First experience with Launay-Horiot. While I've heard lots of good things about this rising star in Burgundy, the 15' Chaponnières was just underwhelming. Sure, there's balance and depth in the wine, but I expected a little more freshness and fineness from the domaine. Tasting notes from the professionals seem to indicate the prevalence of the vintage's warmth in this wine. Rich and earthy would best sum it up. Bouquet of cherry brandy, earth, mushroom, and graphite. The palate is muscular and smokey, balanced by well-judged acidity. Nice chalky tannins and finishes with a savory tang. A miss here for me especially for the price, but at least there wasn't any marmalade notes which I detest in Pino. Will seek out Xavier's wines again, but probably 16' onwards first. — 5 years ago
This white Bordeaux wine has a subdued nose, but traces of stone fruit and citrus do come through the mineral curtain. The palate is also laced with minerals and citrus, with a nice touch of salinity to add to the waterside connotation of the region’s name. The acidity is fresh and zippy enough for a salad, some vegetables or a seafood dish. — 2 years ago
Beautiful color in the glass. Violets and cherry on the nose. Hits the palate perfectly with smooth tannins, medium acidity, resounding cherry and tilled earth notes. As it opens up notes of autumn leaves come to mind as well. Very well balanced. — 4 years ago
Violets, dark cherry liquor, ripe blackberries, hint of sandalwood, Provence herbs. Needs time for the tannin and acidity to get fully integrated but good effort. — 3 years ago
2019 vintage. A rare chance to taste a 100% Sauvignon Gris, a variety that almost went extinct after phylloxera, but it's still present in Bordeaux and other regions, mainly as a blending grape. It is naturally low-yielding and matures early. Light golden colour. Intense perfume of fresh passion fruit and a hint of flowers. Round and ripe, with crisp exotic fruit and very good minty length. Great value and a very original Bordeaux. White Côtes de Bourg is already very rare, let alone a 100% Sauvignon Gris. — 4 years ago
Fruit, marcona almond, floral nose. Stylistically it’s bread-y. Brioche and unsweetened gingerbread on the palate. Good acidly up front and dry finish. 50/50 blend Chard and Pinot — 7 years ago
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The 2020 Chambertin Grand Cru is clean and precise on the nose, with raspberry and wild strawberry, crushed stone and discreet sous-bois scents. This, again, unfolds wonderfully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle but insistent grip. It is more saline than Launay Horiot's Chambertin, with fine structure and a hint of spice towards the finish that has just a touch of piquancy. Bravo - this is a Chambertin from the top drawer. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, October 2024)
— 6 days ago