Wines Fixin Domaine Philippe Robert & Fils - Entre Deux Vieilles - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Philippe Robert & Fils’ Cuvée Entre Deux Vieilles 2023 from Fixin AOC is a classic expression of northern Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir. The 2023 vintage, marked by a temperate growing season and favourable ripeness, offers a lively yet nuanced profile. Typically, Fixin reds, and particularly those from old vines as suggested by “Entre Deux Vieilles”, display intense ruby colours and an aromatic bouquet of red and black cherry, wild strawberry, and gentle earthiness. The palate tends to be structured, with vibrant acidity and finely woven tannins, showing both the robust and delicate sides of Pinot Noir. Domaine Philippe Robert & Fils adheres to traditional Burgundian vinification, with careful manual harvesting, gentle pressing, and ageing in French oak barrels, which adds subtle notes of spice and complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Fixin is situated at the northern tip of the Côte de Nuits, just south of Dijon. This appellation, sometimes overshadowed by its illustrious neighbours Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée, is renowned for its stony, marl-limestone soils that lend a distinctive minerality and tension to its reds. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cool nights, which contribute to a pronounced freshness and elegance in the finished wines. Fixin itself has a long heritage of winemaking, with many producers working with old, low-yielding vines to create wines of depth and ageing potential.

This Fixin Rouge will pair beautifully with classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin, duck confit, or oeufs en meurette. Earthy flavours such as wild mushrooms or roasted root vegetables would be excellent fits, as well as mild game or even a roasted chicken with herbs. For a local touch, try a pairing with jambon persillé or mature Epoisses cheese to draw out the wine’s subtle earth and spice notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool, at 15-16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving will help reveal the aromatic complexity and soften the youthful tannins. This bottle promises pleasure now, but a couple of years’ cellaring will allow further evolution and integration.