Morey-Saint-Denis 1988 - 1er cru Les Millandes - Jean Raphet (Gérard Raphet)

Jean Raphet (Domaine Gérard Raphet), Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Millandes" 1988

A Witness to Time: The Raphet Estate and the Finesse of Morey-Saint-Denis

Domaine Raphet , now managed by Gérard Raphet but founded by Jean Raphet, is a discreet and highly esteemed estate in the Côte de Nuits. Renowned for its traditional approach and respect for its terroir, the estate produces wines of great purity and remarkable longevity. This 1988 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Millandes" is a historic vintage, a testament to the expertise of Jean Raphet's era.

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Millandes" 1988: An Old Vintage at its Peak

Morey-Saint-Denis is an appellation distinguished by the perfect balance between the power of Chambertin and the finesse of Musigny. The Premier Cru vineyard " Les Millandes " is located just below the Grand Cru Clos de la Roche, benefiting from deep clay-limestone soils. This gives the wines an elegant structure and great aging potential.

The 1988 vintage in Burgundy is renowned for producing classic wines with beautiful acidity and a solid tannic structure, promising excellent aging potential. After 36 years of development, this 1988 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru is now at its **peak**, offering a fascinating tertiary aromatic complexity and a beautifully polished texture. Only two bottles are available .

Technical Details of the Cuvée:

• Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir.
• Appellation: Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Millandes", Burgundy.
• Vintage: 1988.

Aromatic Depth and Mature Elegance

This 1988 Premier Cru reveals all the nobility of the Pinot Noir of Morey-Saint-Denis at its full maturity:

• Dress: A deep, tile-red garnet, a sign of its great age.
• Nose: Very complex, with aromas of damp undergrowth, mushrooms (truffle), aged leather, blond tobacco, candied red fruits, and subtle spicy notes. Floral nuances (faded rose) may still emerge.
• Palate: Remarkably elegant and refined. The tannins are completely integrated and silky. The wine displays a beautiful breadth, balanced by a still-lively acidity that carries it to an incredibly long, deep, and moving finish, with tertiary notes and a persistent minerality.
• Critical Review: Jean Raphet's wines are gems for connoisseurs, highly sought after for their authenticity and aging potential. The 1988 vintage is a sure bet for lovers of mature wines.

Collection Conditions: Authentic and Ready to Drink

These two bottles, having survived the decades, show signs of age that attest to their authenticity and history:

• Level: Perfect (in the bottleneck - BN).
• Label: **Aged, slightly stained and torn, but perfectly legible.** These signs of wear are common on great old vintages and do not affect the quality of the wine. One of the labels is crooked, which is common on old wines where they may have been applied by hand.
• Capsule: Intact.
• Overall Condition: Excellent condition for a 36-year-old wine , ready to be enjoyed.

Gourmet Pairing Suggestions

Serve gently decanted (maximum 30 minutes) at 16°C to 17°C. This aged Premier Cru pairs wonderfully with:

• A Bresse chicken with truffles or a Bresse chicken with morels.
• Roasted game birds (woodcock, pheasant).
• Mature soft cheeses with a washed rind.

A Great Wine for Aging, to Enjoy Today

This 1988 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Millandes" from Jean Raphet is a rare opportunity to discover the quintessence of a great Burgundy Pinot Noir at its zenith. A wine of history, memory, and emotion for discerning collectors. **An opportunity not to be missed for lovers of mature wines!**