new.

Drinking well now though Bertrand Ambroise's wines have a real capacity to age so should see through the next 10 years without any problems. Decant 1-2 hours in advance. Try with game dishes, roast or braised beef, or even cheese souffle.

Maison Ambroise is based in the small village of Premeaux-Prissey just south of the Côtes de Nuits town of Nuits-St-Georges. Bertrand Ambroise, the owner, took it over in 1987 and now runs things with his son François and daughter Ludivine. They have 21 hectares in total and most of their wines are from Côte de Nuits appellations. Since 2013, when they achieved Ecocert certification, all their vineyards have been farmed organically and this is a cornerstone of the sustainable approach to their viticulture. Bertrand uses a good proportion of new oak in the domaine's winemaking and big, bold flavours are one of their trademarks. Their whites make ideal early drinking wines whereas the reds are capable of ageing well and developing a fine complexity along the way.