100% Pinot Noir
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Burgundy, France
Domaines Albert Bichot is a leading family-owned and run négociant house and estate owner in Burgundy, formed in 1831 and now based in the town of Beaune. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties are unsurprisingly the main focus; the company also produces red wines from the Gamay grape in Beaujolais to the south.
Faced with the vagaries of the weather, Burgundy’s wine professionals increased their efforts to get the best out of their vines. This year’s wines reveal more of their personalities through the aromatic diversity that is characteristic of Burgundy wines. One of the traits of this vintage was lower quantity (the amount of grapes harvested was approximately 20% below average) but fantastic quality. In the Côte de Beaune, problematic weather conditions resulted in low volumes. The wines are redolent of rich, intense red fruit aromas. The tannins are ripe and silky, lending lovely harmony to the palate. 2012 is guaranteed value.
The name "Malconsorts" suggests that this land must once have been at the origin of disputes between “mauvais consorts” (bad partners), from the Latin word CONSORS meaning "associate, partner". These litigants would have had a common interest in a case. The prefix "Mal-" would indicate that they conducted themselves inappropriately over land that they owned jointly.
The nose is fine and complex with delicate primary aromas enhanced by a subtle touch of oak. Soft, fruity notes end on a spicy finish. After a few minutes, subtle notes of peppermint and cedar develop. On the palate, all the crispiness of Pinot Noir with very pleasing, smooth, mouth-filling tannic texture.
Drinking Window: Now - 2032
"The 2012 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Malconsorts comes from Domaine du Clos Frantin arm of Albert Bichot. It has a lifted floral bouquet with plenty of red berry fruit, though it needs to develop more focus by the time of bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There are bright red fruits already in place with a nicely poised, peppery finish that I strongly suspect will develop more persistency with bottle age. This is one of the best releases from Albert Bichot this year." 89-91/100 Points, Neal Martin - Robert Parker (Dec 2013)
"Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Les Malconsorts from Domaine du Clos Frantin was not the only wine from this Beaune stalwart that far exceeded expectations. Here, it has a pure nose with perfumed dark cherry and blueberry fruit, the oak here well integrated whilst maintaining fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, well judged acidity, tensile with a finish that fans out gloriously. This is a superb, animated, energetic Vosne-Romanée that is an absolute delight." 94 Points - Neil Martin The Wine Advocate (Oct 2015)