Burgundy Day four: Joseph Roty avec phillipe Roty

Day four started with my first ever visit to one of my favorite properties in Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Joseph Roty where we were on our own without a translator so my "cellar French" had to get us through. I am pretty sure I got the main gist of our conversation, but in any case, this beautiful line up of wines spoke for themselves. We met with Philippe, son of Joseph and 11th generation of Rotys (who arrived in 1710 in Gevrey Chambertin), and tasted through a brilliant line up of wines from the 2007 vintage - a vintage that can best be summed up at this estate as classic, pure, terroir driven wines with balance, harmony, precision and an incredible expression of each of the unique terroirs where they were raised.  This is a family run operation, with Mother, Brother Pierre Jean also working at the Domain. It is heartening to see that since the passing of Joseph in 2008 that the estate continues to thrive and produce beautiful, classic styled Burgundies from some outstanding plots of land. And while the transition is seamless from our perspective, I will note maybe an ever so slight signature of  Philippe emerging in the wines - a bit more freshness, finesse, and a tad less old school rusticity - albeit without sacrificing any of the soul and character and traditional nature of the wines. Or maybe it's just the vintage.... Philippe is married, with 2 young children, and it's nice to know that the 12th generation is on it's way. Here is the complete list of wines tasted - refer to our newsletter on the website at 56 Degree Wine

Bourgogne Blanc Pinot Blanc
Marsannay Blanc
Marsannay Rose
Marsannay Philippe Roty
Marsannay Champs St Etienne
Marsannay Ouzeloy
Cotes du Nuits VIllages
Gevrey Chambertin
Gevrey Chambertin Champs Cheny
Gevrey Chambertin Vielle Vignes
Gevrey Chambertin Les Fontenys
Gevrey Chambertin Les Brunels
Gevrey Chambertin Clos Prieure
Mazy Chambertin
Griotte Chambertin
Charmes Chambertin