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La Paulée Verticals Tasting - The San Francisco Burgundy Event You Can't Miss

Updated: Feb 25

Drink over $20,000 of some of the world's most coveted Burgundies at La Paulée San Francisco's Vertical Tasting.

The Pearl event venue in San Francisco
The Pearl - San Francisco where the Vertical Tasting will take place

What Is La Paulée?


La Paulée is a storied celebration rooted in Burgundy's rich winemaking traditions, and is set to commemorate its 25th anniversary in the United States with a series of exclusive events in San Francisco from February 27 to March 1, 2025, and in New York from March 5 to March 8, 2025. This milestone offers a unique opportunity for oenophiles to immerse themselves in the finest expressions of Burgundy's heritage.

Historic La Paulée in Burgundy, France
Historic La Paulée in Burgundy

Why the La Paulée Verticals Tasting is One of Our Favorite Events


San Francisco participants will have the chance to taste three-vintage verticals of signature wines from renowned domaines. The event showcases 25 different producers from different subregions of Burgundy, which gives an incredible overview of the region. This format allows attendees to appreciate the nuances of each region as well as the development of each wine over different years; providing insights into the winemaking process, vintage variations, and the aging potential of Burgundy wines.

Tasting multiple vintages from the same producer side by side is a rare chance to experience the subtle changes in aroma, flavor, and texture, all shaped by each year’s distinct climate, terroir, and winemaking approach. It offers a deeper understanding of how soil composition, elevation, and microclimate leave unique imprints on every bottle. Most of all, it’s a testament to Burgundy’s diversity and the power of aging potential, illuminating why these wines are cherished worldwide. A true must for burgundy lovers alike!

En Primeur Club Member Exclusive Pricing:

  • En Primeur Club Members receive 10% off tickets to the San Francisco tasting with code “PRIMEURTASTING

  • Or get a package ticket to the San Francisco Gala, Grand Tasting, and Vertical Tasting for $2250 when you use code 'PRIMEURPACKAGE'

A man pouring a taste of wine at La Paulee Los Angeles
A quick pour at La Paulée Los Angeles 2024

Below are a few of the producers we are most excited to try at the SF La Paulée Vertical Tasting:

 
The Clos de Tart Selection at La Paulee Los Angeles 2024
The Clos de Tart Selection at La Paulée Los Angeles 2024

Clos de Tart


Clos de Tart was our top winery from last year's La Paulée and for good reason. Located in Morey-Saint-Denis, Clos de Tart is one of Burgundy’s most historic and prestigious Grand Cru monopoles. Founded in 1141 by Cistercian nuns, it is the largest Grand Cru monopole in the Côte de Nuits, with a lineage of only four owners in nearly 900 years. Since 2018, it has been under the stewardship of François Pinault’s Artémis Domaines (owners of Château Latour and Domaine d’Eugénie), bringing further refinement to its organic and biodynamic viticulture. A benchmark of Morey-Saint-Denis, Clos de Tart combines power, depth, and finesse, making it one of Burgundy’s most collectible Grand Crus.


The vineyard is located on a steep, east-facing slope with shallow limestone and clay soils. It is divided into micro-parcels based on soil composition and vine age, allowing for precise vinification. Under organic and biodynamic practices, the domaine harvests by hand, using whole-cluster fermentation and aging in new oak to enhance depth and structure. This bold yet refined Pinot Noir exudes black cherry, ripe plum, violets, and exotic spices, with underlying notes of earth, truffle, and graphite. The palate is rich and layered, with silky tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish. While impressive in youth, it develops greater complexity and elegance over 10+ years, revealing nuances of dried roses, forest floor, and spice, making it one of Burgundy’s most age-worthy and collectible Grand Crus.


Winemaking Style

  • Historically used 100% new oak, partial or no whole-cluster (though new ownership is introducing more stems)

  • Organic and biodynamic practices, parcel-by-parcel vinification

  • Bold, layered Pinot Noir combining power and finesse


2025 Clos de Tart La Paulée Selection:

  • Clos de Tart Grand Cru 2015

  • Clos de Tart Grand Cru 2017

  • Clos de Tart Grand Cru 2019


Vertical Summary:

Clos de Tart's historic monopole has shifted under new ownership to a slightly lighter extraction and more whole-cluster. 2015 is big and bold, 2017 is classically balanced, and 2019 combines depth with a polished modern finesse.


