Agnes Paquet Bourgogne Rouge 2024
The Wine
From a 40-year-old vineyard in Meloisey, where 30 cm of clay-limestone topsoil rests on deep limestone bedrock, this wine is 100% de-stemmed and aged for 9 months in 228-litre barrels before being promptly bottled to preserve its youthful character ahead of the 2025 harvest. Its deep ruby-purple hue and clean, fresh aromas lead to an initial burst of bright, chewy fruit on the palate, followed by a silky texture and a crisp, invigorating finish.
87 Pts Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy 'In bottle before the harvest. The two plots are blended since Agnès has not done the separate whole bunch cuvée in 2024. Glowing purple, a little reduction to start with that soon blows off. Some tension on the palate, a slightly drier finish, but a pleasing red fruit throughout. Drink from 2027-2029'.
15.5/20 Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com 'Smells of peonies (flower) and ripe strawberries. Lots of ripe strawberry fruit set deep inside a willow-woven framework of tannins giving the wine a stemmy earthiness. The contrast works beautifully. It’s quite serious, toes on the line of stern, dicing with austerity, and a little lacking in concentration, but the woodland strawberries prevail with their charm. Drink 2026 – 2029'
The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2024
Extra - Cork
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker
Agnes Paquet is recognized locally as a leading innovator of the current generation. Her estate boasts vineyards in Cotes de Beaune and Hautes-Cotes de Beaune. Agnes is keenly aware of terroir nuances and maintains a traditional approach in her vineyards. Since 2004, chemical herbicides have been eliminated.
While not certified organic or biodynamic, she follows these practices closely. From 2022 the wines have been ‘Ecocert’ certified - the wines now bear the ‘AB’ label. Vineyard labor is essential, especially when the vines are most active from May to July, during which the workforce expands to 13. The harvest is done by hand, with sorting done both in the field and at the winery. Fermentations are initiated solely by natural yeasts, with minimal SO2 usage.
I can attest to the quality and management of the vineyards as some of her plots in the Hautes-Cotes around Meloisey are adjacent to or nearby to those of Domaine Dandelion (which I work at during vintage). The wines are uber supple and pure - they convey their terrior faithfully. Purchasers will not be disappointed with the quality here - the wines are highly drinkable - accessable now and the reds will development further complexity in the cellar! TC
