MARCH 2025 – We are no longer able to review US pinot noir…
With Allen spending nearly 6 months a year in Burgundy, added to our speaking engagement schedule, and the time it takes to publish our quarterly issues which equates to four books a year, we regret we are no longer able to review US pinot noir (primarily California and Oregon). This was an extremely difficult decision for us – especially because we have a tremendous amount of respect for the producers who have achieved so much and are producing exceptional wines. Given that Allen and Erica have been personally involved with California and Oregon pinot since the 1980s, and, in a sense, watched it grow up, made this an even harder decision to make. We have been long-time collectors and will continue to be.
Our readers should note this decision has nothing to do with our opinions of US pinot. In fact, we truly believe they continue to go from strength to strength. But there are only so many things that one individual can accomplish and do so in the professional manner that both producers, and our readers, rightfully expect and deserve. Once the current samples in our possession are reviewed, our “US pinot program” will formally end. Just as we will continue to support US pinot, as well as purchase and enjoy them, likewise, we hope our readers, who share our enthusiasm for all things pinot, will continue to explore the great wines they are producing.
WINE SUBMISSIONS – Producers and importers should consider holding off on submitting samples during the especially hot months of July, August and most of September – or at least submit overnight (or 2-day) with ice packs. Some couriers (i.e. FedEx) now deliver on weekends – please remember we only accept samples during office hours Monday through Friday.
SHIPPING ADDRESS
Burghound.com
5340 Calvin Ave.
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 345-9030 officeburghound@burghound.com
While Allen spends several months each year tasting and reviewing wines in France, for Champagne and for burgundy producers Allen is unable to visit due to time constraints, we request samples be sent to Burghound.com for review. For producers/importers interested in submitting their red and/or white burgundy (including Chablis and Beaujolais) and/or Champagne samples for review, the following will provide the necessary information. If you have any questions, please e-mail Chris Meadows at officeburghound@burghound.com. At this time, and due entirely to time constraints, we are only able to review red and white Burgundy and Champagne.
Please note that for shipments from France, samples should be submitted through an importer so proper customs paperwork is included. We do not have an import number or a liquor license.
We understand some critics do not comment upon any wine receiving less than a certain score. By contrast, our policy is simple: During domaine visits, if a wine is presented for consideration, and it is to the best of our knowledge representative of the final product and has finished both its primary and secondary fermentations, then it is reviewed – no exceptions. We follow the same policy for sample submissions – a finished wine in bottle that is submitted, will be reviewed.
There is no set submission schedule. Samples may be submitted throughout the year and will be reviewed in the order received. Champagne reviews appear in the quarterly issues as continuous ongoing coverage. Burgundy will be reviewed in the issue appropriate for the submissions (i.e. Côte de Nuits reds, Côte de Beaune reds, Côte d’Or whites or Chablis/Mâconnais/Côte Chalonnaise – or depending on the timing, may be added to an En Plus section that includes wines that are reviewed/tasted outside of the theme of the current issue.
Please keep in mind it is very hot in Los Angeles, particularly from July through most of September and producers/importers should be mindful of the weather. Upon receipt, samples are kept in a temperature controlled wine cellar – however that may not mitigate any negative effects of arriving in a 115º delivery truck! As a rule, wines arriving from outside the U.S., will usually rest a minimum of one month after arrival.
For evaluation and commentary, please submit one (or two) bottle(s) of each current release wine to the address above. Samples should be for the finished wine as it will be presented to the open market; they should not be barrel samples. The only reason to submit two bottles is if there is a problem with the first bottle. We do not have time to request a back-up bottle, so Allen will have to review the wine as presented; however, please note that two bottles is not a requirement. It is very helpful to have any relevant information you may provide on vintage characteristics and the specific technical particulars of each wine; such particulars might include grape source(s), alcohol levels, production figures and whether some percentage of whole clusters was used as well as whether fining or filtering was employed. For Champagne, please be sure to include the SRP and the dosage and disgorgement dates are extremely useful. For domaines that have not been reviewed before, producer history and contact information (phone number and website), and importer information (if applicable) is very useful.
Allen understands how important it is to evaluate wines in the proper circumstances and we guarantee that each and every wine is given adequate time in the glass to display itself to best advantage. If necessary, this will include revisiting wines later in the day or even the following day. As mentioned above, we also allow ample resting time in a temperature controlled wine cellar after the wines are received to help mitigate any travel shock effects. In short, our goal is to arrive at the most accurate evaluation of each and every wine. Of course we understand that young wines do not always reveal themselves or their full potentials right away.
Participants should note that if they are not a subscriber, they can contact Chris Meadows at officeBurghound@Burghound.com to request reviews for their wines which we are happy to forward free of charge. Issue release dates are approximately mid-January, mid-April, mid-June and mid-October. Again, to stress, a producer does NOT have to be a subscriber or even purchase a single issue to get his/her reviews. Shipments are received during normal business hours Monday-Friday.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to write. We very much appreciate your participation and we thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Erica, Allen and Chris Meadows
SHIPPING:
Burghound.com
5340 Calvin Ave.
Tarzana, CA 91356, USA
(818) 345-9030 (Erica) – officeburghound@burghound.com
