At a glance

Producer

David Duband

Region

Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-$55 USD

Tasting profile

Red cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry, hints of rose petal and gentle spice. Subtle earth, a touch of forest floor, fresh acidity, and supple tannins.

Evolution: Over next 3-5 years, expect tertiary notes: dried flowers, sous-bois, subtle game, and more integrated spice. Fruit will mellow and secondary earthy elements will become prominent.

At peak: At peak: harmonious mix of red fruits, autumnal earth, subtle truffle, and forest notes. Silky texture, vibrant finish, elegant complexity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-High - refreshing and supporting good aging

Tannins

Medium - fine and slightly firm, typical of Côtes de Nuits Pinot Noir

Alcohol

12.5%-13% ABV (typical for this producer and vintage)

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage; will develop more complex tertiary notes with several years of cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2039

Optimal window

2024 to 2042

Current status

Entering early drinking plateau; will benefit from short-term cellaring

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, with youthful fruit and developing earthy complexity. Drinking well now, but secondary notes will emerge with 1-2 years additional cellaring.

2020 is a ripe, balanced vintage in Burgundy. Duband’s Hautes Côtes de Nuits Louis Auguste, from higher-elevation vineyards, ages slower than most generic Bourgogne due to naturally higher acidity and quality winemaking. This producer’s wines have a documented ability to gain complexity over up to a decade, especially from strong recent vintages. Not ‘Grand Cru’ longevity, but clearly above average regional Burgundy. Peak expected 2025-2030, with graceful evolution through 2033.

Food pairing

Roast duck, chicken with herbes de Provence, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, charcuterie, aged Gruyère cheese. Pairs well with earthy, umami-driven dishes and simple roasted meats.

Serving

Serving temperature

15-17°C / 59-62°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Gentle aeration will soften tannins, release delicate aromatics, and integrate notes more quickly in its youth.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

David Duband employs organic viticulture (certified), eschewing synthetic herbicides and pesticides. Soils tilled mechanically, cover cropping to enhance biodiversity, and ploughing by horse on some sites. Minimal intervention in winery; gravity-flow processes reduce energy. Lightweight bottles and recyclable packaging used for many cuvées.

David Duband is a recognized leader in sustainable viticulture in Burgundy, with official organic certification and commitment to biodiversity. The winery invests in ecological balance and minimizes chemical use at all stages. While bottling and packaging are more sustainable than most baseline Burgundies, carbon footprint mainly rises from international freight. Overall, this wine is a strong example of sustainable fine Burgundy.