Domaine Philippe Livera Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Village 2017

Authenticity and damn delicious wines are the name of the game at this glorious winery in the heart of Gevrey-Chambertin. The Clos Village parcel is just footsteps from their cellar door and family home, and is one of the true sleepers in their portfolio. The young Damien Livera has injected new energy and enthusiasm into this estate, making wines that are truly better than ever at this estate. Having holdings primarily in village level vineyards and a single grand cru, the press has never given Livera the time of day, but that is finally changing and the wines are getting their rightful praise and acknowledgement.

Distinctive exotic spice and incense, an almost Vosne-Romanee complexity of aroma is a signature of this wine. Morello cherry and raspberry flavors swirl in the mouth with white pepper and sweet tobacco pulsing with energy despite its rich and mouth coating feel. The tannins are incredibly fine and integrated speaking to wine well above its village designation. In short, this drinks like a premier cru level wine or better and it is still not drinking at its peak. Look for its apex in 5+ years and cellar this gem for up to two decades.

PAIRING IDEAS: All the cool kids are doing Asian-inflected dishes with red Burgundy these days, so if beef or coq a vin sounds boring to you, we suggest...DUCK. Peking duck (you can find some cool kits on Goldbelly), smoked duck salad, grilled duck breast...you get the idea. With a light Asian sauce or a bit of sesame oil and greens/noodles/rice, it’s pretty perfect!

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: The Stone’s “Exile on Main Street” in its entirety, front to back. Soulful, rockin’, contemplative, raw. “Gimme a little drink...of your lovin’ cup”!