Domaine Bart – Brilliant (& Absurd Value) 2015 Vintage Burgundy from the Côte de Nuits

Domaine Bart Marsannay Red
Special Price: $151/6-pack (~$25/bottle) SOLD OUT

We are always talking about value and doing our best to offer world-class wines that are worth every cent. But every once in a while a wine comes along that is such a great value it even amazes us. Such is the case with Domaine Bart Marsannay.

100% Pinot Noir from the northernmost appellation in the Côte d’Or, 2015 Domaine Bart Marsannay exudes heady aromas of floral cherry cream soda with a background of dry, dusty peat moss and after a while in the glass the practically indescribable yet quite specific aromatic expression of a Côte de Nuits red wine begins to emerge. A sip begins with jellied, fresh cranberry and cherry fruit in perfect balance with a slight mineral finish. Even the most basic red Burgundy quite often needs a little time to harmonize. Not so in this case. Indeed, this wine is drinking so well presently you might be shocked at how quickly a glass is joyously drained.

Regarding the 2015 vintage, Pierre Bart had this to say: “2015 gave us the cleanest harvest that I have ever seen and as such there was almost no sorting required beyond the odd leaf or insect here and there. I used between 20 and 50% whole clusters and the vinifications unfolded with very little intervention necessary. There wasn’t much malic acidity and the malos were practically finished before the vinifications were finished! As to the wines, they’re concentrated and serious and should age for years yet the velvety textures should allow them to drink well young too.”

But we discourage you to stuff 2015 Domaine Bart Marsannay in the cellar corner. It is a wine to drink through this summer with your best friends and a plate full of grilled, mature Cremini mushrooms drizzled in quality olive oil.

Pierre Bart is the sixth generation at Domaine Bart. Since 2009 he’s been running the 54 acre domaine along with his uncle, Martin. His grandmother comes from the same family as Domaine Bruno Clair, explaining why there are holdings in the Grand Crus of Bonnes-Mares and Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, as well as Santenay. Indeed, a good portion of the estate’s holdings come from the split of the renowned Domaine Claire-Daü between Domaine Bart and Domaine Bruno Clair (even another portion was sold off to Louis Jadot). Previous to the split, Domaine Claire-Daü was one of the most heralded and respected producers in the region, nearly singlehandedly bringing the appellation of Marsannay its current status.

Pierre and Martin’s wines are balanced and classic Burgundy, understated with grace and elegance. It begins in the vineyard with sustainable and organic farming practices on every parcel. Each parcel is worked by hand according to its specific microclimate. The use of new oak is judicious and depends on the parcel. According to Pierre, “We make very fruity wines in classic style. The main words at our domaine are fruit and balance, balance between fruit, acidity and tannins. So we don’t produce big extracted wines. We try to respect the fruit.”

More 2015 Burgundy from Domaine Bart

All prices based on purchase of 6-pack (mix-and-match)

~$37 Les Favières (Marsannay 2015) White
A rare white Burgundy made entirely from 45 and 60-year-old vines of Chardonnay Musqué – a clone of Chardonnay with perfumed, Muscat-like characteristics.

~$34 “Les Echezots” (Marsannay 2015) Red
The Les Echezots vineyard gets more cool winds from the Hautes-Côtes. Subsequently the grapes ripen later there and it is always the last parcel to be harvested.

~$43 “Champs Salomon” (Marsannay 2015) Red
One of Domaine Bart’s best Marsannay vineyards is located in a prime spot on the mid-slope, producing wines which combine power with elegance and longevity.

~$62 “Les Hervelets” (Fixin, Premier Cru 2015) Red
One of the top vineyard parcels in Fixin. Dark fruits, hints of earth and spice, and a bit of heft from the more pronounced tannic structure allow this expression longer term aging potential.

$207 Bonnes Mares (Grand Cru 2015) Red
Domaine Bart’s Bonnes Mares parcels are next to those of Comte de Vogüe. It is a powerful, long-lived wine. Only ten barrels are produced.

$243 Chambertin Clos du Bèze (Grand Cru 2015) Red
Generally Clos de Bèze is considered to be more concentrated than Bonnes Mares but in the case of Domaine Bart’s parcels it’s the other way around. Expressive and intense, only five barrels are produced.

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Posted on 2018.03.14 in Saturday Sips Wines, France, Burgundy