The Confuron family have been vignerons since the reign of Louis XIV, back in the seventeenth century, when their speciality was vine selection and propagation – they even have a strain of Pinot Noir named after them, the ‘Pinot Confuron’. Jack Confuron’s marriage to Bernadette Cotetidot in 1964 gave the estate its present name. Jack has continued in charge of the estate ever since, but his son, Yves, has gradually taking over responsibility, assisted by his oenologist brother, Jean-Pierre. The domaine has an impressive portfolio of vineyards with several Grands Crus and the revered Premier Cru of Les Suchots.

The 2019 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru has more depth and complexity compared directly with the Echézeaux, a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and tobacco, broody at first but opening nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent fleshy red fruit on the opening, laced with orange rind, brown spices and a touch of truffle. Good depth and muscle towards the finish, maybe missing the precision of the best examples in 2019, though impressive in terms of persistence. Excellent. Date: Jan 2021; Drink: 2023-2038; Rating: 92-94 Points; Neal Martin; Vinous

Discreet touches of wood and menthol are present on the slightly more deeply pitched and attractively spiced black berry fruit aromas that include iron-infused warm earth notes. The succulent yet overtly powerful big-bodied flavors are blessed with ample dry extract if not the same power on the very firm, concentrated and austere finish where noticeable warmth arises. This is also unapologetically old school in style, and it won’t be for everyone. Date: Jan 2021; Rating: 89-92 Points; Allen Meadows; Burghound