Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru, France · France
2020 Domaine de Montille Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Aux Malconsorts'
Domaine de Montille's 2020 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts just opened its window in 2026 — a whole-cluster, classically structured premier cru adjacent to La Tache with a deep decade ahead before its 2032 peak.
- Varietal
- Pinot Noir
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Vintage
- 2020
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2032.
Right now: In 2026, the Domaine de Montille Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts 2020 has just crossed its drinking window threshold — the earliest date at which the wine can be approached, though not the ideal one. The wine's rich deep purple color, intense and powerful character, and punchy dry tannins from the 2020 vintage's exceptional concentration remain the dominant characteristics in 2026. Two-thirds whole-cluster vinification has added aromatic complexity and structural spice that are now beginning to integrate, but six more years of patience to the 2032 peak will deliver a materially more rewarding experience. This is a serious Vosne premier cru from a 96-point Classic Burgundy vintage — open only if the occasion truly demands it, and decant aggressively for a minimum of 2 hours.
Tasting Note
Rich, deep purple — unusually deep in color for Vosne-Romanée premier cru, speaking to the 2020 vintage's exceptional concentration. The nose is intense and powerful, its whole-cluster character adding layers of aromatic complexity: dark cherry, blackberry, and plum are threaded with wild herbs, green stem spice, and floral suggestions that the two-thirds whole-cluster vinification introduces alongside the primary fruit. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with punchy, dry tannins that carry considerable authority — the 2020 vintage's density is fully present. The two-thirds whole-cluster contribution creates structural depth and aromatic dimension that distinguishes this Malconsorts from more conventionally vinified Vosne premier crus. The finish is long, mineral, and spice-driven.
About Domaine de Montille
Domaine de Montille is one of Burgundy's most respected estates, founded by lawyer and passionate winemaker Hubert de Montille and now managed by his son Etienne. The domaine farms multiple appellations across both the Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits, and its Malconsorts holding — a highly sought Vosne-Romanée premier cru adjacent to La Tache — is among the most prized addresses in the portfolio. Domaine de Montille is known for wines of genuine aging potential and rigorous vineyard farming.
Food Pairings
Roasted pigeon with foie gras sauce and wild mushrooms
Montille Malconsorts' concentrated dark fruit, whole-cluster spice complexity, and firm tannin are designed for the richest and most assertive of Burgundian game bird pairings — pigeon's gamey depth and foie gras's luxury fat provide the counterweight the wine's power requires.
Braised short ribs with Burgundian mustard and roasted root vegetables
The wine's full-body concentration, punchy tannins, and La Tache-adjacent terroir depth demand the structural richness of slow-braised beef — Burgundian mustard adds a sharp, herbal edge that amplifies the whole-cluster stem spice in the wine's mid-palate.
Aged Comté fondue with crusty bread and roasted walnuts
Malconsorts' concentrated dark fruit and whole-cluster structural complexity benefit from the rich, nutty depth of aged Comté fondue — the walnut's tannic bitterness mirrors the wine's stern tannin while the melted cheese's fat softens the grip.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 62-65F (17-18C)
- Decanting
- In 2026, decant a minimum of 2 hours before serving — the punchy dry tannins and compressed aromatic core require prolonged air contact to open. By the 2032 peak, 60-90 minutes of gentle decanting in a wide Burgundy decanter will be the ideal preparation. Do not open in 2026 without substantial aeration.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottle stored on its side.
Frequently Asked
The window for this wine just opened in 2026 — should I open it now?
Technically yes, but in practice the wine will not deliver its full potential until 2032. The window opening in 2026 means the wine is past the stage of being actively harmed by opening, but the 2020 vintage's exceptional concentration and the whole-cluster vinification's structural contribution mean the tannins are still punchy and the aromatics compressed. If opening now, decant aggressively for 2+ hours. For the full experience, cellar until 2032.
What is Aux Malconsorts and why is it significant in Vosne-Romanée?
Aux Malconsorts is a premier cru vineyard in Vosne-Romanée that sits directly adjacent to La Tache — Domaine de la Romanée-Conti's legendary monopole grand cru. This adjacency is deeply meaningful: the soils, exposition, and drainage characteristics of Malconsorts share many features with La Tache, making it arguably the most La Tache-adjacent premier cru site in the Cote de Nuits. Multiple top-quality producers farm parcels here, and the site consistently produces premier cru of near-grand cru depth.
What is the effect of two-thirds whole-cluster vinification on this wine?
Whole-cluster fermentation incorporates grape stems into the fermentation vessel, contributing additional tannins, herbal and spice complexity, and aromatic dimension beyond what destemmed grapes alone provide. At two-thirds whole-cluster — meaning roughly two-thirds of the harvest retained its stems — the contribution is substantial, adding structural depth, green herb and wild spice notes, and a longer aging curve compared to fully destemmed wines. This technique is traditional in Burgundy and Domaine de Montille uses it selectively based on vintage character and stem maturity.
What food works best with this Vosne-Romanée when it is ready?
At its 2032-2046 peak, Montille Malconsorts calls for the richest and most assertive of Burgundian table preparations: game birds, slow-braised beef or veal, mushroom and truffle-driven preparations, and the most powerful Burgundian cheeses. The whole-cluster complexity means the wine pairs particularly well with herb-forward preparations — roasted pigeon, rabbit, and duck with aromatic sauces are all excellent choices. Avoid delicate proteins that would be overwhelmed by the wine's power and concentration.
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