Dugat-Py Bourgogne Pinot Noir Cuvee Halinard 2014

For decades, the famed Dugat-Py estate, nestled at the base of the Combe de Lavaux in Gevrey-Chambertin, has produced world-class wines.  Bernard Dugat bought vines in Gevrey in 1975 and made his first wines. In 1994, Domaine Claude Dugat and Domaine Dugat-Py were established as two separate family estates. Jocelyne Py is Bernard's wife's maiden name. Loc, their son, joined the family business in 1996. He is presently in charge of the Domaine, which began its transition to organic viticulture in 1999 and received full accreditation in 2003.

The family now owns 23.5 acres of Pinot Noir and 2.5 acres of Chardonnay vines in Gevrey, including the original plantings. Loc is a big fan of vintage vineyards and is always on the lookout for old Pinot Fin or Chardonnay sections. Because of this dedication, the domaine today has grapes ranging in age from 65 to more than 100 years old in both the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. As a result, almost every wine in the lineup is labelled Vieilles Vignes or Très Vieilles Vignes. They meticulously care for these mature vineyards, employing handcrafted biodynamic teas throughout (they are certified biodynamic). Horses mow the 1er Cru and Grand Cru sites. The vines are never pruned, so the canopies can grow to be seven or eight feet tall.

Classic Vins de Garde have always been produced by the family - deep in colour, with explosive fruit and chiselled tannins. However, since Loc took over, there has been a noticeable change in both the vines and the winery. Loc does not chaptalize, acidify, inoculate, or add anything to the juice, and the only time sulphur is added is just before bottling. While the wines remain deep and powerful, they are more balanced and refined than ever before. The alcohol content is rarely higher than 13.5 percent, and harvest is now done sooner to preserve freshness and elegance.