Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Hautes Cotes de Nuits Aux Chaumes 2021

Domaine Sylvain Cathiard’s Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Aux Chaumes 2021 is a superb introduction to one of Burgundy’s most sought-after producers. Crafted from Pinot Noir in the hills above the Côte de Nuits, it offers serious pedigree in a more approachable, early-drinking style. This cuvée channels Cathiard’s precision and finesse into a wine that is both immediately charming and distinctly Burgundian in character.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Aux Chaumes shows a vibrant ruby color with a translucent edge that hints at its finesse and delicacy. The nose is expressive and pure, opening with ripe plum and sweet red berries, lifted by a twist of orange zest and subtle floral notes. Underneath, a gentle earthiness evokes clay-rich soils and fresh woodland, adding depth and authenticity. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, silky, and supple, with soft tannins and a caressing texture that makes it very easy to drink even in its youth. Flavors of juicy cherry, plum, and wild berries are interwoven with a saline, savory edge that brings energy and length to the finish. The profile is open-knit and giving rather than brooding or tight, making it particularly enjoyable young. While primarily crafted for near- to mid-term enjoyment, it should develop gracefully over the next 5–7 years, gaining a bit more complexity and polish with short-term cellaring.

Production
Sourced from the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, this wine comes from higher-altitude vineyards where cooler nights and rocky, clay-limestone soils bring freshness, tension, and a distinct mineral line to the Pinot Noir. Vines here benefit from good air circulation and slower ripening, which in a year like 2021 helps preserve bright fruit and aromatic precision. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, carefully sorted, and vinified with a gentle, minimalist approach to avoid over-extraction. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled vats, with a thoughtful use of whole berries and a restrained regime of punch-downs or pump-overs to emphasize finesse. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels—often with a modest proportion of new wood—allowing it to gain texture and harmony without overshadowing the purity of fruit and the expression of its highland terroir.

Food & Serving
This elegant yet flavorful Pinot Noir is a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, herb-crusted pork, duck breast, and lighter lamb dishes, as well as earthy preparations like mushroom risotto, truffled pasta, or grilled vegetables and charcuterie. Semi-soft cheeses such as Comté, Tomme de Savoie, or mild goat cheese are also excellent matches. Serve at around 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic detail. A short 30-minute decant or simply opening the bottle a bit before serving will help the wine open up, but extended decanting is not necessary given its already open, supple profile.

Producer
Domaine Sylvain Cathiard is one of the modern stars of Burgundy, based in Vosne-Romanée and renowned for producing Pinot Noirs of exceptional purity, texture, and depth. The estate’s origins date back to the early 20th century, but it was under Sylvain Cathiard and now his son Sébastien that the domaine rose to cult status, with meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and an unwavering focus on expressing each terroir. While their top crus from Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges are among the most coveted in the Côte de Nuits, cuvées like the Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Aux Chaumes offer a rare opportunity to experience the domaine’s craftsmanship in a more accessible, value-driven bottling. Widely respected by critics and collectors alike, Cathiard is considered one of the benchmark producers in the region.

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