GREAT VALUES IN WHITE BURGUNDY
Christine and Roger Saumaize-Michelin
As I have said before, this Domaine is on a roll and making consistently wonderful White Burgundies at affordable prices. Located in Vergisson just south of Mâcon in Southern Burgundy, Roger and Christine Saumaize took over this domaine in 1978. They make numerous vineyard designated Pouilly Fuissés as well as a Mâcon and a Saint Veran.
The wines from Southern Burgundy are not nearly as well-known as their counter parts to the north. This makes the best wines from the area great values. Here is what I have previously said about Pouilly Fuissé:
Pouilly-Fuissé is an area in Mâconnais subregion of southern Burgundy. It was established in 1936 and today covers some 2000 acres. There are no vineyard classifications in Pouilly-Fuissé because the growers never applied for them. The wines are made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. In the last decade or so there has been a steady improvement in the wines of southern Burgundy. Pouilly-Fuissé is now considered by many to be producing the finest white wines in the area, yet they continue to remain Under The Radar. As such they represent some of the greatest values in White Burgundy today.
I recently tasted the 2014s and the newly released 2013 Ampélopsis over a period of several weeks. The wines held up amazingly well and none showed any sign of decline. The 2013 Ampélopsis is a beautiful wine and all the 2014s reflect the tremendous quality of this vintage. I believe that they will age very well. As I was tasting and drinking these wines I was also enjoying some 2010 Saumaize-Michelins. The 2010s are aging beautifully and the 2014s are very similar. Don’ t miss the 2014s. They are special. Domaine Saumaize-Michelin wines are imported by Atherton Wine Imports, Menlo Park, CA
2013 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly Fuissé Ampélopsis
This bottling is made from selected parcels of the domaine’s finest fruit and is made with a longer élevage. The 2013 is the current release. It is a rich and beautifully balanced wine. The color is light yellow with a golden hue and the wine exhibits a lovely floral perfume that is very faintly exotic with a citrus tinge. Rounded and lush with lots of fruit accented by citrus and mineral undertones this is a wine that can be enjoyed today or cellared for several years – Outstanding Plus. $50
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Macon Vergisson la Roche
Light yellow in color this is a Macon that is a pleasure to drink. The floral perfume is citrus tinged and the flavors exhibit very pure fruit with a floral citrus undertone. Balanced with a lot of finesse this is a delicate wine that marries very well with lighter foods – Highly Recommended. $27
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Saint – Veran Les Creches
Light yellow in color this wine has a lovely perfume that is faintly floral with tinges of citrus and a faint flintiness. It has lovely very pure fruit with subtle hints of peach and citrus with a floral undertone and a distinct crispness on the finish. With great charm and early appeal, this is a very finesseful White Burgundy at a very attractive price – Outstanding. $29 Best Buy
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly Fuissé Clos sur la Roche
Light yellow in color with a faint golden hue this Pouilly-Fuissé has a lovely floral perfume with citrus and mineral nuances and a very faint exotic quality. It is rounded and flavorful with lots of floral tinged fruit and a faint underlying spiciness. Balanced with a nice underlying citrus tinged crispness this wine drinks beautifully now and will evolve over the next several years – Outstanding. $39
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly Fuissé Haut de Crays
Light yellow in color with a faint golden hue this Pouilly Fuissé has a deep perfume with a mineral tinge and hints of floral citrus. It is rich and full with loads of fruit showing very faint hints of peach and citrus accented by a subtle spiciness. Balanced and flavorful with a long crisp finish this is a wine that is delicious to drink now and will keep for several more years – Outstanding Plus. $45
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly Fuissé La Maréchaude
Light yellow in color with a faint golden hue this wine has a lovely faintly floral perfume. It has very pure fruit with very subtle hints of peach and citrus and is balanced and finesseful with a nice underlying crispness on the finish – Outstanding. $44
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly Fuissé Pentacrine
Light yellow in color with a subtle floral perfume this Pouilly Fuiseé has very pure fruit with floral citrus tinges. It is very finesseful and well balanced with a faint citrus tinge on the finish.
This is a really nice match for delicate fish dishes – Highly Recommended Plus. $35
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly Fuissé Ronchevats
Light yellow in color this wine has a lovely floral perfume with just a tinge of spice. It is delicate and finesseful with very pure citrus tinged fruit and a nice crisp finish. This is a really nice accompaniment to a wide variety of lighter foods – Highly Recommended Plus. $37
2014 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly Fuissé Vignes Blanches
Light yellow in color this wine has a deep floral perfume with citrus tinged nuances. On the palate, the fruit is very pure and is accented by a faint floral undertone with a nice crispness on the finish. A beautifully crafted wine showing great elegance, charm, and finesse this is really gorgeous – Outstanding. $37
2 comments for “NEW RELEASES FROM DOMAINE-SAUMAIZE MICHELIN”
I had the privilege of tasting these side-by-side with Mr Tilson… so thankful that I was introduced to DSM! My general observation was one really wasn’t ‘better’ than any other – rather they just have subtle nuances that make them all unique. My advice: invite a few friends over and try a few (or all) of them and see what nuances you like most! Good times!
Hi Matt,
Yes indeed we did taste several different 2014s and well as older vintages of Saumaize-Michelin. And, the differences were subtle. This is the way I have found the wines each year since I have been tasting them.
They are excellent and your advice is good. Everyone needs to taste wines to decide what they like. And, Domaine Saumaize-Michelin is a good place to start for those wanting to taste high quality White Burgundy at a very affordable price.
In Vino Veritas,
John