If you're wondering what wines you should be getting out of your cellar this Christmas, look no further, as Steven Spurrier tells Decanter the best vintages of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhone that are perfect to drink this festive season.
Steven Spurrier’s Christmas cellar vintage guide: Burgundy
Burgundy
Fiona Beckett’s tasting (in the January 2012 Decanter issue) came up with white Burgundy as the best match for Christmas turkey. I tend to cellar white Burgundies, except for the Mâconnais, and am now finishing my 2004 Chablis (mostly 1er cru), moving on to 2005/6/7 next year.
From the Côte de Beaune: the 2002 whites are still lovely; 2004 very expressive; 2005 riper and broader; 2006 seductively ready; 2007 with more depth; 2008 tighter and more elegant, not ready yet.
For reds: 1990 and 1995 are wonderfully mature; 1996 never, for me, lost its leanness; 1997 (supple, fruity), 1998 (firm structure), 1999 (super classic) represent a classy trio; 2000 is still holding up; 2001 nicely concentrated; 2002 a ripe vintage and good now; the non-acidified 2003s are wonderful; 2004 lacks flesh; 2005 needs time; and 2006 and 2007 are opening up well.
