2024 Domaine Ballot Millot Beaune 1er Cru Epenottes

The 2024 Beaune 1er Cru Epenottes from Domaine Ballot-Millot clearly demonstrates why this Premier Cru is attracting more and more enthusiasts. This is not a big, powerful Burgundy that gives everything away immediately. It is precisely the refinement that impresses. Ripe red fruit, a lovely freshness, and subtle spicy notes create plenty of tension in the glass. Everything feels precisely balanced. Very attractive even when young, yet at the same time a wine that you can tell will gain even more depth with some additional bottle aging.

Domaine Ballot-Millot: tradition and modern finesse

Domaine Ballot-Millot is located in Meursault and is one of the most respected wineries in the region. The family history dates back to the 17th century, and today Charles Ballot leads the estate with a clear vision. He combines traditional Burgundian viticulture with modern insights, placing terroir and precision at the forefront. The vineyards are cultivated sustainably, yields are kept low, and the work in the cellar is focused on purity and elegance.

The estate produces both white and red wines, with a style that is consistently refined and balanced. For the red wines, including this Beaune Épenottes, the emphasis is on pure Pinot Noir fruit, gentle extraction, and subtle oak aging that provides structure without masking the fruit.

The Beaune 1er Cru Épenottes vineyard

The Premier Cru Épenottes is located directly south of Beaune, on the border with Pommard. The terroir is exceptional: a thin layer of calcareous clay on top of rock and gravel, creating a perfect balance between ripeness and freshness. Situated on gentle slopes with a southeast orientation, it guarantees optimal sunlight and ventilation. This results in Pinot Noir with bright fruit, elegant tannins, and a lively structure.

The vines in Épenottes are of a respectable age, contributing to concentration and complexity. The microclimate ensures early ripening, which offers additional benefits in cooler years. The wines from this terroir are often more refined than those from nearby Pommard, with a softer texture and more red fruit notes.

The wine 2024 Domaine Ballot-Millot Beaune 1er Cru Épenottes

The 2024 Domaine Ballot-Millot Beaune 1er Cru Épenottes is a wine that beautifully combines refinement and classic Beaune structure. Not an exuberant Burgundy, but rather a wine that impresses with precision and balance. The 2024 vintage demanded a great deal of attention in the vineyard in Burgundy. A variable growing season with lower yields ultimately resulted in concentrated grapes, while the cool nights helped to preserve tension and freshness. This gives the best 2024s a classic style with energy and elegance.
The grapes for Épenottes were hand-picked and rigorously selected. Fermentation took place in open vats with gentle pigeage, so that the refinement of the Pinot Noir was preserved. Subsequently, the wine aged for approximately twelve months in French oak barrels, only a small proportion of which were new. This provides extra complexity without overpowering the fruit.
In the glass, the wine immediately reveals the charm of Épenottes. Aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and violets are complemented by subtle spiciness and a light earthy note. On the palate, it is juicy and precise, with fine tannins and a beautiful tension between ripe fruit and fresh acidity. The finish is clean, refined, and lightly mineral. A Beaune Premier Cru that already provides great pleasure but will develop even further with a few years of bottle aging.

Color, smell and taste

The color is ruby red with a bright sparkle. The aroma reveals red fruit, a hint of forest floor, and light spices. On the palate, the fruit returns, complemented by elegant tannins and a silky texture. The use of oak is discreet, allowing the wine to retain its freshness and refinement. This 2024 is already seductive but has enough backbone to develop further in the coming years.

Serving suggestions and storage potential

Serve this wine at approximately 16 degrees. It pairs beautifully with light meat dishes and poultry. Although it already possesses great charm when young, it will evolve further and develop additional depth between 2027 and 2035. After several years of bottle aging, the aromas become more complex, with notes of dried fruit, leather, and truffle.