As you most likely know, I am a huge fan of both the white and red wines of Burgundy. It is always very exciting when I find a truly compelling wine which is not stratospherically priced. So, I was pleased when the importer for Domaine Chanson offered us the 2018 Domaine Chanson Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Feves at a very reasonable price for a wine of this quality - our price is only $119.99!
This vineyard of 1.90 hectares (about 4.7 acres) is perfectly located on the mid-slope close to the hill of Corton-Charlemagne. It has the same soil structure and height as its famous Grand Cru neighbor. The only difference is the Eastern exposure of the “Caradeux” which makes this plot an exceptional “terroir” providing unique mineral characteristics. Clos de Fèves is a Chanson “monopole” (meaning that Domaine Chanson owns the entire vineyard) located in the very heart of the Premier Cru vineyards of Beaune. It makes a complete, rounded wine with striking depth and minerality. Jean-Pierre Confuron, the winemaker, says that the wine produced in 2018 expresses the richness and pleasantness of the vintage while keeping the elegance and the balance that Domaine Chanson is known for.
La Revue du Vin de France, the most prestigious wine publication in France, gave it a perfect 100 point rating, saying: "A masterful success. Orange perfume. Possessing a great maturity, it offers superbly gentle tannins and a silky texture. A full and fine wine driven by elegance with a captivating aroma and extremely long and gentle fruit in the mouth. Top wine from the 2018 vintage [which is considered a great Burgundy vintage]. 100 points."