A Favorite in Faiveley – On Sale Now! 7-7-24

Francois, Eve, & Erwan Faiveley 

Good news! We’re putting the wines of Faiveley back on sale for a limited period for our loyal newsletter customers. Our prices have remain unchanged since our April feature of many of these wines, but you can gaurantee that Burgundy prices elsewhere are continuing to climb. With Faiveley you’re presented with a producer that embodies consistency – never missing in quality and pleasure from vintage to vintage – and offers unparalleled access to Burgundy’s crus – we’ve got over 26 different village and vineyard bottlings for you to enjoy – and wine styles. This is your chance to start a Burgundy cellar, or preserve one for years to come.

Background on Faiveley

In Burgundy, as in the cellars of Burgundy collectors, there is an illusion that time stops and that Burgundy never changes. Honoring tradition and family history is very important, but it is difficult to preserve those deep family holdings across the beautiful slopes if you’re not able to sell wine. Thus, change comes to us all and to some in ways that will benefit both the new Burgundy drinker and the long-term collector. Here is how change came to Faiveley.
 
The wines of Faiveley, while always of superlative quality, historically were known for their potential in the cellar and not always for their immediate approachability. Concentrated, stern, and ageable were the most common descriptors in reviews. It could be why the wines are more likely to find a home in their native country than is typical for Burgundy producers: the French people and restaurants have more patience and inclination for cellaring!
 
It took the new generation, a team of siblings, Erwan and Eve Faiveley, to ease the winery into modernity. The wines became softer and more approachable in their youth, while still offering the potential to age with grace.
 
This modern incarnation of Faiveley began in 2007 when Francois Faiveley retired and his children became the seventh generation to manage the Domaine. The siblings have transformed the winemaking, holding onto the age-worthiness that the domaine was known for, but also bringing out more youthful charm.
 
Even small changes to the style of a domaine that dates back to 1825 is considered revolutionary in Burgundy, and there were a number of people who were afraid that the transition would ruin one of the anchors of the region. Fortunately, when the first wines of the new generation started appearing in 2007 the results were reassuringly delicious, and the changes not nearly as drastic as anticipated.
 
In general, the whites are still simultaneously silky and muscular, the reds still exceptionally pure and elegant. And all the while many of the wines were showing heightened aromatics and a softer feel on the palate. Village level wines were easy to enjoy immediately, and even most Premier Cru wines were showing themselves well after a brief introduction of air. The Grand Cru holdings were still built for the long haul, perhaps not quite as dense as under François, but reds still powerful and with substantial silky tannins, and whites crammed full of intense minerality, floral notes and ripe fruits.
 
The siblings have also expanded their holdings and renovated the southern winery in Mercurey to bring the Côte Chalonnaise wines up to the quality standards of their more famous brethren in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. The domaine added temperature-controlled fermentation vats and gravity flow for vinification, a gentler vinification process. Across the board, the overall quality levels are higher than ever, aided, too, by the shift to organic farming.
 
While widely thought of as a negociant, Faiveley’s domaine bottlings account for a far larger share of its production—a testament to the quality-mindedness that has driven the producer to new heights. (On the bottles, negociant wines are labeled “Joseph Faiveley” vs the “Domaine Faiveley” bottlings from the estate vineyards). They hold ten hectares of Grand Cru including the iconic monopole Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru, which the family has held since 1874. Today, Faiveley is one of the largest and most important landowners in Burgundy. 
 
While there are changes afoot, the wines are still true to their roots. From vintage to vintage you’ll find that Faiveley will make among the best examples available. When you find your favorites, buy with confidence. When we’re asked by new collectors who are looking for the Burgundies that they could stash away, yet not regret opening in a moment of weakness, we will turn to Faiveley more often than not. You can experience the wines in their youth, getting a glimpse of the promise to come.
 
 

5% off any 3-5 in-stock wines from Faiveley
10% off any 6 or more in-stock wines from Faiveley
 
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Sale ends Wednesday, July 10th at 9 am Pacific.

 
Mersault

Faiveley Mersault 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Winemaker note: “The nose is complex, showing delicate floral aromas mixed with a few woody notes. It has long lasting tastes on the palate and distinguishes itself with a very good balance between richness and acidity.”
 

