The 2011 Côtes de Nuits is wonderfully lifted and perfumed in the glass. Crushed flowers, herbs, blue fruits, licorice and menthol grace the palate in a sublime, beautifully expressive Burgundy to drink over the near and medium term. There is a purity to the fruit, especially on the finish, that is striking.

The 2012 Cotes de Nuits Rouge has an exquisite floral bouquet with hints of rose petal infusing the strawberry and cranberry fruit that demonstrates great clarity. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, vibrant red cherry and raspberry fruit with a fine and delicate citric finish. Always a winner, this is a Bachelet for those who can neither forage nor find his grand cru. Drink now-2020. When tasting through Denis Bachelet’s 2012s, he invited a run through his 2011s that provided a lucid juxtaposition between the two vintages, while reaffirming the commonly held notion that Denis has an innate ability to transcend the limitations of the growing season. His 2011s are some of the best you will find in the appellation from top to bottom, though in my mind the 2012s are more crystalline and contain more matiere. Here, I have also included two mature vintages of his jewel, Charmes-Chambertin: the 1987 a little gem from a forgotten vintage and the 2004, a potentially great wine besmirched by those seemingly ubiquitous “green meanies.” Importer: A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet, various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; AOC Imports, CA; tel. (415) 279-8708; Toepfer Imports LLC, CO; tel. (303) 818-7640. Also available in UK through Howard Ripley, Berry Brothers & Rudd, Wine Society and A&B Vintners.

Good medium red. Expressive nose offers red and black fruits, licorice, violet and leather. Fat and sweet but energetic too, offering a lovely combination of roundness and vinosity. Plenty of complex soil tones for its appellation. This has the balance to drink or hold. My notes say this is every bit as complex as the 2012.