Chorey-lès-Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2020
Chorey-lès-Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2020
- 75cl
- 14.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2035
Domaine Tollot-Beaut, located in Chorey-lès-Beaune, also boasts vineyards in Aloxe-Corton, Savigny, and Corton itself, along with the excellent Premier Cru Beaune 'Greves,' one of our favourite hidden gems.
Known for producing wines with elegant and charming red fruit profiles, the recent warm vintages have enhanced the character of the appellations near the Corton foothills, traditionally recognised for their more rustic styles. These wines now offer greater richness and depth, with more refined, structured tannins. They continue to be both highly appealing and competitively priced.
Currently showing its primary fruit character beautifully, with the cherry and spice elements well-integrated but still vibrant. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the earthy complexity to become more prominent whilst the fruit deepens and gains richness. The wine should reach its peak around 2028-2030, when the primary fruit will have evolved into more complex secondary flavours whilst retaining freshness. It will hold well until 2035, though the fruit may begin to fade gradually after that point, leaving a more savoury, earthy profile that will still be highly enjoyable.
What the critics say:
"A slightly fresher blend of red and black cherry liqueur, spice and warm earth introduce rich and relatively full-bodied flavors possess a caressing yet dense texture that is at once seductive but serious on the surprisingly powerful and lengthy finish. This is also somewhat atypical but less so and overall, this too is quite impressive. *Outstanding*"
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby with a bright, youthful rim.
NoseRed and black cherry liqueur mingles with warm earth and subtle spice. There's an appealing freshness that lifts the richer elements, creating an inviting and complex bouquet. The oak is well-integrated, adding structure without overwhelming the fruit.
PalateRich and relatively full-bodied for the appellation, with a caressing yet dense texture that's immediately seductive. The red fruit is generous but balanced by earthy complexity and fine-grained tannins. There's a lovely interplay between the wine's approachable charm and underlying seriousness.
FinishSurprisingly powerful and lengthy, with spice and earth lingering long after the fruit fades.
Overall impressionThis transcends typical Chorey expectations, offering Burgundian sophistication at village appellation prices.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this would be the perfect match for coq au vin made with the same wine, the rich sauce complementing the wine's earthy complexity. Local charcuterie like jambon persillé or andouillette would work beautifully, as would the region's famous beef bourguignon. The wine's balance of fruit and earthiness makes it ideal with mushroom dishes, particularly the prized local morilles, and it would shine alongside a classic boeuf à la bourguignonne. For cheese, try it with the local Chaource or a well-aged Comté.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to allow the wine's complexity to unfold whilst preserving its freshness. A brief decant of 30 minutes will help open up the aromas, though it's not essential. Use Burgundy glasses with a wide bowl to concentrate the delicate aromatics. If serving young, open an hour before serving to let it breathe in the bottle.
Chorey-lès-Beaune sits on the flatter land between the Côte de Beaune slopes and the Saône River, with alluvial soils mixed with limestone and clay. The vineyards benefit from good drainage whilst retaining enough clay to give structure and depth. The slightly warmer microclimate compared to the hillside appellations has been a boon in recent years, producing riper fruit whilst maintaining freshness. The proximity to the Corton hill provides some protection from harsh weather, creating an ideal environment for expressive Pinot Noir.
Chorey-lès-Beaune is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, but that's precisely what makes it such good value. The appellation covers both red and white wines, though reds dominate, and the style has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Where Chorey was once considered rustic and simple, warmer vintages have revealed its potential for richness and complexity. The wines offer an accessible entry point into serious Burgundy, with the structure to age but enough charm to drink young.
2020 in Burgundy was a vintage that kept everyone on their toes. A warm, dry spring brought early budbreak, then summer turned properly scorching with temperatures hitting 40°C in August. The saving grace came from perfectly timed August rains that rescued the vines from serious drought stress, followed by ideal September weather that allowed for unhurried picking. Yields were mercifully normal after several years of frost-ravaged harvests, and crucially, the heat never tipped into the jammy territory that can plague warmer vintages here.
What emerged were wines with surprising freshness despite the heat, showing ripe fruit balanced by good acidity and lovely mineral precision. The reds have more immediate charm than the structured 2019s, with silky tannins and generous Pinot Noir character, whilst the whites display beautiful richness without losing that crystalline Burgundian tension we adore. This isn't a legendary vintage like 2005 or 2010, but it's thoroughly delicious and more approachable in youth than many Burgundy vintages. The village wines are drinking beautifully now, Premier Crus are just hitting their stride, and the Grands Crus will reward patience for another five to ten years.
FAQs
What does this Chorey-lès-Beaune taste like?
Rich red and black cherry with warm earth and spice, offering a caressing yet dense texture that's both seductive and serious. It's more complex than typical village Burgundy.
When should I drink this wine?
It's approachable now and drinking beautifully, but will develop greater complexity over the next few years. Drink between now and 2035 for optimal enjoyment.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin or beef bourguignon are perfect, but it also works beautifully with mushroom dishes, charcuterie, and aged cheeses like Comté.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 16-17°C in Burgundy glasses. A brief 30-minute decant will help, or simply open an hour before serving to let it breathe.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely. While delicious now, it will reward patience with greater complexity emerging over the next 5-10 years. It's built to age gracefully until 2035.
How does this compare to other Burgundy villages?
Chorey-lès-Beaune offers excellent value compared to more famous neighbours like Beaune or Volnay, with recent vintages showing unexpected richness and sophistication.
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