JB, Winetex, et all...

I have a pre-arrival offer on certain 2002 Girardin Burgs. Of course, we all know that the early buzz on 2002 is very very good, and that Girardin is one of the top producers. (Although, while I have always enjoyed his wines, I have yet to have had one that blew me away...) At any rate, I am leaning toward the following specific wines and am wondering what you may know about Girardin's efforts on these specific vineyards:

Corton Renardes $35.99
Corton Bressandes $35.99
Corton Perrieres $35.99
Chambertin $69.99
Chambertin Clox de Beze $69.99

For example, do you guys know if Girardin is actually a grower on any of these vineyards or simply a negociant? Also, any thoughts on the differences between the 3 Corton vineyards? (I have 4 bottles of his 99 Renardes, which Parker totally loved...but of course I have not yet tried any.)

Some of the other wines offered are the Mazis Chambertin, Latricieres Chambertin, Charmes Chamb., Clos de la Roche (I liked the 99, but didn't blow me away) and Clos St. Denis. I think the prices all look terrific, the retailer is a nationally known business whom I've purchased from a couple of times before, and they expect delivery in spring 2004. (A bit earlier than I would have thought...) At any rate, what are you guys' thoughts? Thanks very much!

Which Girardin are you talking about?
Vincent,Jean or Armand (Domaine)?

Presuming Jean (hes the only one I know with regular bottlings of those wines you mentioned.), he owns the Santenay vineyards- La Comme, La Maladiere, and Clos Rousseau. The rest is purchased through growers who are contracted to him and him only, meaning he has a great deal of control over the grapes quality.

Alas without a trip to France this year (due to war not to boycott..) I don't have any personal skinny on the '02 wines.

The prices look pretty good for a vintage that it anticpated to be quite good. VG buys nearly all of his grapes for his red wines so he is a negociant for most. For VG it doesn't matter much - he still makes good wines whether he owns the vineyards or not, much like Jean Marie Guffens from Verget.

Do you need a wine buying buddy on the deal?

Of your list, I would definitely buy the Corton Renardes at $36. I enjoyed the '99 Charmes Chambertin a lot, but preferred the Corton Renardes. Not that you extrapolate too much from that. Really can't go wrong with either of those 2. I would also look for Clos Vougeot. I am waiting for Laurent futures for the '02 vintage. Should get some prices soon.

jb

Hey guys--thanks for the quick replies!

Jeremy--it is Vincent Girardin that I'm referring to. I did not know there were more Girardins than just Vincent. All related, I assume?

JB--I was definitely going to get some of the Renardes, mainly based on Parker's great review of the 99. Although he also loved the Perrieres too. What I am debating is whether to get 2 of each Corton, or 3 Renardes and 3 Perrieres. I am also planning to get 3 of the Chambertins and 3 Clos de Beze, for a total of a mixed case.

Winetex--there is no apparent price break for buying in quantity, but I know you are not able to have wine shipped into Texas. If you are interested, you could certainly place an order with the retailer and have the wine shipped to me next spring. I would then forward it down to you. If you are interested, let me know and I'll post you my email address. I could also forward you the email I received from the retailer and you could look it over and see what interests you...