Romain Collet Les Vaux de L'Aumone Bourgogne Rouge 2017

Red Chablis? What are you smoking? Yeah, we were a bit confused too. Pinot noir from vines planted in the 1960s and a portion in the 1970s, this beautiful single-vineyard site lies just outside of the village of Tonnerre in the village's most prized area called Les Vaux de l’Aumone, which means the Valley of Charity, inside the Chablis AOC.

With the passing of Romain's grandmother, he got access to these incredible old vines making the first vintage of this super special wine in 2016. It’s meticulously farmed, hand-harvested and then scrupulously sorted, fermented with indigenous yeasts in neutral vessels, and given a long, patient elevage, which is so good for cool-climate pinot noir fruit. This is a wine that will grab the attention of seasoned palates and novice tasters alike. Super complex and minerally with a linear profile and dusty tannins, this just begs for some rich fall fare to bring this all together. Come geek out with us...while it lasts!

PAIRING IDEAS: Perfect with salmon. Marinate a piece in a light dusting of equal parts sugar/salt (to cure it a bit), rinse that off, a few drops of EVOO and even a slight dusting of your favorite rub, grill, and that’s it.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: Everclear! Listen to the “concept” album “Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile”!