For a winemaker seeking to make the world’s best Pinot Noir, all roads lead to Burgundy. The hard part is getting let in. For Dave Phinney, it took years.
The story began with an introduction to a friend of a friend, who knew another friend that happened to be a courtier (or broker) in Burgundy. Invited to Burgundy, Dave and Richard Case, winemaker at Dave’s Department 66 in Maury, France, sat amidst a dozen plus samples of red Burgundy available for sale. Their host, Rémi Barbier, legendary Burgundian winemaker, passed out tasting sheets, descriptions for each of the wines to be tasted. “If its okay with you Rémi, we’d prefer to taste blind,” Dave replied.
Hours later, it was evident to Rémi that l’Américain wasn’t here to play. Dave had just selected the best barrels from the highly allocated Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru appellation, where only 100 barrels are made in good vintages, even less in tougher years. “Oui”, he could have a few barrels and thus began the partnership between Rémi and Dave.
Manqué is a French term that doesn’t have a direct translation to English. In essence, it means someone who is unable to live up to their potential.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
The cardinal ruby core splashes out to a touch of vemillion on the rim. Beautiful aromatics pilfer from the 2018 Manqué with notes of morel, dried cranberry, crushed white rocks, potting soil and iodine. The palate is concentrated with tones of raspberry reduction, ripe strawberry and sultry energy.
COMPOSITION
Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru
ÉLEVAGE
Aged in French Oak for 19 months, 25% New
REVIEWS
94 Points - Decanter
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol: 13.5%
Fact Sheet
