Made entirely from Pinot, this seemingly unassuming village wine is a triumph of the 2005 vintage—which, as you have probably heard, is monumental in terms of quality. Damien cultivates his vines with the utmost respect for nature. All harvesting is done early in the morning and entirely by hand, after which the grapes are transported quickly to the winery in order to limit oxidation. The grapes are completely destemmed, crushed and then fermented for 10 to 15 days. The wine then sees a year in old oak before it is bottled without fining or filtration.

This standout red Burgundy value has a pretty red, almost ruby color with shimmering highlights around the rim of the glass. The nose is dominated by creamy Maraschino cherry, strawberry tea and earthy undergrowth aromas. The profoundly attractive palate offers loads of ripe red berry flavors, including currant, Bing cherry, strawberry and dried cranberry with a lingering hints of fig and dark cocoa-infused spice. An exceptional entry level wine from an outstanding vintage, this Pinot is drinking beautifully right now. Enjoy with Cornish game hen, veal chops, pork sausage or rabbit stew.

—Donald