2023 Sylvain Cathiard Hautes Cotes de Nuits Rouge, Burgundy

An attractive mid ruby. The raspberry fruit is immediately attractive but with a sense of grip. Attractive red berry fruit, a fair amount of oak given the moderate concentration of the vintage, then a fine easy finish. 30% new wood was used here and 40% for the Hautes Côtes de Nuits because of insufficient older barrels. Drink from 2026-2028. Tasted Nov 2024.

87-88 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

Sylvain Cathiard Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Rouge is an exceptional expression of Pinot Noir from the elevated slopes of the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits in Burgundy. Crafted by Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, one of Burgundy’s most revered producers, this wine showcases the finesse, purity, and terroir-driven character that are hallmarks of the domaine’s philosophy. Known for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the Côte de Nuits, Cathiard’s expertise shines in this beautifully crafted Pinot Noir.

The vineyards for this wine are located in the hills above the Côte de Nuits, where cooler temperatures and limestone-rich soils contribute to a fresh, elegant, and mineral-driven profile. The slightly higher elevation allows for a longer ripening period, resulting in a wine with vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and expressive aromatics.

Sylvain Cathiard employs traditional winemaking techniques to preserve the authenticity of the fruit and the terroir. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted meticulously to ensure only the finest quality fruit is used. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging in French oak barrels, a small proportion of which are new. The aging process adds depth and complexity while maintaining the wine’s freshness and delicate balance.

In the glass, the wine reveals a luminous ruby-red color. The nose is aromatic and inviting, with notes of red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries, interwoven with hints of violets, earth, and a subtle touch of spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and a lively acidity framing flavors of red fruit, cranberry, and a whisper of forest floor. The finish is long, elegant, and mineral-driven, highlighting the wine’s precision and charm.

Sylvain Cathiard Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Rouge is a versatile and food-friendly wine. It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. It also complements lighter cheeses and charcuterie. While approachable in its youth, this wine has the structure to age gracefully for 5-8 years, developing further complexity with time.