Producer Background: Nicolas Potel is one of a new breed of vinificateurs who are redefining the meaning of négociant in Burgundy. With his father, the highly respected Gérard Potel, who was manager of a well-known domaine in Volnay, he began a négoce house in July 1996. Upon his father's sudden death in October 1997, Nicolas left the domaine and took over the négoce business full time.

In January 1998, Nicolas began to purchase fruit and post-fermentation lots of wine from prestigious domaines. His own relationships with growers and the legacy of his father helped open doors to some of the greatest domaines, even those who normally sell little or nothing except under their own label. As early as 2000, Clive Coates MW was writing that Nicolas "was already a super-star".

Wine Type: Dry Red

Grape Type: 100% Pinot Noir.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Vinification:

Nicolas Potel: "Parcel planted in 1954 belonging to our consultant, farmed organically. Full southern exposure.  Very nice selection of small, very healthy berries."

Tasting Notes: "Dense, tight and still marked by oak, with a core of sweet cherry, spice and earth flavors. Very rigid and unyielding, but finished with sweet fruit. All the elements are there. Best from 2007 through 2012."

- Wine Spectator

Food Match: turkey, red meat, grilled meats, game, beef.