A mature selection to nurture and relish

IT is in the human DNA to strive upwards, in a continual search for the best. Just as some strive to the next level in cars, houses, handbags and the like, wine lovers are always reaching beyond the simple to the more complex, from the obvious to the elusive. Hence the progression from Mateus Rose through Bordeaux, etc, ultimately to Burgundies. So it happened that when my good banker friend from Lausanne proposed that he bring a few bottles of mature burgundy with him on his most recent visit to Singapore, he was made most welcome by our small group of thirsty vinos. Not exactly from the pioneer generation but old enough!

Francois Gautier, my Swiss friend, did not disappoint. His contribution of four wines - three from the great 1978 vintage, one from 1993 - were greatly anticipated. They comprised Chambertin 1978, Domaine Trapet; Vosne-Romanee 1er cru Malconsorts 1978, Domaine Henri Lamarche; Chambertin 1993, Domaine Trapet; and Gevrey-Chambertin 1er cru Clos Varoilles 1978, Domaine des Varoilles. Local contributions included Chambertin Grand Cru 2000, Domaine Ponsot, La Romanee Grand Cru 1995, Bouchard Pere et Fils, Clos Vougeot 1993, Domaine Prieure Roche, Corto…