Dom. Arlaud Bourgogne Rouge Roncevie Vieilles Vignes 2008

"Roncevie" is truly an insider Burgundy secret and a top value for those in the know. The vineyard sits surrounded by Gevrey village vineyards, and neighbors grand cru Mazoyeres-Chambertin. Imagine the spring-sweet flavors of cold cherry soup and wild strawberries, brightened by a hint of lemon zest. The nose is floral and fresh, with suggestions of lavender and a good shake of black pepper. Aromas are unmistakably Chambolle-inspired, with spring blossoms and purple fruits. Always a blockbuster and a wine that delivers far above its "simple" status.

We can say with confidence that the 2008 wines of Domaine Arlaud are some of the finest red Burgundies we tasted—here you'll find some of the most harmonious, most complex and certainly the easiest to love wines of the vintage. But as we've said times before, the secret of the domaine (and of the Cote de Nuits) is "Roncevie." This extraordinary vineyard, with its many older vines, is basically a village Gevrey, as it is surrounded by vineyards that are designated as such—not to mention it sits a stone's throw away from grand cru Mazoyeres-Chambertin. It pays to know your vineyards in Burgundy, and "Ronceive" is one of those insider secrets that shows you that terroir does matter.