Jerome Fornerot Saint-Aubin Rouge 1er Cru Les Perrieres 2020

While Saint-Aubin is often celebrated for its white wines, Jérôme Fornerot—whose family roots in the village date back to 1618—is making a serious case for its reds. This 1er Cru from the “Les Perrières” vineyard is a stunning example of what happens when Pinot Noir meets the high-elevation, stony white marls of the Côte de Beaune.

In the glass, the 2020 vintage shows a vibrant ruby hue. The nose is wonderfully expressive, leaping with high-toned red berries—think wild cherries and crushed raspberries—mingled with delicate notes of dried roses and a touch of forest floor. On the palate, the wine is lithe and elegant, offering a refreshing acidity and a distinctive mineral backbone that reflects its rocky terroir. The tannins are silky and fine-grained, leading to a long, perfumed finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.

This is a red Burgundy for those who value finesse over power. It’s an immediate pleasure to drink now, especially alongside earthy dishes like mushroom agnolotti, braised beef, or even a well-seared duck breast. At a time when the prices of its famous neighbors in Chassagne and Puligny continue to climb, Fornerot’s Saint-Aubin remains a remarkable value for the quality in the bottle.