Patrice Rion, Côte de Nuits Villages Supply

Patrice Rion, Côte de Nuits Villages

Patrice Rion’s reputation was launched in the early 1980s when he greatly increased the presence of his family domaine, Daniel Rion, on the international stage. Noted as a precise practitioner and innovator, he and his wife launched their own small domaine in 1990, working with select growers for some of their village bottlings. Their standouts are two top-grade monopoles (solely owned vineyards) in Nuits-Saint-Georges—Clos St. Marc and Clos Argillières—as well as their Chambolle-Musigny bottlings. This current release of the Côte de Nuits Villages shows glimpses of brilliance that you would find in one of their Chambolle-Musigny offerings, but without the price tag. This Pinot is matured in used barrels, allowing the brambly red fruit shine through with hints of clay, mint and a touch of blood orange. Subtle notes of tilled earth and mushroom come to the forefront with refined tea-like tannins. It’s approachable and flat out delicious after a 30-minute decant.