About the Wine

With the largest holding of Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy (68 acres), the philosophy has always been to maximize the quality of the grapes to produce great wines. The care and attention to detail seen in their sustainably farmed vineyards are carried over into their winemaking where commitment to traditional and manual techniques brings out the absolute best in all of their incredibly age-worthy and food-friendly wines.

Historically the owners of this area did not have to pay tax on the land, hence the name 'Vignes Franches' ('free vines'). The Beaune Premier Cru "Vignes Franches" parcel, important part of Domaine Louis Latour, is found mid-slope. The clay soils are scattered with small pebbles which allow for easy drainage of water. Here we find the same opulence as in neighboring Pommard as well as an extremely pleasant fruit-forwardness even when young. It is one of the best Premier Cru vineyards of Beaune, producing a wine that is capable of aging to perfection for a considerable period of time.

Louis Latour stands out among its competitors as it controls every aspect of production from grape to bottle. The winery operates its own vineyard, nursery, forests for oak sourcing of their barrels, printing shop, and even unique bottle shape.

Today, Maison Latour operates 25 family-owned and managed companies around the world. The winery produces wine from 140 appellations. The winery also owns and operates Maison Simmoney-Febve in Chablis and Maison Henry Fessy, which remarkably produces wines in nine out of ten Cru Beaujolais. The winery also produces white wine in the Ardeche (near Cotes du Rhone) and Pinot Noir at Dom. de Valmolsinne in Southern France.

In the US, Louis Latour operates as its own importer, cutting out the middleman, which mirrors BHW's own cost-efficiency.

Jean Charles Thomas has been the winemaker at Louis Latour for 32 years. Prior to that, he apprenticed with Jean Pierre Jobard for more than 10 years. Jean Charles is widely considered one of the finest winemakers in the world, with unrivaled experience and expertise with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. During his tenure at Louis Latour, he has produced more than 40 wines rated 95+.

Aging: 10 to 12 months in French oak, 25% new

Tasting Notes: 100% Pinot Noir. The Beaune 1er Cru " Vignes Franches " 2006 has an intense ruby, cherry red color. The nose is fruity. The mouth develops aromas of cherry (stone). It has round tannins and is a wine with a long silky finish.

Reviews

An elegant, tensile red whose strawberry, cherry, and mineral flavors are stretched taut across its linear profile. Vibrant and long, but needs time to unwind. Best from 2011 through 2020. 91 cases imported ~90 Wine Spectator

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