Dominique Laurent Genius or Controversial-

What happens when a former pastry chef decides to take on Burgundy's greatest terroirs and does it entirely on his own terms? Dominique Laurent is one of the most unconventional and controversial figures in modern Burgundy. Zero added phosphor, whole cluster fermentation, extreme oak choices, tiny yields and wines that command serious prices. Today I'm showcasing six of his Grand Cru and Premier Cru cuvees from Marcella. By the end of this video you will understand his philosophy, how these wines evolved with age, how their prices have moved over time and which bottles I believe truly justify the reputation. You will also find a recap table at the end of the video summarizing the wines we have covered. A professional pastry chef until 1988, Dominique Laurent made a striking entrance into the world of Burgundy wine. Based in Nuit Saint-Georges, he established himself as a haute couture négociant driven by a passion for Burgundy's finest terroirs. His winemaking philosophy is uncompromisingly traditional. Zero added sulfur, fermentation with whole clusters and indigenous yeast followed by aging in top-tier oak from his own cooperage. This meticulous hands-on process is designed to allow each terroir to express itself clearly. In 2006 he embarked on a new chapter with the creation of Domaine Laurent Père et Fils in partnership with his son Jean, through the acquisition and leasing of 10 hectares in some of Burgundy's most renowned appellations. Dominique Laurent's commitment to authenticity is reflected in his use of old vines, Vieilles Vignes, on his labels and very low yields. Through relentless dedication to precision and purity, he has propelled his wines into the top tier. True to a nearly lost tradition, his village wines are always blended with 10 to 30 percent Premi Cru fruit. I have a particular soft spot for his reds, which display striking consistency from village to Grand Cru level. Production is small and prices are high, but the wines offer a pure, direct reflection of their terroir. Today I'm sharing six of my favorite cuvées from the large range of Dominique Laurent wines in my cellar. Let me walk you through their character, evolution and price trajectory. Jean Bertin, Clos de Baize, Vieilles Vignes, Old Vines, 2016. Clos de Baize is a 15.38 hectare Grand Cru vineyard, first mentioned in the year 640, in a donation to the Abbey de Baize, north of Dijon. It was tended by the monks of Baize until the year 1219, when it was sold to the Collegiate Church of Lens, which owned it for the next 570 years until the French Revolution. Sitting on a steeper slope than Jean Bertin and receiving greater sun exposure, Clos de Baize ripens more easily and is typically harvested earlier. I bought this in 2022 for 350 US dollars. Recent releases are around 400 dollars. Now entering its prime drinking window, this wine is wonderfully aromatic and impeccably balanced. Power and structure are present, yet everything feels composed and precise. The palate is neat but never heavy, finishing with refined persistence. Mazzy Jean Bertin, Vieilles Vignes, Old Vines, 2010. Mazzy Jean Bertin is the northernmost Grand Cru in Burgundy, adjoining Clos de Baize. The 9.1 hectare vineyard lies on a gentle slope over limestone subsoil, topped with brown chalky soil and occasional rocky outcrops. Its name refers to a medieval hamlet that once stood there, Mazzy, being the plural of the Old French Mazelle or Mazille, meaning country house. I bought this in 2016 for 90 US dollars. Recent releases are around 250 dollars. A sensational wine, combining drive, intensity and depth. There's real weight here, yet vibrant energy keeps it balanced and refined. Its sensual, noble character strongly recalls Clos de Baize. Clos de la Roche, Vieilles Vignes, Old Vines, Intramuros, 2009. Though it doesn't carry the village name, Clos de la Roche is the largest and best-known Grand Cru of Moray. The vineyard expanded from 4.57 hectares in the late 19th century to 16.9 hectares today. This Vieilles Vignes, Old Vines, Intramuros cuvee comes from the Old Vines planted in the original core section of Clos de la Roche. I bought this in 2016 for 85 US dollars. Recent releases are around 190 dollars. A complete and compelling wine, balancing concentration with elegance. Depth and richness meet freshness and precision. There is also a wine note that adds personality and dimension. Chambon-Musigny, Premier Cru, Les Fruits, Vieilles Vignes, Old Vines, 2015. Located mid-slope on the Chambon escarpment, the 4.38 hectare Premier Cru Les Fruits is both geologically and geographically an extension of Bonnemare. At 280-300 meters altitude with southeastern exposure, it benefits from excellent morning sun. Its name refers to the traditional Burgundian measure of land one man could work with a hoe in a single day. To my palate, Les Fruits is one of the Premier Cru that comes closest to Grand Cru quality, with only Les Amoureuses clearly surpassing it. I bought this in 2018 for 60 US dollars. Recent releases are around 90 dollars. The wine doesn't shout, it persuades quietly. There is poise, balance and refined depth. Elegant yet expressive, it captivates through harmony rather than power. Cru de Vaujour, Sui Generis, La Plante de la Baie, 2015. This cuvee comes from the 0.45 hectare Hachelin Jaillet vineyard in the Lieudy Plans de la Baie, leased to Dominique Laurent. Perched at the top of the Cru de Vaujour and bordering Grands Eiffelzaux, Plans de la Baie was first planted by Cistercian monks in the 13th century for the abbot of Citeaux's private cellar. By the mid-14th century, its wine, known as Cuvee du Parc, was sent to the papal court in Avignon. Allegedly, the cardinals grew so attached to it that they delayed the return of the Holy See to Rome. In 1364, Pope Urban V had to threaten the abbot with exhumication to stop the supply. I bought this in 2020 for 260 US dollars. Recent releases are around 360 dollars. Captivating in its intensity and refinement, the oak is seamlessly integrated. Structure is wrapped in texture and charm. The finish is long, silky, and lifted. Eiffelzaux en Norvaux, 2015. Eiffelzaux is a large 36 hectare Grand Cru first developed by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. Because of its size and the variation across its 11 yields, quality can vary significantly. This cuvee comes from en Norvaux, one of the finest yields at the northern end of the Grand Cru, on thin soil over hard rock. It borders Musigny and sits just above Clos de Vougeot, benefiting from generous sunlight. Dominique Laurent's parcel is 0.16 hectares. I bought this in 2018 for 250 US dollars. Recent releases are around 350 dollars. Now hitting its stride, this wine balances power and elegance with clarity and lift. Structured like a serious Clos de Vougeot, yet elevated by the finesse often associated with Vaughan. These are some of Dominique Laurent's wines from my cellar that I love opening with friends and family when we gather. His generous use of new oak often sparks lively discussion around the table. But when everything comes together, the results are undeniable. Wines of real character and depth that stand confidently among Burgundy's finest. Over the years, I have continued to sell these cuvees vintage after vintage. With age, they gain nuance and composure, becoming increasingly compelling. If I had to choose favorites, they would be the Mazzy Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, All Vines, and the Clos de Vougeot Plan Labé. Both possess a distinctive allure that places them on equal footing with wines from far more widely celebrated names. If this kind of focused Burgundy deep dive appears to you, feel free to subscribe. You will find my tasting notes and cellar picks over on Instagram. Massive thanks for watching today, and I will see you in the next one.