Domaine Chandon de Briailles Pernand‑Vergelesses 1er Cru ‘Île des Vergelesses’ 2021

This wine opens with a slightly deep ruby rim, but the core is mid-ruby rather than inky. On the nose: red cherries and raspberries, under-layered by wild herbs (fennel frond, thyme), beetroot earth, a hint of white pepper and a lithic mineral note. It doesn’t shout; it whispers.

On the palate: the fruit is fine-toned rather than bold — think ripe red berries, cranberry skins, gently tart rather than jammy. But more importantly, there’s a sleek tension: firm acidity, fine yet perceptible tannins, and a salty minerality that cuts through. The finish is savoury, herbal, with lingering stone-dust and a suggestion of tea-leaf tannin. This isn’t a “big show-off” wine; it’s measured, refined and built for evolution.

In short: elegance with spine. Not for the impatient drinker.

Vintage & Context: How 2021 Shaped It

• The 2021 vintage in Burgundy presented very low yields, cooler conditions in some stretches, and a delayed ripening compared with the extremely early 2020. According to one importer the 2021 “Île des Vergelesses” shows some stemmy / wild hedgerow tones and a firmer finish.
• The terroir: The “Île des Vergelesses” parcel of the estate is old-vines, excellent limestone/iron soils, and the domaine’s biodynamic/vinification style emphasises purity, minimal new wood, etc. That means the vintage’s challenges (cooler end, lower yields) have pushed the wine toward finesse rather than muscularity. 
• Implication: Because 2021 saw more tension and less over-ripeness compared with warm years, the wine shows more “classic Burgundy austerity” — good for those who like structure over fruit bomb. But the risk: It may lack the ripe generosity of a warmer year and thus might feel a little compact early.

Drinking Window

• Earliest sensible drink time: ~ 2026

• Best drinking window: 2028–2036

• Peak potential: 2032 onward

• Maximum life: 2040+ (if well cellared)

Note: Some retailers suggest drinking 2027-2045. 

If you open before 2026, decant well (an hour at minimum) and expect austerity rather than lushness