  • 2015

    • Structure: Very full-bodied, firm tannins, moderate acid

    • Fruit: Rich black fruits, exotic spice, mocha

    • Aging: 20+ years; massive and concentrated


  • 2017

    • Structure: Medium-plus body, polished tannins, fresh acid

    • Fruit: Red berries, floral, subtle savory spice

    • Aging: 15+ years; approachable earlier, balanced


  • 2019

    • Structure: Dense but refined, good lift, increased whole-cluster

    • Fruit: Both red & dark fruit, floral perfume, mineral undertones

    • Aging: 20+ years; new era style (power plus elegant detail)


 




The 2011 Echezeaux Grand Cru from Domaine Anne Gros
The 2011 Echezeaux Grand Cru from Domaine Anne Gros

Domaine Anne Gros


Domaine Anne Gros is a renowned Burgundy estate in Vosne-Romanée, known for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. Anne took over in 1988, transforming her family’s holdings—including Clos Vougeot, Echézeaux, and Richebourg Grand Cru vineyards—into one of the region’s most respected domaines. She practices sustainable viticulture and a minimal intervention approach, emphasizing finesse, purity of fruit, and aging potential. Her wines, celebrated for their silky textures and balance, are highly sought after by collectors. Beyond Burgundy, she and her husband, Jean-Paul Tollot, also produce wines in Minervois, Languedoc, bringing Burgundian precision to the region.

Anne Gros’ Echézeaux Grand Cru from the Les Loächausses climat in Flagey-Échezeaux is a refined yet powerful Burgundy, showcasing her commitment to sustainable viticulture and precise winemaking. The wine offers aromas of ripe cherries, violets, crushed raspberries, and earthy spices, with a silky texture, fine-grained tannins, and bright acidity. Aged in around 50% new oak, it balances purity of fruit with complexity. While approachable young, it excels with 8–15+ years of aging, revealing deeper layers of minerality and finesse. This Echézeaux Grand Cru is a benchmark of Anne Gros’ signature elegance and balance.


Winemaking Style:

  • Sustainable viticulture, minimal intervention in the winery

  • Typically ~50% new oak (sometimes less in recent years)

  • Emphasis on finesse, purity of fruit, and a silky, elegant texture


2025 La Paulée Anne Gros Selection:

  • Echézeaux Grand Cru “Les Loachausses” 2019

  • Echézeaux Grand Cru “Les Loachausses” 2018

  • Echézeaux Grand Cru 2017


Vertical Summary:

Anne Gros’s minimal-intervention approach produces Echézeaux with trademark finesse and silky tannins. In this vertical, 2017 is lighter and charming, 2018 is full-bodied and ripe, and 2019 offers both density and verve for long aging.


  • 2017

    • Climate & Style: Moderate weather; balanced, early-ripening.

    • Structure: Silky, medium-bodied, bright acidity. Softer tannins => accessible younger.

    • Fruit Profile: Red-fruited (cherry, raspberry), floral, fresh.

    • Aging: Best for mid-term cellaring (8–15 years). Open-knitted charm.


  • 2018

    • Climate & Style: Hot, dry vintage; very ripe grapes, big yields.

    • Structure: Full-bodied, firm backbone, lower perceived acidity => dense, powerful.

    • Fruit Profile: Riper, darker fruits (black cherries, plum), spice, earthy depth.

    • Aging: Needs time (15+ years). Tannic heft balances rich fruit.


  • 2019

    • Climate & Style: Warm but lower yields => concentrated + freshness.

    • Structure: Dense yet lively, fine-grained tannins.

    • Fruit Profile: Layered mix of red and black fruit, floral nuance.

    • Aging: Excellent long-term potential (15–20+ years). Harmony of power + lift.


 
The 2019 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny Grand Cru
2019 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny Grand Cru

Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé 


Comte Georges de Vogüé is a legendary estate in Chambolle-Musigny, revered for its historic holdings in two of Burgundy’s most prestigious Grand Cru vineyards: Musigny and Bonnes-Mares. With a lineage tracing back to 1450, it stands among the oldest continuously family-run domaines in the region. Today, under the guidance of winemaker François Millet and estate manager Jean-Luc Pépin, Comte Georges de Vogüé is celebrated for producing wines that capture the essence of Chambolle-Musigny’s grace and refinement.


The domaine meticulously farms its vines—some of the oldest in Musigny—using sustainable vineyard practices that respect the delicate terroir of its limestone-rich, east-facing slopes. Vinification often includes partial whole-cluster fermentation and a judicious use of new oak, resulting in wines of remarkable balance and depth. Their hallmark is a core of vibrant red and dark berry fruit—cherry, raspberry, and plum—set against floral notes of rose petals and violets, with subtle hints of earth and spice. The textures are silken, underpinned by fresh acidity and finely etched tannins that allow these wines to age gracefully for decades. Over time, they develop complex layers of dried flowers, truffles, and sous-bois, underscoring their reputation as some of Burgundy’s most collectible and cellar-worthy Pinot Noirs.


