Sylvain Cathiard

This tiny Domaine was established by Sylvain Cathiard’s grandfather ( who worked for Domaine de la Romanee Conti and later for Domaine Lamarche) in the 1930s and was then further built and maintained by Sylvain’s father Andre from 1969 until 1985, when Sylvain himself became involved. The following year, Sylvain set up his own with parcels of vines rented from his father and other vignerons, before taking on his father’s original vineyards. From 2006, he was joined by his son, Sebastian, and they have formed the estate of Sylvain Cathiard et Fils and since 2011 Sebastien is running the domaine with Sylvain retiring.

Based in Vosne, his 5 hectares span Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny, with a very small parcel in Romanée-St-Vivant located directly below Romanee Conti where they are officially the smallest land-owner of this magnificent Grand cru. All vineyard work is carried out with meticulous attention to detail by Sebastien and his wife and a small dedicated team. All vineyard work is done on organic principles although Sebastien has not sought certification.

For winemaking Sebastien has a definite hands-off approach, preferring to do nothing rather than interfere with the natural development of the wines. He de-stems entirely, cold settles the juice for about 10 days and ferments the wines for between 22 and 30 days on skins. The new wines are matured for 18 months in oak of which about 90% is from tonellerie Remond and 10% from Francois Freres as follows: Village wines, roughly 1/3rd new oak and 2/3rds of 1 year old; 1er Crus, roughly 50% new oak and 50% 1 year old; Grand Cru, two new barrels and one one year old barrel. Since 2000 none of the wines are fined or filtered.

Sebastien Cathiards wines are incredibly harmonious, softly textured and very fine. Since taking over in 2011 Sebastien has been listening carefully to those few who get the privilege to taste with him and he has gradually reduced the percentage of new oak used for ageing. In a good vintage there are around 50 barrels produced in total across all appellations. His Vosne-Romanées in particular are now regarded among the best of the village. All wines offered here are from fully mature vineyards that have yielded fruit with wonderful natural intensity and balance. These wines represent artisan wine-making at its very best. Quantities are extremely limited and are offered first to previous faithful buyers.

2023

Sébastien Cathiard considers 2023 a full crop but balanced and fresh, in a drinkable style, full of fruit, to drink before 2022. He started on 13th September, taking 4 days for the main Côte, then a further four and a half for the rest. He estimates that Hautes Côtes de Nuits temperatures are a good 1 to 1.5 degrees cooler than the Côte, hence later picking. The wines came in between 12 and 13% naturally, with occasional chaptalisation afterwards. The wines will stay in barrel through to the end of March. Sébastien needed more new barrels after the very small 2021 crop (his barrels being on a two year cycle). So as not to unbalance the higher appellations, the extra was used on the generic regional wines.
Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

As the scores and commentaries clearly confirm, Cathiard has fashioned some really lovely wines in 2023. Burghound, January 2025

