Domaine Boris Champy Beaune Rouge 1er Cr Vignes Franches 2020
The Wine
Vignes Franches plot size is modest: 0.21ha but perfectly situated on Beaune’s south coteau, which makes it very precocious in maturity. The vines have to draw their substance far into the ground because of the poor limestone soil. As a result, the wines are very fine. Stone piles surround this plot that isolate and protect it.
91-94 points, 4 Stars Jasper Morris MW Inside Burgundy: 70% whole bunch. Picked 20th August at 12.9%. A little riper, a little headier, some plums, altogether really lovely. Then a little stricter behind, the stems doing their thing. All the wood comes from Eric Millard, a cooper who is now gaining much notice. He worked previously at Louis Latour (with Boris) after Francois Frères. This Vignes Franches will need longer to come together and is more structured than the excellent Coucherias but will eventually make the grander bottle. Tasted: October 2021
The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Extra - Cork
Year - 2020
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Experienced and well connected Boris Champy seized the moment when the oldest Demeter-certified operation in Burgundy became available, that of Didier Montchovet's Domaine (founded 1984) located at 421 metres asl at Nantoux, in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune.
In effect Boris has taken over a suite of beautiful vineyards in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune with small holdings as well as a plot in Pommard & 2 Beaune 1er Cru sites. Surprisingly, many of the vineyards over the years have been be replanted, where needed with pre phylloxera massale selections.
Boris's previous engagements include managing Dominus wine estate in Napa Valley, Louis Latour and Clos des Lambrays.
Boris's move up into the hills looks timely given the climatic changes impacting some of the more prestigious areas on the Cote d'Or. The vines up in these cooler hiller areas are now seeing greater warmth that they're lapping up to their benefit!
In following on a Bio-dynamic path, Didier previously provided for compensation areas and biodiversity on his holding, planting trees and pastures species that play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Boris is continuing this approach.
Boris brings his wealth of experience to this new venture, and is definitely a Domaine to keep an eye on in the future!
