Vintage Report 2006

The 2006 Burgundy Briefing Vintage Report is an assessment of the 2006 vintage on the Côte d’Or accompanied by my tasting notes taken in the cellars of the domaines and negoce. 2006 was a tricky season, but September saved the day. It was a vigneron’s vintage.

The report has, in recent years, become a valuable tool for buying the expensive wines of Burgundy, but remans true its original concept to be an engaging insight into the region, aimed at those who wish to keep informed about Burgundy’s latest vintage and its people.

The 2006 vintage was the third vintage for The Burgundy Briefing, which began life in a more magazine-like format including grower profiles and opinions slots. Steadily the vintage reports expanded as I changed focus, spending longer with every domaine to collect more information for the introductory reports and in particular the village and vineyards section. The 2006 introductory vintage report is more in-depth than in 2004 and 2005, covering the points below, but not with quite the detail of more recent vintages.

Vintage Vantage Point

  • The defining factors of the season which have shaped the wines.
  • Analysis: Considering sugar, acidity and tannins and how they are balanced.
  • How the vintage was handled in winery.
  • Style is considered with plenty of contributions from the growers.
  • Quality; my assessment and the growers’ opinions.
  • Vintage comparions.
  • An overview of each of the principal villages on the Côte d’Or evaluating the style and quality.
  • Ageing capacity and when to drink the wines.
  • A few thoughts on pricing and value.

Tasting Notes

The bulk of the report consists of approximately 210 pages of tasting notes with short introductions to many ofthe domaine or negoce (91 visits). The wines were evaluated and those which stood out in each cellar have been marked ith an asterisk.

Hit lists

My selection of favourite wines in red and white from the wines asterisked.

Profile

Louis Michel Liger Belair.

The report can be purchased for £45. It will be emailed as pdfs on receipt of payment via Paypal. If you wish to purchase it by cheque or by bank transfer, please contact me by email. The pdfs are sent manually, so please be patient if you do not receive it immediately, particularly in May, June and October when I am in Burgundy.