Nicolas Potel Wine Dinner

It was a delight to attend a recent wine tasting featuring a number of wines from Nicolas Potel's Domaine de Bellene, Maison Roche de Bellene and from the treasure trove that is the Collection Bellenum. Maison Roche de Bellene is Potel's negociant business and the Collection Bellenum are collections of rare old Burgundy wines spanning six decades which he has acquired from various local sources in Burgundy. I was certainly eagerly awaiting this.



First up was a pleasant wine from Potel's own vineyards the Domaine de Bellene Savigny Les Beaune 2010. It was fresh, abundance of citrus with a smooth taste that was mild and easy to drink. It is elegant and offered at a great price. Price versus quality 18/20. Overall 17/20.

Second was the Maison Roche de Bellene Collection Bellenum Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes 1995. In short this was superb and those on our table were quite unanimous about our reaction on this wine - great wine, great price, a must. 1995 was a great vintage for Burgundy whites and it is apparent here. A beautiful nose gives way to a wine that is clearly at its finest and mature. Golden yellow with a honey nose, slightly sweet with its structure, minerality intact. A delight. Price versus quality 19/20. Overall 18/20.

Third was the Domaine de Bellene Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Les Haut Jarrons 2010. Decent wine, decent price, dark rosy red with a pleasant red fruit nose and nice finish. Its a good wine which will improve over medium term. Price versus quality 17/20. Overall 16/20.

Fourth was the Maison Roche de Bellene Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Noirots. Still requires a few years yet before the classic nose of Chambolle Musigny comes to fruition. In the meantime what we have is good potential with slightly muted mushroom and truffle like aromas but a very satisfying finish. Keep an eye on this one. Price versus quality 17/20. Overall 17/20.

Fifth was the Maison Roche de Bellene Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2009. The perfumed nose on this was exceptional. Young and will improve. Based on this evidence a 18/20 on both counts though time will tell.

Back to the Collection Bellenum for the final two wines and first was the 1997 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. I took one long breath and inhaled deeply. This is certainly a great wine. Red fruits are prominent - it was a little light on the palate and finish but the elegance is evident. Seemed slightly more closed than expected. Price versus quality 16/20. Overall 16/20.

The Collection Bellenum Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru 1998 is another wine that fits the boat. Fine no doubt, a little closed off but class nevertheless same score.