Wine of the week: Don’t miss this epic pinot noir
2010 Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Nicolas Potel, Burgundy, France (£11.99, reduced to £7.99 if you buy two bottles, until 4 February, Majestic).
As I write this column ahead of the holidays (last year), I am checking my 2013 diary to see exactly what I will be doing on 11 January. As always in the second week of January, I will be frantically pin-balling around London attending every single 2011 en-primeur Burgundy tasting, determining which are the finest wines and what you should buy.
On the basis that I am diarised to be visiting Lea & Sandeman, Clark Foyster and OW Loeb, even the shortest lead times in the business couldn’t bring you my report this week. You will, however, be the first to know my thoughts as always.
The 2011 vintage is already shaping up to be a delicious, lithe, forward-drinking wine and prices should remain fair. But before you start to speed-dial your favourite merchants to secure stock, ship in a few cases of this exceptional 2010 (certainly a finer vintage!).
At eight quid, this epic little pinot noir made by the mercurial Nico Potel is a steal and it already shows poise, class and detail. Miss out at your peril.
• Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year (www.matthewjukes.com).