Chez Muzard wine is a family affair. Having taking over from their father Lucien, the brothers Claude and Hervé Muzard now run the family estate.

In the region of Santenay, the Muzard name is highly visible, as much for the breadth of the family’s vineyards (which includes five premier cru sites in the appellation), as for their leadership and quality of their wines.
The Muzard brothers share a vision for producing wholesome wines; and they also understand the work required to make those wines. In 2009, they proudly converted their entire vineyard holdings to organics. Whether in the vines or in the cellar, they work seriously and energetically. Their wines always show bright, attractive fruit in youth, and they have the structure needed for serious aging as well. Their wines have stuffing found all too rarely in modern-day Santenay. Firmly established as SAQ stalwarts, the wines of Domaine Lucien Muzard always offer exceptional quality at a reasonable price.

The domain is managed by Hugues Pavelot, who has taken over in recent years from his father Jean-Marc.

The domaine has impressive holdings: six plots of premier cru Savigny-les-Beaune, three of which are in the famed valley of Bouilland. Their basic Savigny is a perfect marriage of tension and freshness. The premier crus beautifully reflect their respective terroirs, and have proven over time their ability to age with grace and elegance. It is is highly recommended to cellar crus like Les Peuillets and La Dominode. A perusal of reviews from recent vintages by Burghound’s Allan Meadows reveals that Pavelot is amongst the appellation’s best.

2009 marked the last year the brothers Carillon made wines together as Domaine Louis Carillon, their father’s name. From 2010, the family vineyard is divided between the two brothers, each of whom has created their own domain. The Carillon name is undoubtedly one of the standard-bearers for chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune. The two brothers are gifted and unwilling to compromise in their efforts to produce spectacular wine. Both Jacques and François will certainly live up to the Carillon name. Maître de Chai represents both domaines in Quebec.

The Carillon vines are old, which explains—alongside the hard work in the vineyard—the stamp of terroir in these wines. The elevages last 18 months in barriques, adding weight and structure. Those patient (and wise) enough to hold off from opening Carillon’s premier crus for a few years will be rewarded with tasting moments that are in themselves celebratory occasions.

Hubert’s son Olivier Lamy is an exemplary winemaker with a formidable work-ethic and a deep intellect. He unites these talents in the service of his two greatest ideals and passions: crafting fine wine and raising awareness of one of Burgundy’s most under-estimated appellations, Saint Aubin.

Tending truly magnificent terroirs, the wines of this domaine and those of Marc Colin are the appellation’s two greatest ambassadors. Olivier Lamy produces energetic reds and an impeccable range of white crus that all showcase purity and finesse. The pinots are expressive, and the chardonnays direct and elegant. If you put together a dream-team of top young Burgundian producers, the fourty-something Olivier Lamy would definitely be one of its stars.

Jean-Marc Roulot is a Burgundy icon.

Alongside the domaine’s own hyper-perfectionist bottlings, he also runs a boutique négoce firm which produces gorgeous Meursaults. Le Maître de Chai brings in minute quantities of his négoce wines, and also represents his Poire du Roulot. Not many people know that Jean-Marc Roulot manufactures fine distillates, using the knowledge and equipment handed down by his ancestors. Monumentally good stuff.

2009 marked the last year the brothers Carillon made wines together under the label Domaine Louis Carillon, their father’s name. From 2010, the family vineyard has been divided between the two brothers, each of whom has created their own domaine. The Carillon name is undoubtedly one of the standard-bearers for chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune. The two brothers are gifted and unwilling to compromise in their efforts to produce spectacular wine. Both Jacques and François will certainly live up to the Carillon name and Maître de Chai represents both brothers in Quebec.

The Carillon vines are old, which explains—alongside the hard work in the vineyard—the stamp of terroir in these wines. The elevages last 18 months in barriques, adding weight and structure. Francois Carillon is actively seeking new plots in Puligny to enhance his holdings. His range will likely expand over the coming years.

Delicious from the outset, those patient (and wise) enough to hold off from opening Carillon’s premier crus for a few years will be rewarded.

Rarely mentioned in wine guides, Domaine des Croix might be the best-kept secret of the Côte d’Or.

Founded in 2005, following the acquisition of the former Domaine Duchet by a group of US-led investors, the domaine can be found in the heart of the town of Beaune, and led by the dynamic co-owner David Croix, also the régisseur for Maison Camille Giroud.

Croix produces wines that defy one’s conception of what is Beaune. The appellation’s production is largely under the control of large negociants, but Croix shows what attention to detail can achieve. His Pertuisots, Grèves and Bressandes show a body and texture rarely found in the AOC’s usual premiers crus. With four premier crus from Beaune to their name, as well as a village cuvée, Domaine des Croix is setting new standards for the appellation.

They make a majestic white Corton-Charlemagne and, as of 2009, they’ve started producing grand crus from two lieux-dits in Corton: La Vigne au Saint and Les Grèves.

Still in his thirties, David Croix and the Domain received the following appraisal from Clive Coates in his 2008 book The Wine of Burgundy: “This estate is run by the talented David Croix, winemaker at Maison Camille Giroud. I expect great things here.” Based on our own tastings, as well as recent comments in the media on the latest vintages, we believe those “great things” are already happening.