Winemaking Style:

  • Sustainable farming, partial or no whole-cluster (usually de-stemmed for Musigny)

  • Judicious new oak (~30–40%), aiming for floral expression and terroir clarity

  • Iconic, long-lived wines with silken textures and lifted aromatics


2025 Comte George de Vogüé La Paulée Selection:

  • Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes 2017

  • Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes 2018

  • Musigny Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes 2019


Vertical Summary:

Comte Georges de Vogüé’s terroir-driven approach results in exquisitely perfumed, age-worthy Musigny. 2017 is elegant and accessible, 2018 is more muscular and ripe, and 2019 presents seamless balance with both power and lift.


  • 2017

    • Structure: Silky, medium-bodied, lively acidity

    • Fruit: Red berries, violet/rose, orange zest

    • Aging: 20+ years; approachable earlier, classic finesse


  • 2018

    • Structure: Full-bodied, robust tannins, lower perceived acidity

    • Fruit: Ripe black cherry, dark plum, cocoa/spice

    • Aging: 20–30+ years; powerful, needs time


  • 2019

    • Structure: Plentiful yet fine tannins, fresh acid

    • Fruit: Mix of red/dark berries, floral perfume, exotic spice

    • Aging: 20–30+ years; refined concentration, great promise


 
A selection of Domain Dugat-Py's Chambertin
A selection of Domain Dugat-Py's Chambertin

Domaine Dugat-Py


Domaine Dugat-Py, based in Gevrey-Chambertin, is renowned for its powerful, long-lived wines crafted from exceptionally old vines, many over 100 years old. Led by Bernard and Loïc Dugat, the domaine practices biodynamic and organic viticulture, producing low-yield, intensely concentrated wines. Their Grand Crus, including Mazoyères-Chambertin and Chambertin, are aged in a high proportion of new oak (often 100%), adding depth and structure. Dugat-Py wines are bold and dark-fruited, with notes of black cherries, cassis, violets, truffle, and spice, underpinned by firm tannins. Built for aging, they reach peak complexity 15–20 years after release.

Their Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from 100+ year-old vines, producing a deep, powerful, and long-lived wine. Grown under biodynamic and organic practices, it undergoes whole-cluster fermentation and ages in 100% new oak, enhancing its richness and structure.

This intense, brooding Burgundy opens with black cherries, blackberries, cassis, violets, and smoked earth, evolving into truffle, licorice, and cocoa. The firm tannins and bright acidity ensure a 15–20+ year aging potential, rewarding patience with a silky, complex, and refined Grand Cru expression.


Winemaking Style

  • Biodynamic and organic, extremely low yields from old vines (some over 100 years)

  • High proportion of new oak (often 100%), frequently whole-cluster fermentation

  • Powerful, intense wines built for long-term aging


2025 La Paulée Dugat-Py Selection:

  • Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru 2007

  • Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru 2015

  • Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru 2019


Vertical Summary:

Dugat-Py’s biodynamic approach and hefty new oak yield bold, concentrated Gevrey wines. 2007 is an outlier—lighter and ready now—while 2015 is massive and still youthful, and 2019 balances richness with a fresher edge.


  • 2007

    • Structure: Light to medium body, softer tannins, bright acidity

    • Fruit: Red berries, forest floor, floral hints; now mature

    • Aging: Drink soon; fully evolved


  • 2015

    • Structure: Big, muscular, velvety tannins, moderate acid

    • Fruit: Ripe blackberries, cassis, licorice, cocoa

    • Aging: 20+ years; concentrated and dense


  • 2019

    • Structure: Full-bodied, refined tannins, energetic acidity

    • Fruit: Combination of red and black fruits, exotic spice, floral notes

    • Aging: 20+ years; modern polish and intensity


 
A selection of Domaine François Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre
A selection of Domaine François Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre

Domaine François Raveneau


Domaine François Raveneau is the most revered producer in Chablis, crafting wines of unparalleled precision, depth, and aging potential. Founded in 1948 by François Raveneau, the domaine quickly gained cult status, and today, it is managed by his sons, Jean-Marie and Bernard Raveneau. With just over 9 hectares of vines, including prime holdings in Grand Crus like Les Clos, Valmur, and Blanchot, as well as sought-after Premier Crus like Montée de Tonnerre and Butteaux, Raveneau produces some of the most structured and long-lived Chardonnays in the world. The wines are made using traditional methods, with hand-harvested fruit, long fermentations in stainless steel, and aging in neutral oak barrels, allowing the terroir to shine.


Sourced from a limestone-rich vineyard near Les Clos, Raveneau’s Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is one of Chablis’ greatest Premier Crus and rivals Grand Crus in depth and aging potential. It opens with green apple, Meyer lemon, white flowers, oyster shell, and wet stone, evolving into smoky, nutty, and honeyed notes with age. The racy acidity and intense minerality lead to a long, saline finish. While vibrant in youth, it reaches peak complexity over 10–20+ years, making it one of Chablis’ most collectible wines.


Winemaking Style

  • Traditional, low-intervention; hand-harvested, long fermentations

  • Aging in stainless steel plus older oak barrels (no or minimal new oak)

  • Known for precise, mineral, and age-worthy Chablis


2025 La Paulée Francois Raveneau Selection:

  • Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2014

  • Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2015

  • Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2016


Vertical Summary:

Raveneau’s traditional methods consistently highlight terroir. Here, 2014 is a classic high-acid Chablis, 2015 is richer and easier young, and 2016 is both concentrated and taut—each showing the domaine’s hallmark purity.


  • 2014

    • Structure: Laser-like acidity, taut minerality

    • Fruit: Crisp citrus, green apple, oyster shell

    • Aging: 20+ years; quintessential steely Chablis


  • 2015

    • Structure: Slightly rounder, softer acidity

    • Fruit: Ripe orchard fruits, floral/honey hints, flinty core

    • Aging: ~10–15+ years; accessible and generous


  • 2016

    • Structure: Concentrated but lively (frost-reduced yields)

    • Fruit: Stone fruit notes, smoky-mineral edge, saline intensity

    • Aging: 15–20+ years; merges ripeness and tension


 
2015 Domaine Roulot Meursault Clos Des Bouchères monopole
2015 Domaine Roulot Meursault Clos Des Bouchères monopole

Domaine Roulot


Meursault's Domaine Roulot is one of Burgundy’s most revered white wine producers, known for crafting precise, mineral-driven, and age-worthy Chardonnay. Founded in the early 20th century, the domaine gained prominence under Guy Roulot and was later elevated to cult status by his son, Jean-Marc Roulot, who took over in the 1980s. Committed to organic farming and meticulous vinification, Roulot produces some of the most terroir-transparent wines in the region. With holdings in top Meursault Premier Crus, including Les Perrières, Charmes, and Les Tillets, Roulot’s wines are known for their laser-sharp acidity, intense minerality, and remarkable finesse. Fermented in neutral oak with minimal intervention, these wines are highly structured and built to age, often reaching their peak after 10–15 years, making them among the most sought-after Meursaults in the world.


Domaine Roulot’s Meursault 1er Cru Clos des Bouchères, a monopole vineyard, is renowned for its intense minerality and precision, thanks to its thin, rocky limestone soils. Jean-Marc Roulot’s organic farming and neutral oak aging preserve the purity of this exceptional terroir. It opens with citrus, green apple, white flowers, and crushed stone, evolving into almond, hazelnut, and brioche with age. The palate is tense and structured, with racy acidity, deep salinity, and a long, chiseled finish. Built for 10–15+ years of aging, it remains one of Meursault’s most refined and collectible wines.


Winemaking Style:

  • Organic vineyard management, minimal intervention

  • Fermentation/aging in mostly neutral oak, no heavy lees stirring

  • Highly precise, mineral-driven whites with notable acidity


2025 La Paulée Domaine Roulot Selection:

  • Meursault 1er Cru Clos des Bouchères monopole 2011

  • Meursault 1er Cru Clos des Bouchères monopole 2013

  • Meursault 1er Cru Clos des Bouchères monopole 2019


Vertical Summary:

Roulot’s low-intervention, terroir-transparent style produces whites with laser focus. 2011 shows softer, early approachability; 2013 is ultra-mineral and structured; 2019 is rich yet retains the tension characteristic of Jean-Marc Roulot’s wines.


  • 2011

    • Structure: Moderate acidity, rounded texture

    • Fruit: Orchard fruits, hazelnut, gentle floral

    • Aging: Nearing peak around 10–12+ years; softly elegant


  • 2013

    • Structure: High acidity, lean, taut framework

    • Fruit: Citrus, green apple, flinty reduction, saline edge

    • Aging: 20+ years; intensely mineral and focused


  • 2019

    • Structure: Fuller-bodied yet vibrant, good acidity

    • Fruit: Ripe citrus, peach/stone fruit, chalky minerality

    • Aging: 10–15+ years; powerful but precise


 

Event & Ticket Details


La Paulée’s 25th Anniversary Vertical Tasting offers a rare chance to sample Burgundy’s most iconic wines—from Echézeaux to Musigny—across three vintages, revealing how climate and winemaking choices shape their evolution. It’s a unique look at the region’s diversity, showcased through each vineyard’s shifting aromatics, structure, and age-worthiness. For Burgundy lovers, this event is truly unmissable.


  • Location: The Pearl - 601 19th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

  • Date: Saturday March 1st

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT

  • Details: A walk-around tasting offering three-vintage verticals from participating domaines, providing insights into the evolution of Burgundy wines across different years.

  • Price: $495 + tax (Use code “PRIMEURTASTING” for 10% off)


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