The 2009 Beaune is a striking wine. It possesses gorgeous inner perfume, layers of expressive fruit and stunning overall balance at this level. The tannins are a touch firm, but that doesn't materially detract from what is an achingly beautiful wine loaded with personality. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019.  ANTONIO GALLONI

Domaine Newman is one of the more interesting stories I have come across in Burgundy. For several decades American proprietor Chris Newman lost full control of his family's vineyards, including the crown jewel parcels in Bonnes-Mares and Mazis-Chambertin. A few years ago Newman reclaimed those vineyards and began focusing on organic farming and making high quality wines. It will take some time for the vineyards, especially the grand crus, to recover from several decades of industrial farming, but the wines I tasted from more recently purchased vineyards Newman has fully controlled for longer are very promising, including two spectacular Monthelies. Newman sold a parcel in Latricieres-Chambertin to buy his vineyard in Monthelie, which sounds crazy - until you taste the wines." ANTONIO GALLONI

Chris Newman has been steadily acquiring new vineyards in recent years and now owns nearly six hectares of vines.  Control of his grand cru holdings Mazi-Chambertin and Bonnes-Mares reverted back to him in 2008, and 2009 was the first year he worked these vines from start to finish.  Australian enologist Jane Eyre, who now assists Newman in the cellar, told me that the estate has been 100% organic and biodynamic since 2005.  Eyre vinified the 2009 grand crus with about 30% whole clusters. TANZER