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Domaine Roblot-Marchand have been family winemakers since 1910. Frederic, the current winemaker, is the 4th generation having taken the reigns in 2001 at the tender age of 24. It is a small domaine of just 8.5 hectares with excellent Premier Cru and Villages parcels in Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanee and Gevrey-Chambertin, as well as a killer Bourgogne Rouge from Chambolle-Musigny.
I first tasted their wines at the Grand Jours de Bourgogne in 2016 and this year we imported our first shipment from them. It was 75% sold out before it left France.
We all know how difficult it is to find Vosne-Romanee in top vintages. It is a small commune, rich in high-priced Grand Crus, poor in quantity and over burdened by huge global demand.
Roblot-Marchand, being located in Chambolle-Musigny, have a lovely range from that commune (more about them later). But almost hidden in their range is a real gem - Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Rouges du Dessus.
If it were not for its high position between 300 and 340 metres on the cote Les Rouge du Dessus would probably be Grand Cru. Long ago the bulk of vineyard was annexed into Echezeaux Les Rouges du Bas, one of Burghound's favourite climats of the Grand Cru.
Here the topsoil is only 30 to 40cm deep and rich in broken limestone rock. A high iron content makes the soil look red when wet, hence the name. This difficult soil helps limit yields and thus improves the quality of the wine.
There are only six owners of the Premier Cru Les Rouges du Dessus. The total size of the vineyard is just 2.62 hectares and Domaine Roblot-Marchand own almost half - 1.11 hectares. Other well known owners include Albert Bichot, Cecile Tremblay and Jean Grivot.
If you are a fan of Vosne-Romanee do grab some of this wine whilst you can. The 2016 vintage is lovely - read winehog.org's evaluation at right.
The wine is available at a 15% Pre Arrival Discount. At just $130.95 it is great value for a Vosne Premier Cru.