Domaine Dubreuil Fontaine Pernand Vergelesses Ile des Vergelesses 1er Cru Rouge 2021 is a seriously impressive Côte de Beaune Pinot, from a mid‑slope site many quietly rate as “almost grand cru” in quality. It spills out ripe yet pure black and red fruits – black cherry, dark raspberry and plum – laced with florals, spice and a distinct limestone‑driven minerality. Everything here feels in harmony, with depth, energy and real finesse in the glass.

On the palate, this Pernand Vergelesses Ile des Vergelesses 1er Cru Rouge 2021 is medium to medium‑plus in body, dense but never heavy, with fine, tightly woven tannins and vibrant acidity that stretches the finish long and savoury. You get a beautiful interplay of sweet, pure fruit and more serious earthy, spicy notes as it opens. It is already starting to “flower” but clearly has the structure to evolve gracefully.

Food‑wise, this is tailor‑made for richer dishes – roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, grilled beef rump or scotch fillet, duck with cherries, or game like venison pie. Earthy combinations such as mushroom ragù, truffle pasta or a porcini risotto will really highlight the wine’s mineral side. Give it a decant and enjoy now, or cellar 8–12 years for extra complexity.