Maltroye info

[Ken Schramm]

Anybody got any experience with the 2002 Chateau de la Maltroye Clos du Chateau de la Maltroye 1er Monopole Rouge? I am grilling up some steaks tonight, and I haven't made up my mind as to whether I should pop this, or find out if the 2005 Lafarge Bourgogne has anything to offer.

Yeah, yeah, open them both and report back later. Both lone/last bottles, so this will be the only opportunity.

 

[Levi Dalton]

My understanding is that - at least these days - Maltroye is using some percentage of whole cluster on the reds. It varies to the bottling. I believe the the 17 Clos du Chateau de la Maltroye has a fair amount of whole cluster. If that was the case in 02, I couldn't say for sure. Lafarge, of course, entirely destems.

Personally, I would open the Lafarge and take the risk that it might be a little light for the steaks, rather than go for the grittier, more edgy, more graphite profile that you may find with the Maltroye.

 

[Ken Schramm]

Worked perfectly, Levi. Thank you. The Lafarge had no problem keeping up with the strips. If anything, the acidity was more prevalent than I would have expected for a Bourgogne at that age. I drink as much for nose as for palate, and the aromatics were as congruent and enjoyable as I could have asked for. It could have gone another five years, but I was no way displeased.

I'll post when I open the Maltroye. Still curious, but there is a full day in the orchard tomorrow.

 

[Levi Dalton]

originally posted by Ken Schramm:
Worked perfectly, Levi. Thank you. The Lafarge had no problem keeping up with the strips. If anything, the acidity was more prevalent than I would have expected for a Bourgogne at that age. I drink as much for nose as for palate, and the aromatics were as congruent and enjoyable as I could have asked for. It could have gone another five years, but I was no way displeased.

Awesome.

Lafarge is pretty much my favorite go-to red Burgundy producer, by which I mean that (if the bottle has been well stored) I am almost never disappointed, and I usually love the wine. I am also happy to report that they are doing exceptional work at the moment. The 2016s and 2017s from barrel were both highlights of recent trips to Burgundy. In terms of back vintages, I have had many, and few duds. Just the most recent example, a 2000 Volnay 1er Cru was really wonderful. Add to this the facts that 1) I can still manage to afford the wines from time to time, and 2) the people themselves could not be nicer or more dedicated to what they are doing, and you have one of my favorite producers in the wine world, basically.