Maison Roche de Bellene Cuvée Réserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021

Cuvée Réserve Bourgogne is the workhorse for Nicolas Potel and for good reason because it uses experienced vines' fruit, including some of 40+ years which could very well end up in higher caste cuvées. As it stands this pinot noir just plain hits the spot while carving out an appellative Bourgogne niche at a price just stable and tiered enough to allow for a by the glass pour. Carries the Bellene torch of luxe fruit yet with a savoury evergreen edginess to speak the language of the times. Sure it lacks the concentration of old vines or cru specific Bourgogne but there's both generosity and stuffing befitting the price tag. Drink 2023-2026. Tasted January 2023. Score - 90. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)