2008 St Romain Blanc, Domaine de Bellene (Potel)

In 2007 Nicolas Potel produced the first wines from his own domaine, having refurbished an old winery in Beaune to the highest ecological standards. Since then he has changed the name of his business to Domaine de Bellene. The wines are made under Nicolas’ guidance by the talented Sylvain Debord.

Global warming is bringing the wines of St Romain to the fore. The vineyards are a little higher than most on the Côte de Beaune, but nowadays the grapes ripen much more consistently than in the past. Most of the domaine’s holdings are in the highly sought after Sous Roche and Sous Le Château vineyards.

2008 was a late harvest, though fortunately the weather held into October when most of the grapes were picked. The cool dry north wind which prevailed concentrated the grapes. Fermented and matured in large oak demi-muids, this St Romain Blanc wine displays a touch of apple on the nose, delicious freshness behind the flesh and a lovely aftertaste; skilfully made.
(Jasper Morris MW, BBR Buyer)

Classy white Burgundy from Nicolas Potel's operation, this is minerally and taut with delightful elegance and smoky complexity. Very long.
(Tim Atkin MW, Top 20 Picks from Berrys' Summer Sale, www.timatkin.com, 14 July 2011)

A classy white Burgundy with hints of hazelnuts, oak and some seriously mouth-watering sourdough aromas too. Generous on the palate with baked apples. Despite its voluptuousness, it finishes crisp and clean with a lovely lemon sourness. Crafted under the guidance of Nicolas Potel.
The Wine Gang, www.thewinegang.com, July 2011