Beaune 1er Cru "Champs Pimonts" 1998, Jacques Prieur

Since 1990 the Domaine Jacques Prieur has been co-owned by the quality negociant Antonin Rodet. I was lucky enough to enjoy a three hour barrel tasting in 2005 guided by the Maitre des Chais. The wines are excellent and the range of grands crus stunning. This domaine is as the French say "tres serieux."

There is no mistaking the ten years of age on this wine as it shows a marinaded cherry colour, with an orange hue and a translucent rim. Spiced orange, pheasant, morello cherry, becomes very gamey -- this is what Burgundy is all about! -- and buttery producing an aroma of rabbit pate or weirdly rilletes or mackerel pate. Ends on more mineral and fine residual oak notes. Potent savoury tannins shroud a more refined cherry and plum fruit flavour. Very lively and beautifully integrated. This qualifies as 'awfully good'. Perfect companion for dark poultry or game birds in a clear sauce.