Gabin et Félix Richoux Irancy Les Cailles 2015

Gabin et Felix Richoux Irancy Les Cailles is a Pinot Noir from Irancy, a small appellation in northern Burgundy whose vineyards sit in an amphitheatre around the village. The Richoux family has farmed here for centuries and works the estate biodynamically and organically. Irancy's limestone-rich, clay-bearing soils and cool, semi-continental climate give Pinot Noir firm acidity and a savoury, earthy register rather than a soft, fruit-forward one. This bottling was raised for 24 months, split between cement tanks, which preserve fruit and freshness, and oak barrels, which allow slow oxygen exchange to soften tannins and add structure. The 2015 vintage was warm, lending the wine flesh, and the extended ageing has carried it into a mature phase. The colour is medium ruby with a touch of garnet. The nose mixes cherry and red berry fruit with earth, leather and dried herbs as the wine develops. The palate is balanced and savoury, with fine tannins and a long finish showing smoke and forest floor. It is ready to drink now and will hold for a few more years. Serve at 16C. It suits roast poultry, duck and mushroom dishes.