BURGUNDY, a region of quiet, medieval stone villages and compact vineyards in eastern France, produces some of the world’s most celebrated wines using only two grape varieties. White Burgundies are made entirely from Chardonnay and reds entirely from Pinot Noir. While these grapes are planted worldwide and can yield outstanding wines elsewhere, Burgundy remains unique for the combination of terroir, climate and tradition that gives its wines their particular complexity and silk-like texture.
Much of Burgundy’s distinctive character comes from its soils and its climate: cold winters and warm—but rarely hot—summers that encourage slow, even ripening. The 2015 growing season in Burgundy was widely regarded as excellent, producing wines with ripe fruit, clarity and balance. Recent tastings of several 2015 Burgundies confirm that the vintage delivered impressive results across both white and red bottlings.
Notable white 2015 Burgundies include Olivier Leflaive Chassagne-Montrachet ($78), an opulent and well-balanced wine with rich, layered flavors; Domaine Faiveley Meursault Blagny, 1er Cru ($90), which shows floral and stony notes and finishes cleanly; and Domaine Christian Moreau Père & Fils Chablis “Vaudésir,” Grand Cru ($107), a racy, elegant Chablis with crisp acidity and subtle apple and flower aromas.
Among the reds, Domaine du Comte Armand Auxey-Duresses Rouge ($52) stands out as a vibrant, finely tuned wine. From Volnay, Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay “Vendanges Sélectionnées” ($78) delivers concentrated red-berry flavors, fine structure, a touch of minerality and a lingering finish. Domaine Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champeaux, 1er Cru ($142.50) is focused and rich with juicy fruit. For a more powerful expression, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard & Fils Nuits St. Georges “Aux Thorey,” 1er Cru ($240) offers dark red fruit, substantial body and a hint of vanilla and spice.
Quality Burgundy rarely comes cheap, and 2015 includes many higher-priced examples. If you plan to splurge on a bottle for a special occasion, selecting a 2015 Burgundy is likely to reward you with a memorable tasting experience that reflects the vintage’s balance, depth and elegance.