On November 5th we will have a very special tasting when Laurent Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin joins Howard Menaker to present a sampling of Drouhin Burgundies from the 2006 vintage. It is my hope and expectation that this tasting will be well attended. Please send your replies as soon as possible.

Laurent Drouhin is one of the four children of Robert Drouhin who are currently running this major producer of some of the finest Burgundies made in France. The Drouhin family started their Burgundy negociant operations in 1880 and through the years, with the purchase of a number of parcels throughout the area, became one of the most prestigious and finest Domaines in the Cote d’Or.

In March 2008, Howard led us through a tasting of 2005 village Burgundies and, as he indicated at that time, 2005 was a great vintage in Burgundy from top to bottom (Grand Cru to Village).  Well, the 2006 vintage, although not as good nor as consistent as 2005, produced many fine wines. As Allen Meadows (aka Burghound) states, “2006 is a very fine vintage that produced classically styled wines of superb purity and transparency that will deliver much pleasure and sooner than 2005’s. These wines have superb terroir transparency, vibrancy and the purity of 2001 allied with the generosity and ripeness of 2000.” (Burghound.com, 1st qtr 2008, issue 29)

We will have the pleasure of Laurent leading us through the tasting of wines from Beaune, Corton, Vosne Romanee. Chambolle Musigny, and Gevrey Chambertin . We will taste a number of premier cru as well as grand cru wines including Corton Bressandes and the outstanding Charmes Chambertin.