2016 Les Tourelles de la Crée ‘Knights Templar Cuvée’ Burgundy

WSI93 The 2016 Les Tourelles de la Crée, Côte de Beaune ‘Knights Templar Cuvée’ Pinot Noir, extremely expressive upon approach, displays strawberry and red raspberry aromas. The palate is awash with delightful red fruit flavors and fresh tobacco notes. Texturally, this young Burgundian Pinot Noir is silky, with soft tannins and balanced acidity that leads to a long and persistent finish.

The winery is named Chateau de la Cree which is a small producer in Santenay which was founded in 1451.  In 2015, the Evenstad Family (Domaine Serene) purchased it with plans to greatly improve what had become a below average producer.  All new winemaking equipment and a non-Burgundian mindset has rapidly upset their neighbors for “not doing it the traditional way”.  

The 2016 Knights Templar Cuvee is a blend of Pinot Noir sourced form compelling vineyards throughout the Cote de Beaune, which was once farmed by the legendary Knights Templar after their return from the holy crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries.  Some vines exceed 100 years in age!  Aged 14 months in only 15% new French oak.