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Looking for mature wines in Paris or Beaune

PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:29 am
by Ted Richards
We're off to Paris and Burgundy later this week (but I'll be checking this site while we're there). I'm looking for wine shops where I can buy mature vintages (particularly red or white Burgundy or red Hermitage/Côte Rôtie) in either Paris or Beaune. Rahsaan's reference to Les Caprices de l'Instant back in May sounds like a good choice. Any other suggestions?

Re: Looking for mature wines in Paris or Beaune

PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 8:51 pm
by Joshua Kates
Hi Ted,

When I was in Paris in June I ran across a place in the 5th that specialized in old bottles. It was closed at that time, but it appeared from the window to be well stocked. Unfortunately, I forget the name, though I believe it was in Latin. In any case, the wineshop was catty-corner from a very well known (and not bad and inexpensive) restaurant named La Methode, which is itself situated, where else?, than in the Rue Descartes!

Sorry, for the riddling reply; I hope that's of some help. Enjoy your trip!

Josh

Re: Looking for mature wines in Paris or Beaune

PostPosted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 9:45 am
by Fredrik L
Ted,
when in Paris try La Maison des Millesimes or Au Verger de la Madeleine! You can get a 61 Figeac for less than 200 Euro and a 45 LLC for less than 500. Be sure to ask about provenance, though, as most older bottles have been too warmly stored. Surprisingly few Frenchmen know the importance of perfect storage. If you are looking for Burgundy, Beaune is the place to scour. Just visit all the small shops and ask for advice!

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L

Re: Looking for mature wines in Paris or Beaune

PostPosted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 2:47 pm
by Dale Williams
Not sure in comparison to Canada, but even when dollar was strong against euro (or francs!) I never found particular bargains in France on older wines. I think France is maybe a better hunting ground for interesting younger wines that might not get imported. That said, I found some well priced older white Burgs at the Cave de Puligny, outside of Beaune. I think (could be wrong) that the cave is a bit of a co-op effort for the commune, and others might have similar.
As Frederik said I'd be particular about condition.

Re: Looking for mature wines in Paris or Beaune

PostPosted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 8:50 pm
by Rahsaan
Dale Williams wrote:Not sure in comparison to Canada, but even when dollar was strong against euro (or francs!) I never found particular bargains in France on older wines...


For the big famous shops, sure, I'd agree. They price on an international scale. But in my experiences France is more likely to have the small shop with the proprietor who knows the producers and cellars older vintages with minimal markup out of love for the wine/regions. This type of capitalism is much much harder/impossible to find in the US.

Re: Looking for mature wines in Paris or Beaune

PostPosted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:45 pm
by Ted Richards
Fredrik L wrote:If you are looking for Burgundy, Beaune is the place to scour. Just visit all the small shops and ask for advice!


Ypu got that right! The captain/tour guide of our barge tour sent me to a wonderful shop in Beaune called "Mon Millesime". Their wines (mostly Burgundies) were arranged in vintage order. The main floor had vintages from 2012 back to 1982, while the basement had vintages from 1981 to 1906. I was able to pick up some Burgundies from the '70s and '80s for quite reasonable prices. The staff spoke English and were very helpful. I highly recommend it. It's about a 10 minute walk from the Hospice de Beaune.

Re: Looking for mature wines in Paris or Beaune

PostPosted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 5:28 am
by Fredrik L
Great! :D

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L