 
Reds:
 
Corton
 
Faiveley Corton ‘Clos des Cortons Faiveley’ Monopole Grand Cru 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 95-98 points “Bright ruby. Fruit-driven aromas of crushed black cherry and dark raspberry convey outstanding pungent lift. Incredibly concentrated, sappy and primary, conveying outstanding juicy purity and compelling thickness to its dark fruit and violet flavors. At once hugely powerful and utterly seamless, this wine finishes with great spicy length and lift. A real essence of Burgundy–and likely to evolve gracefully for 25 years or more.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Corton Grand Cru Clos des Cortons Faiveley is another cuvée that is showing superbly from bottle, revealing an attractive bouquet of ripe red berry fruit, orange rind, wood smoke, espresso roast and dark chocolate that’s framed by a deft touch of classy new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny and lavish, with a deep and layered core, excellent concentration, vibrant acids and a long, beautifully defined finish. This is one of the finest rendition of the Clos des Cortons Faiveley produced under the new regime.”

 
Côte Chalonnaise

Faiveley Domaine de la Framboisiere Mercurey ‘La Framboisière’ Monopole, Côte Chalonnaise 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 89 points “The 2021 Mercurey Framboisière has a pretty, airy, redcurrant and raspberry-scented bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red fruit, orange rind and a touch of allspice. Good, solid, fresh finish, rustic in a good way. (Drink between 2023-2033)”
16/20 Jancis Robinson “Drink 2024-2029.”
 
Faiveley Mercurey Vieilles Vignes, Côte Chalonnaise 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Producer note “Our ‘vieilles vignes’ (old vines) are over thirty years old and produce an exceptionally aromatic wine that offers a true reflection of its Mercurey terroirs. The palate reveals a smooth, fruity attack and evolves towards notes of ripe red berries and a touch of vanilla. An intensely aromatic wine with a delicate structure and silky smooth tannins that will win over wine experts and amateurs alike.”
 
Faiveley Clos du Roy, Mercurey Premier Cru, Côte Chalonnaise 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson “Drink 2024-2030.”
Importer note “This small parcel, known as a ‘clos’, formerly belonged to the Kings of France. It was considered one of the appellation’s best parcels and was purchased by the Faiveley family in 1971. This wine could be compared to a Côte de Nuits village in terms of its delicate tannins and length on the palate. Tasting Notes: The nose exudes small red fruits combined with notes of oak and spice. The palate offers good balance, rich aromas, and delicate tannins resulting in a very distinctive wine with exceptional aromatic persistence.”

Chambolle-Musigny

Faiveley Aux Beaux Bruns, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “An unusually firm and structured wine that breaks the mold for this village, usually associated with finesse and delicacy. Deep forest-berry aromas, but also savory and earthy notes. Imposing body that’s brimming with healthy tannins. Bright, mineral finish with excellent complexity.”

Faiveley Les Charmes, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A ripe red, with macerated cherry, black currant, sandalwood, vanilla and stone flavors carried by a vibrant structure. Linear and fused to finely grained tannins as it lingers on the spice- and mineral-tinged finish. Fine energy here”
James Suckling 95 points “The name says it all! Here is the charming and filigree pinot noir the world expects from Chambolle-Musigny. Very fine tannins and excellent concentration are married to lively acidity that make this dance on your palate. The long, delicate finish doesn’t want to let go”.

 
Gevrey-Chambertin
 
Faiveley Les Cazetiers, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “The tannins in this wine are firm and still prominent, giving both richness and aging potential. The fruit is full, weighty, packed with dark tannins and with firm concentration. This a dark, firm wine needs to age. Drink from 2024.”
17/20 Jancis Robinson “Drink 2024-2040.”

Faiveley Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $419, that’s $398.05 at 5% off and $377.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93-95+ points “Wild and brooding, Faiveley’s 2019 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru wafts from the glass with aromas of smoked meats, spices, wild berries and forest floor. Full-bodied, layered and sapid, it’s broad and muscular, with a deep core of fruit and youthfully chalky tannins. This is a serious Mazis built for the long haul.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 93-95 points “The 2019 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru was reduced on the nose, making it difficult to read at the moment, though the palate is certainly well balanced, featuring crunchy black fruit laced with red currant and a generous sprinkling of cracked black pepper toward the finish. Intuition tells me this is a great Mazis-Chambertin; it will just need time.”