2024 Bourgogne Aligote - very limited - allocation
A small amount of Aligote from vines located in the Hautes Cotes (95% of this comes from 30-80 yo vines in the village of Villers-la-Faye above Corgoloin and 5% from vines in Nuits St Georges planted in 2011). This bright pure white makes a brilliant addition to the Cathiard range, and what a great success this is. Pure fine and fresh this wine shows excellent depth and polish and great refreshment. Fermented and matured in stainless steel tank this is 100% de-stemmed (as are all his red wines) and shows Cathiards trademark intensity and purity.
2023 review
Bottled Spring 2024. Pale in colour, with quite an austere, lean nose. Quite a green fruit on the palate. Tasted early on a Monday morning, first wine of the week, so I may have found this more aggressive than it really is. A little note of almond paste to finish. Drink from 2026-2027. Tasted Nov 2024. 87 points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Coteaux Bourguignon rouge - very limited - allocation
Made from a parcel of vines inter-planted in 1981 with 60% Gamay and 40% Pinot Noir from the lieu-dit Croix Blanches located between Nuits and Vosne and aged in barrel - just 3 barrels produced. Perfumed seductive and full flavoured for such a humble appellation. Pure joy.
Two thirds pinot, one third gamay. A palish ruby colour. Perfumed strawberry, with a fractional reduction. More of the gamay appears on the palate with some energy behind, and a certain fluidity. A long finish. Drink from 2026-2028. Tasted Nov 2024. (86-87) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Bourgogne rouge - very limited - allocation
From a tiny 0.272 ha parcel of vines planted in 1987 located in Flagey opposite Clos Vougeot below the Village, and now a little from a second plot in Croix Blanche that sits between Vosne and Nuits, aged in used oak. Up to 7 barrels produced in a good vintage. Remarkably good wine that performs well above its humble appellation name.
An attractive mid ruby. The raspberry fruit is immediately attractive but with a sense of grip. Attractive red berry fruit, a fair amount of oak given the moderate concentration of the vintage, then a fine easy finish. 30% new wood was used here and 40% for the Hautes Côtes de Nuits because of insufficient older barrels. Drink from 2026-2028. Tasted Nov 2024. (87-88) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits rouge - very limited - allocation
A new addition to the range from 2.5 ha of 3 plots of vines in Villars Fontaine at 350m located above Nuits St Georges. 2021 is the first vintage of this wine to be released in 2023. Shows dark fruit spectrum and very fine tannins this is an excellent addition to the range which is beautifully balanced and for earlier drinking while waiting for village wines to mature.
A lighter crimson ruby. The nose takes a moment to come out. A leafy note to the fresh red fruit, medium bodied, a little leaner than the Bourgogne but fine-boned and will develop further when the oak subsides. 60% vignes basses, the other two cuvees 100%. Drink from 2026-2028. Tasted Nov 2024. (87-88) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Aux Chaumes rouge - very limited - allocation
A 1.35ha vineyard located above Nuits St Georges. A place that holds its acidity well in the current climate – 380-400m altitude. Only about 1-2 days later maturing than the rest.
Another colour on the paler side. Again, an attractive leafiness, this time perhaps a mini-reduction. There is a greater depth of fresh red fruit, raspberry and redcurrant, a little youthful bitterness, but greater fruit content in the length compared to the oak. Drink from 2026-2028. Tasted Nov 2024. (88-89) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Dames Huguettes rouge - very limited - allocation
A well renowned 1.45ha vineyard of 35-55 yo vines located in the Hautes Cotes above Nuits St Georges. A place that holds its acidity well and matures a day or two later than the estate vineyards in Nuits St Georges and Vosne Romanee.
A fine glowing pinkish purple. The most elegant of the three in bouquet. And a little the deepest in fruit with a ripe strawberry fruit that is very appealing. Almost quite sensual at the finish and though the oak is quite present in youth, this will all come together very nicely. Drink from 2026-2028. Tasted Nov 2024. (88-90) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Gevrey Chambertin  - very limited - allocation
From the lieu-dit of Champs Franc directly below the village of Gevrey Chambertin. This parcel is newly leased by Sebastien Cathiard with 2019 being the first vintage. All vineyard work is carried out by Sebastiens vineyard team. The tannins in this wine are notably very fine. Located below the village the vineyard where some clay over the limestone base is more prominent.
A little brisker in colour, with both fruit and oak vying for the upper hand on the nose. Fresh strawberry with a little redcurrant, stylish on the palate, a good fruit acid balance and some length. Drink from 2028-2032. Tasted Nov 2024. (89-91) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Vosne-Romanée  - very limited - allocation
From 5 parcels of vines from 4 different lieu-dits of less than 1 hectare in total planted from 1945 to 1985 located below the village, aged in 40% new oak, 60% 1 y.o. oak. Since taking over from Sylvain, Sebastien has reduced the percentage of new oak for all wines and taken this domaine to a new level. A stunning village Vosne.
Mid ruby purple, this has by some way the classiest nose, and the most energy of fruit on the palate, with the heady and slightly spicy character of Vosne-Romanée. This entirely delivers and will only grow in bottle. More new oak than the other village wines (50%), but less effect because of greater fruit intensity. Drink from 2029-2035. Tasted Nov 2024. (90-92) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Chambolle-Musigny Le Clos de l’Orme - very limited - allocation
