Patrice Rion, Côte de Nuits-Villages “Vieilles Vignes” Supply

Patrice Rion, Côte de Nuits-Villages “Vieilles Vignes”

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 estate in 1990, working with select growers for some of their village bottlings. Their standouts are two top-grade monopoles (single-ownership vineyards) in Nuits-Saint-Georges—Clos St. Marc and Clos Argillières—as well as their lush Chambolle-Musigny bottlings. 

This 2019 Côte de Nuits-Villages shows glimpses of brilliance that you would find in one of their Chambolle-Musigny offerings, but without the price tag. Coming from old vines and entirely matured in used barrels, this Pinot Noir allows the brambly red fruit to 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.