Simon Bize is Burgundy the way we like it.

The 2015 vintage elevated their already seriously impressive wines to a jaw-dropping level.

These wines are deep, soulful, and wonderfully complex. In short, these are old fashioned red Burgundies that in my mind are required drinking for anyone interested in the traditionalists of Burgundy. The 2015 vintage beautifully highlights these qualities. Les Fournaux is a standout among their collection.

The 2015 vintage stands out for its incredible concentration of fruit, wonderful texture and depth. Stephen Tanzer wrote, “this will be one of the half-dozen top vintages for red Burgundy of the past generation.”

The village of Savigny-les-Beaune is remarkable for its large number of 1er Crus - 22 in total. Along with Les Vergelesses and La Dominode, Les Fournaux is one of our favorites. If Les Vergelesses is structured and refined, Les Fournaux is one of the most powerful and enveloping 1er Crus that Bize offers.

Bize’s Les Fournaux has an earthy minerality that is complemented by opulent, palate-staining dark fruit that is simply thrilling. There’s no doubt that this wine is a lot of fun to drink. There's a rugged honesty to the Fournaux, but also plenty of finesse.

It's a wine that doesn't hook you with flash and obvious appeal, but rather with the calm transparency of the terroir. For those who are patient, Bize’s 2015 Les Fournaux will be rewarding. The concentrated palate, refined tannins and stunning freshness allows for a pleasurable young wine - and all but ensures a slow and rewarding evolution.

Bize is relatively overlooked, but for me the wines are revelatory. It really feels like Chisa Bize is at the height of her powers. Each vintage seems to go from strength to strength. The 2015 Les Fournaux is a really compelling example of the heights that Bize can reach.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits