There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a truly special wine tasting, especially when it involves two exceptional bottles from one of Burgundy’s most revered appellations. Tonight, we embarked on a delightful head-to-head comparison, pitting two fantastic Nuits-Saint-Georges against each other: the **2022 Edouard Delaunay Vieilles Vignes Le Village** and the **2019 Decelle & Fils La Petite Charmotte**.
Nuits-Saint-Georges, for those unfamiliar, is a cornerstone of the Côte de Nuits, celebrated for producing robust, structured Pinot Noirs that often demand a bit of time to reveal their full complexity. It’s an appellation that speaks of terroir and tradition, offering wines that are typically more savory and earthy than their Chambolle-Musigny or Gevrey-Chambertin neighbors.
The First Contender: 2022 Edouard Delaunay Vieilles Vignes Le Village
We started with the 2022 Edouard Delaunay. This historic house, recently revitalized, is quickly regaining its reputation for crafting elegant and authentic Burgundies. The ‘Vieilles Vignes’ (old vines) designation hinted at concentration and depth, and it certainly delivered.
In the glass, it presented a beautiful ruby hue, leaning towards garnet. The nose was immediately inviting, a bouquet of ripe red cherries, a hint of wild strawberry, intertwined with subtle notes of damp earth and a touch of rose petal. On the palate, it was vibrant and fresh, showcasing the generosity of the 2022 vintage. The tannins were present but refined, offering a lovely structure that promised good aging potential. Red fruit flavors dominated, supported by a mineral streak and a long, clean finish.
The Second Contender: 2019 Decelle & Fils La Petite Charmotte
Next up was the 2019 Decelle & Fils La Petite Charmotte, a wine from a more contemporary, dynamic producer known for their meticulous approach. The 2019 vintage in Burgundy is widely lauded for its power and concentration, and this wine was a clear testament to that reputation.
Visually, it was slightly deeper in color than the Delaunay, a more intense ruby. The aromatic profile was distinctly different—more brooding and savory. Darker fruits emerged, like black cherry and plum, with pronounced notes of forest floor, licorice, and a whisper of smoked meat. On the palate, this wine truly flexed its muscles. It was fuller-bodied, with more assertive tannins that were still remarkably polished. The fruit was dense and layered, giving way to complex tertiary notes that hinted at its aging potential. It felt incredibly authoritative and profound.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Vintages and Styles
This head-to-head tasting was a fascinating exploration of both vintage and producer philosophy within the same appellation. The 2022 Edouard Delaunay offered youthful charm, brightness, and an elegant fruit expression—a wine that’s approachable now but will undoubtedly evolve beautifully. It felt like a classic expression of Nuits-Saint-Georges village, focused on finesse.
The 2019 Decelle & Fils, on the other hand, was a powerful, concentrated wine that spoke volumes about the intensity of its vintage and the specific ‘lieu-dit’ it hails from. It’s a wine that demands more contemplation, promising incredible rewards for those with the patience to cellar it. While both were undeniably Nuits-Saint-Georges, their personalities were distinct: the Delaunay, a graceful dancer; the Decelle & Fils, a commanding orator.
For us, it wasn’t about a ‘winner’ but about appreciating the diverse expressions of Pinot Noir from a single, treasured region. Both bottles offered immense pleasure and insights into what makes Burgundy so utterly captivating. What a magnificent way to spend an evening!
Details
- Wine 1: 2022 Edouard Delaunay Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes Le Village
- Producer 1: Edouard Delaunay
- Region: Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
- Price 1: ~$50-70 USD
- Wine 2: 2019 Decelle & Fils Nuits-Saint-Georges La Petite Charmotte
- Producer 2: Decelle & Fils
- Region: Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
- Price 2: ~$60-80 USD
- Pairing Suggestion: Coq au Vin, Duck Confit, Mushroom Risotto
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