 
Nuits-Saint-Georges

Faiveley Aux Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This stunningly suave and silky Nuits-Saint-Georges really hits the bullseye! Great complexity on the nose with a tapestry of forest-berry, earthy and spicy aromas. And beneath the waterline there’s a great tannin structure that powers this across the palate and off into the distance. Drink or hold.”
Winemaker’s note “Intense garnet red hue and aromas of fruit, oak and spice on the nose. The palate reveals a smooth, rich attack, velvety tannins and good balance. A delicate, seductive and very elegant wine.”
 
Faiveley Les Damodes, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Aromas of cassis, plums, orange rind and spicy new oak preface Faiveley’s 2019 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Damodes, a medium to full-bodied, deep and lively wine with a concentrated core of fruit, framed by powdery tannins. Concluding with a long, mineral finish, it’s another fine bottling from this cool, high-altitude and northeast-exposed site.”
  Faiveley Les Porets-Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Aromas of spearmint and cinnamon accent the core flavors of black cherry and blackberry in this firm red, which is more linear on the finish, where dark fruit mingles with oak spice and mineral elements”
 
Faiveley Les Pruliers, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Aromas of spearmint and cinnamon accent the core flavors of black cherry and blackberry in this firm red, which is more linear on the finish, where dark fruit mingles with oak spice and mineral elements. The tannins are a touch dry in the end. Best from 2025 through 2040.”

Faiveley Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $419, that’s $398.05 at 5% off and $377.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 93-95 points “The 2019 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Saint-Georges 1er Cru is an equal blend from Faiveley’s own vines and contract growers, plus a barrel from the Hospices de Nuits. It has a very perfumed and floral bouquet of red berry fruit complemented by wilted violets and potpourri. The medium-bodied palate offers crunchy red berry fruit laced with balsamic. Quite energetic and well defined toward the harmonious finish, which leaves a tang of white pepper on the aftertaste. This is a superb Les Saint-Georges.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “A mixture of domaine and purchased grapes that are vinified together, Faiveley’s 2019 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saint-Georges wafts from the glass with notes of sweet berries, plums, espresso roast, dark chocolate and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered and gourmand, it’s sumptuous and charming, with lively acids and a ripe, enveloping core of fruit.”

 
Pommard

Faiveley Les Rugiens, Pommard Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $135, that’s $128.25 at 5% off and $121.50 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 92 points “A polished style, this red delivers cherry, iron, tobacco and spice flavors. A solid line of tannins lends support as it tightens up on the long finish. Best from 2024 through 2038.”
 
Volnay

Faiveley Fremiets, Volnay Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Perhaps this warm and generous wine, with a pronounced rooty character, is not the most charming Volnay out there, but it has very good depth and excellent harmony, thanks to the fine tannins. The generous finish pulls you back for more. Drink or hold.”

 
Faiveley Volnay-Santenots, Volnay Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 93 points “Dark and concentrated, displaying blackberry, black cherry, tar and charred oak flavors. Feels rustic yet there is a solid core of fruit that emerges on the finish, along with a sweetness. Best from 2023 through 2038.”

 
Morey-Saint-Denis

Faiveley Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $299, that’s $284.05 at 5% off and $269.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
17/20 Jancis Robinson “Drink 2022-2036.”
Importer note “From one of the four Grands Crus of the Morey-Saint-Denis commune. 13.41 hectares (33 acres) is the total vineyard area of the Clos under production. Limestone dominates in the Clos de la Roche, where the soil is barely 30 cm. (12 inches) deep with few pebbles but with large boulders which give the climat its name.”

Monthelie

Faiveley Les Duresses, Monthelie Premier Cru 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Producer note “Dark ruby red in colour with red fruit aromas and roasted, smoky notes on the nose. The palate is rich and oily with good structure and a perfect balance between finesse and strength. The silky tannins give this wine a harmonious mouthfeel.”

Vosne Romanee

Faiveley Vosne Romanee 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “Pretty dark fruits such as blackberry and blueberry with hints of spice. Full body, tight center palate, and fine tannins. Better in a year or two, but very delicate, firm and delicious.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “A pure, elegant style, featuring raspberry, wild strawberry, rose and mineral aromas and flavors. Firm, with a tightly knit matrix for support. Fine length. Best from 2018 through 2030. 118 cases imported.”