DOMAINE PHILIPPE LIVERA (previously des Tilleuls)

This 8.5 hectare domaine was founded in 1920 by the great grandfather of Damien Livera, who currently runs the property. Prior to Damien taking over in 2007, the grapes (from old vines planted in the 50s and 60s) were sold to the large Beaune negociants. However, since 2007, there has been a total regeneration of the domaine – low yields, a strict form of lutte raisonée, no herbicides, manual working of the soils and a total upgrading of the vineyards and a new winery – and a resultant quantum leap in quality.

In terms of winemaking, after a rigorous selection, the grapes are almost always destemmed and undergo a cold maceration of about a week, prior to a long fermentation – Damien’s cellars are cold and fermentation and malolactic are often prolonged. The wines are matured in barrel for between 11-18 months and bottled without fining or filtration.

The Côtes de Nuits Villages, from vines planted in the 50s and 60s, on the minerally soils of “Preau” in Brochon is gorgeously seductive. “En Champs”, just below 1er Cru Champeaux, is meaty and plush with flavours of black fruits and licorice. “Clos Village”, from 60-70 year old vines below Clos Saint Jacques, is darkly powerful with great refinement. Their profound Grand Cru Chapelle-Chambertin was planted in 1952 in the lieu dit of Les Gemeau, directly below Clos de Bèze.

We were absolutely smitten by the concentration, generosity of fruit and precision of these outstanding wines.