Wine: 1999 Gevrey-Chambertin "Cazetiers"

Producer: Domaine Michel Magnien (Morey St. Denis)

Comment: There is often confusion about the difference between the wines of Domaine Michel Magnien and those of Frédéric Magnien. Frédéric makes all the wines and thus the primary difference between the two names is simply one of grape sources. All of the Domaine Michel Magnien wines are from vineyards owned directly by Frédéric's father Michel, whereas all but two of the wines labeled as Frédéric Magnien are from purchased grapes (but not from purchased must or finished wine). Label subtleties aside, the 99 Cazetiers offers a seductive mix of red and black fruits with noticeable new oak aromas that give way to sweet, succulent and impressively nuanced flavors that display just enough Gevrey earth to be reasonably representative of the underlying terroir. I particularly like the high levels of mouth-watering extract on the long, almost sweet finish. Overall, this is a lovely wine that is relatively forward now because of all the pinot baby fat though it should develop well over the next 6 to 10 years. 90/2007-12

U.S. Importer: North Berkeley Imports

Suggested Price: $85 (you can expect to pay around $70 to $80)

Important Note: Burghound.com has no financial relationship of any kind with Domaine Magnien or with North Berkeley Imports.

Each week we feature a different Burgundy. While there will be a mix of vintages, most wines featured will be those that can normally be found at a variety of fine wine retailers. Each wine will be described and rated with a suggested window of peak drinkability indicated after the numerical score. Prices shown are estimated retail in the U.S., but prices do of course vary widely depending on the retailer.