From 0.427 ha of vines mostly planted 1935 (85%) and 1992 (15%) which are located near the village just below premier cru Les Charmes, aged in 40% new oak, 60% 1 y.o. oak. This is a very intense vibrant and dark fruited wine with great perfume and concentration that is rarely found in village level wines.
A slightly darker crimson, with expressive fruit on the nose. Slightly darker and leafier fruit, broader of perhaps softer behind on the palate. This will be very attractive but to drink earlier than the Vosne-Romanée. Drink from 2028-2033. Tasted Nov 2024. (89-91) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey - very limited - allocation
From a 0.43 ha parcel of vines planted 1953 located high up on the slope not far from the Vosne Romanee border, aged in 50% new oak, 50% 1 yo oak. These were vines which Sylvain worked en mettayage for Moillard for many years and when the opportunity came to purchase this plot he bought the vineyard in 2006. From a higher cooler and more mineral site this wine always has a very striking perfume and elegance that really can not be mistaken for any of the other wines in the cellar. Always a favourite.
A lighter crimson colour. There is some weight of ripe fruit on the nose, and significantly more on the palate than the village wines, with a depth of dark strawberry and raspberry. Adequate acidity and well tamed tannins supply the structure. Good length to complete the deal. Drink from 2030-2036. Tasted Nov 2024. (92-94) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers - very limited - allocation
From .0476 ha of vines planted 1945 and 1960 which are located mid-slope quite close the Vosne Romanee border. Aged in 50% new oak, 50% 1 yo oak. This is always a wine of great depth and generosity with real density showing from very old vines. Harmonious plush tannins and great mid-palate, this is an outstanding 1er cru Nuits St Georges. Hedonistic Burgundy at its best.
More ruby than crimson. The fruit is a little more restrained, but perhaps fresher than the Thorey, more in raspberry and cherry. This continues on a well-rounded palate with just a little youthful bitterness to add a level of tension. Will take a little longer to come round. Drink from 2031-2038. Tasted Nov 2024. (92-95) points, Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru En Orveaux - very limited - allocation
From a tiny parcel of less than 0.3 ha of north-east facing vines planted in 1953 located very close to Grand Cru Echezeaux, aged in 50% new oak, 50% 1 yo oak. Produces just 3 barrels in a good year of finely structured more mineral wine of great perfume and spice. Not far from the Chambolle border and it always shows in it finesse and perfume.
Though the colour is no deeper, here the fruit wins out entirely over the oak. There is significant density here without losing the graceful style of the Cathiard 2023s. A darker fruit, perhaps, but entirely balanced with the structure. Drink from 2032-2038. Tasted Nov 2024. (93-95), Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots - very limited - allocation
From a tiny 0.163 ha of vines planted 1969 on the lower part of the vineyard with richer soil which borders on to Grand cru Echezeaux. Aged in 50% new oak, 50% 1 yo oak. Just 3 barrels produced in a normal vintage. This is always a very deep and intense wine with layers of fruit and seemingly endless depth.
A paler crimson ruby. After the definitive presence of En Orveaux, the Suchots style floats lightly. Aiming for the ethereal. The fruit in the mouth is a bright fresh pure red, alpine strawberry model, and continues through to the back of the palate, without falling away as sometimes Suchots can do. A success. Drink from 2031-2038. Tasted Nov 2024. (93-95), Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Reignots  - very limited - allocation
From the youngest vines of the domaine, planted in 1997 located above Grand Cru La Romanee. With holdings totaling 0.2468 ha located in the middle of the vineyard, Cathiard is the second largest landowner from this tiny 1er cru vineyard producing 5 barrels in a good vintage. The wine aged in 50% new oak, 50% 1 yo oak.
The Reignots was planted in 1997 so these are no longer young vines. A fine mid ruby purple. Immediate elegance and charm. A few tendrils of oak playing around the vivid fresh red fruit. On the palate the oak also shows its presence but this will calm with time. Drink from 2031-2037. Tasted Nov 2024. (91-94), Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts  - very limited - allocation
From 0.74 ha of vines planted early 1970’s located close to Grand Cru La Tache, aged in 2/3rds new oak, 1/3rd 1 yo oak. A wine of rare breed and depth of Grand cru quality and dimension.
Just a little deeper in colour, a fresh pale purple. The bouquet expresses the joy of Malconsorts, floral as well as with an exquisite darker cherry fruit and as usual this is by far the most complete wine on the palate with a deep cherry expression, just more red cherry than black, but with a sense of harmony that excites. Drink from 2032-2040. Tasted Nov 2024.
(94-97), Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025

2023 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru  - very limited - allocation
From 0.1673 ha of vines planted 1919 aged in 2 new barrels and 1 one year old barrel. Cathiard is the smallest land owner of this Grand Cru making 3 barrels in a good vintage. This holding was purchased in 1984 from Thomas Moillard after many years of share-cropping for the Moillard family. This arrangement was begun in 1941 so it is possible that the Cathiard family have been producing from this site since that time. The Cathiard plot adjoins the village in a direct line below Romanee Conti and La Romanee and 1er cru Reignots.
A vibrant ruby colour. The bouquet is higher toned than Malconsorts, all clearly in vivacious red berry fruit. The palate is more linear than the Malconsorts, less seductive perhaps, but with a classical backbone, which will show its class with considerably longer in bottle. The finish is both persistent and exquisite. Drink from 2033-2043. Tasted Nov 2024.
(95-98), Jasper Morris M.W., Inside Burgundy, January 2025