If you collect Burgundy, you’ve probably wrestled with a borderline existential question: when is a wine actually “ready to give”? Steen Öhman (Winehog) tackles this patience puzzle through the lens of Roumier—one of Chambolle-Musigny’s most revered producers—and checks in on neighbors like Comte Liger-Belair and Fourrier for perspective.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Roumier—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another headline—it’s a signal of where the wine news is headed. Paying attention now could save you money, introduce you to your next favorite bottle, or simply make you the most interesting person at your next dinner party.
Öhman’s thesis is refreshingly direct: “Roumier wines need time … a lot of time” (Steen Öhman, Winehog). His decades following the domaine point to a simple truth many of us feel but don’t always admit: we open Burgundy too early, then try to will complexity into the glass with decanters and wishful thinking.
Style snapshot: Pinot Noir in Burgundy’s classic communes
Let’s set the table with commonly accepted context. Burgundy reds are Pinot Noir—dry, typically medium-bodied, high-acid, and more silk than muscle when grown in Chambolle-Musigny. Grand Crus like Bonnes Mares (shared between Chambolle and Morey) skew more structured; Echezeaux (Vosne-Romanée) leans seductive but can be surprisingly firm when young. Gevrey-Chambertin? Often darker-fruited and earthier, with a tidy frame of tannin.
Within that framework, Öhman’s examples illuminate readiness versus patience. He notes Bonnes Mares from Roumier since 1996 is still largely pre-peak, with vintages like 1998, 2000, and 2002 showing helpful development but not fully mature. Chambolle-Musigny village 2013 reportedly began to offer glimpses after an hour in a decanter—complexity flirting, not yet committing. On the other hand, he points to Comte Liger-Belair’s Echezeaux 2010 as “ready to give,” and several 2013 Fourrier 1er crus in Gevrey as already delivering maturing pleasure.
“Have not drunk any Roumier that was ready to give!” —quoted by Steen Öhman (Winehog)
That candid take from a fellow taster captures the moment: Burg-lovers want joy now, but the best bottles still demand time—especially Roumier.
Context: patience, climate, and practical cellars
Öhman also nods to the modern reality: global warming and small vinification shifts have nudged accessibility earlier in some Burgundies. Yet the village/1er cru/Grand Cru hierarchy still behaves like it always has—Grand Crus usually need more runway, and terroir-driven transparency can mean youthful vinosity before depth arrives.
The bigger challenge? Most drinkers don’t have deep back-vintages. As Öhman observes, many wine lists top out around 2013–2017; mature Burgundy is a rare bird. So the search becomes not for “fully mature,” but for bottles that are simply “ready to give” now—wines offering harmony, openness, and some secondary nuance without requiring a decade of patience.
In practice, that can mean prioritizing producers and appellations that show earlier. Fourrier’s Gevrey 1er crus are a smart lane for near-term pleasure. Liger-Belair’s Echezeaux 2010—at least per Öhman’s assessment—is another data point for balanced readiness. Roumier, meanwhile, remains a benchmark worth the wait; you just need to accept the long game with Bonnes Mares and even some Chambolle cuvées.
Buying and serving: smart moves for “ready to give” Burgundy
Looking for “ready to give” Pinot Noir from Burgundy? A few practical strategies:
- Focus on producers known for earlier approachability (e.g., Fourrier) when your cellar leans young.
- Lean into village and 1er crus over Grand Crus for near-term drinking—structure matters.
- Decant gently for 30–90 minutes when sources suggest the wine benefits; Öhman’s Chambolle village 2013 improved after an hour.
- Embrace vintage nuance: cooler years can show lovely definition earlier; warmer years bring plush fruit but may need time for balance.
It’s also fair to adjust expectations: complexity is a spectrum, and “ready to give” doesn’t mean “peak maturity.” It means the wine is communicating—clearly and generously—without making you surf through tannin sets for a wave of pleasure.
Best occasion + pairing direction
Best occasion: A focused weeknight or low-key dinner party where conversation flows and the bottle can unfold without fanfare.
Best pairing direction: Keep it elegant and savory—roast poultry, earthy vegetables, mushroom pasta, or mildly seasoned pork. The aim is to highlight Pinot’s acidity and finesse, not drown it out.
The takeaway
Öhman’s piece reframes Burgundy drinking in a world where mature cellars are the exception. Roumier demands patience; Liger-Belair and Fourrier offer earlier charm. If you chase “ready to give,” prioritize producers and appellations built for sooner gratification, decant with purpose, and remember that Burgundy rewards listeners—especially the ones willing to wait for the whole story.
Source site: Winehog – with a passion | Original author: Steen Öhman
Source: https://winehog.org/burgundy-reflections-ready-to-give-72431/
