The wines at this historic domaine are better than ever. A newfound poise across the range, and some of the smartest buys in the entire Côte d'Or.
I have always considered Domaine Rapet to be among the most reliable interpreters of Burgundy's most honest terroirs: Pernand-Vergelesses, Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Chorey-lès-Beaune, along with four supreme plots in the north of Aloxe-Corton abutting Pernand. The wines have always been delicious, never overdone and, better yet, affordable. But after tasting the 2022 and 2023, I've noticed a subtle yet profound shift in the wines. The word poise comes to mind. They possess an effortless self-assurance, if that is even possible for a bottle of wine.
That newfound poise is largely the handiwork of Vincent Rapet's sons, Robin and Louis, who represent the fourth generation at the helm. Robin, who manages red winemaking, spearheaded the domaine's transition to fully certified organic as of 2023. This meticulous farming has translated directly to the cellar: the fruit requires less racking and therefore has reduced SO2 additions. Paired with their signature use of larger 350L casks for the whites, 30% whole cluster for the reds, and a disciplined cap on new oak (never exceeding 30%), the wines have reached a new level of deliciousness.
I've long maintained that if Domaine Rapet owned parcels in Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, or Morey-Saint-Denis and other great terroir, Domaine Rapet would rank amongst Burgundy's greatest names. Fortunately for our cellars, they apply that very same grand-cru rigor to humble, honest ground, leaving us with some of the smartest buys in the entire Côte d'Or.
Below are a few of my recent favorites. Order through the links, or reach us at shop@mwcwine.com.
The Reds
2023 Savigny-lès-Beaune Rouge, 1er Cru Aux Fournaux $69.99/btl, $62.99 with case discount
The 2023 is everything you want from Savigny right now. Forward, aromatic, elegant, and accessible. The vines are over 50 years old on iron-rich limestone and clay on the north side of the appellation, where the best premier crus live, southwest-facing, just below Aux Vergelesses and Les Lavières.
2022 Beaune Les Cents Vignes 1er Cru $85/btl
This is one Beaune wine not to be overlooked. Seriously. This wine overdelivers in every way and will for the next 10 years. The fruit is a layered cornucopia of dried flowers, black cherry, orange pith, and subtle baking spice. The length is utterly pleasing, driven by plush tannins that present themselves but never overstep. Yum.
2022 Pernand-Vergelesses Rouge 1er Cru 'Ile des Vergelesses' $86.99/btl
A brilliantly expressive wine bursting with layers of red fruits, pomegranate, cherry, and baking spice. A wildly elegant wine with a solid core and impressive length.
The Whites
2023 Pernand-Vergelesses Sous Frétille 1er Cru Magnum $184/magnum
2022 Pernand-Vergelesses Sous Frétille 1er Cru Magnum $164/magnum
While it's a shame we don't have 750s of what critic William Kelley dubbed Rapet's 'Baby Corton,' ask yourself: how often do you ever see a Premier Cru magnum of white Burgundy from the Côte d'Or for under $200? The best part is that it drinks like Corton without having to wait 5 or so years to start drinking it! Sous Frétille is a beautiful wine and always a favorite of mine.
2023 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru $295/btl
Rapet's 2023 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is jaw-dropping juice. The nose draws out perfumed elements of crisp orchard fruit, white peach, crushed mint, and hazelnut over a tidal pull of wet-rock minerality. It's layered and concentrated, yet it never feels heavy. Racy acidity snaps through the middle, leaving a seamless, chiseled finish that feels endless. Do not sleep on this bottle. I typically spit every wine I taste in a professional tasting setting; with this one, I didn't.
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