Maison Ilan

Les Chaffots Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Pinot Noir

8.826 ratings
8.810 pro ratings
Morey St. Denis, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

There's been a lot of shade thrown on these wines and particularly, towards the wine maker...most of it probably deserved. As for some of the more recent low scores, there must be some bottle variation because I’m not gonna lie, this was a really strong showing. Popped and poured; consumed over two hours. Bruised strawberries, tart brambles, rhubarb, forest floor, and sandalwood. Tannins are well integrated…but still there. Acid is pretty high but perfect for a nice meal of whole, roasted chicken and root vegetables. The wine is otherwise quite balanced and if my bottle is representative, this still has a long life ahead of it and should drink quite well through 2030. My last of the Maison Ilan “Les Chaffots”.

There's been a lot of shade thrown on these wines and particularly, towards the wine maker...most of it probably deserved. As for some of the more recent low scores, there must be some bottle variation because I’m not gonna lie, this was a really strong showing. Popped and poured; consumed over two hours. Bruised strawberries, tart brambles, rhubarb, forest floor, and sandalwood. Tannins are well integrated…but still there. Acid is pretty high but perfect for a nice meal of whole, roasted chicken and root vegetables. The wine is otherwise quite balanced and if my bottle is representative, this still has a long life ahead of it and should drink quite well through 2030. My last of the Maison Ilan “Les Chaffots”.

Mar 23rd, 2021
Austin Yursik

Funk, raspberries, stone dust.

Funk, raspberries, stone dust.

Oct 7th, 2017
Phil Bogard

Not sure whats actually in this bottle, but it's not 2012 Morey St Denis. Has a full brick ring, we are guessing it's at least 12-15 year old burgundy of some sort... The scammer of burgundy.

Not sure whats actually in this bottle, but it's not 2012 Morey St Denis. Has a full brick ring, we are guessing it's at least 12-15 year old burgundy of some sort... The scammer of burgundy.

1 person found it helpfulMar 6th, 2016
Ira Schwartz

On the nose hints that it might be a pinot . In the mouth hot,oaky and disjointed, very disappointed.

On the nose hints that it might be a pinot . In the mouth hot,oaky and disjointed, very disappointed.

1 person found it helpfulDec 10th, 2014
Byron C Mayes

Clear garnet in the glass. Big nose of black cherry tea and rooibos with a bit or rubber overlaid. Medium minus tannins and medium plus acidity lead a palate that is fruit forward -- black cherry, black tea, dried flowers -- by Old World standards, but by no means New World in style. Naturally, food is its friend. I had roasted duck breast. Another top notch effort by Ray Walker.

Clear garnet in the glass. Big nose of black cherry tea and rooibos with a bit or rubber overlaid. Medium minus tannins and medium plus acidity lead a palate that is fruit forward -- black cherry, black tea, dried flowers -- by Old World standards, but by no means New World in style. Naturally, food is its friend. I had roasted duck breast. Another top notch effort by Ray Walker.

Jan 29th, 2017
Jay Kline

Charming nose of red berries and black tea that evolves into some celery root after some time.

Charming nose of red berries and black tea that evolves into some celery root after some time.

Dec 29th, 2016
Kelvin So

Cooked cherry, hawthorn, old flower, cola

Cooked cherry, hawthorn, old flower, cola

Jun 7th, 2015
Alana Steinberg

Red brick - aging quickly. Already hints of secondary aroma. Notes of cherry, ocean breeze, and stone on the nose. Strong attack, long finish. Medium tannins.

Red brick - aging quickly. Already hints of secondary aroma. Notes of cherry, ocean breeze, and stone on the nose. Strong attack, long finish. Medium tannins.

Jun 5th, 2018
Berg

Decent burg, some barnyard, cherry, distinct tears and broken dreams, with a whiff of BMW parts and undelivered promises.

Decent burg, some barnyard, cherry, distinct tears and broken dreams, with a whiff of BMW parts and undelivered promises.

Dec 14th, 2017
Michael Moorman

I was going to wait to open this but the negative commentary thread on the wine berserkers forum lead me to open this bottle. The wine was excellent it was well balanced: freshness fruit and acidity. Most of the negative comments are from individuals not receiving their wines in a timely manner but the negativity seems have found its way into the reviews. Based on my experience with this particular wine the quality is high. I hope Ray Walker solves his distribution problems (as it this writing his website was not operational).

I was going to wait to open this but the negative commentary thread on the wine berserkers forum lead me to open this bottle. The wine was excellent it was well balanced: freshness fruit and acidity. Most of the negative comments are from individuals not receiving their wines in a timely manner but the negativity seems have found its way into the reviews. Based on my experience with this particular wine the quality is high. I hope Ray Walker solves his distribution problems (as it this writing his website was not operational).

Oct 3rd, 2016