Chardonnay
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Domaine des Deux Roches,
Ready, but will keep,
Our 2018 White Burgundy has been made in collaboration with our good friends Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray. This delicious expression of mineral Burgundian Chardonnay has delicate floral aromas, while the palate abounds with ripe citrus and peach fruit, finishing on a subtle, smoky note thanks to well-judged oak. An excellent Apéritif, or an ideal match for salads, seafood and lighter meat dishes.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Drink now,
Sourced from the Frankland River in Western Australia, from Frankland Estate, this wine embodies freshness and a glorious purity of fruit, reflecting the region's cooler climate. The characteristic salinity on the nose and palate is met by vibrant lemon zest and stony notes. The palate is poised; white peach and citrus layer with vibrant acidity and a touch of creaminess adds to the complexity of this classically proportioned wine.
Katherine Dart, Buyer (autumn 2018)
Katherine Dart, Buyer (autumn 2018)
Domaine du Colombier, Chablis,
Ready, but will keep,
The warm and luminous 2018 growing season has lent a touch of generosity to our Chablis. It is a blend of four different vineyard parcels in Chichée, a village renowned for producing fresh, mineral wines. Fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the wine’s crisp, citrus fruit and steely freshness, this classically styled Chablis is a perfect match for seafood and fresh cheeses.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Olivier Merlin,
Ready, but will keep,
The fruit for our Pouilly-Fuissé comes from a number of excellent vineyards across the villages of Vergisson and Chaintré. Olivier Merlin’s skilful winemaking draws together the various elements to create a wine which offers generous peach and apricot flavours, underpinned by a crystalline thread of electric acidity, and rounded out by smoky oak and a satisfying, stony finish. An ideal partner for salmon quiche or cheese soufflé.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Domaine Patrick Javillier,
Ready, but will improve,
Our 2017 Meursault comes from a selection of vineyards from across the village, including the well-regarded Murgers de Monthélie and Les Clous. Raised completely in oak barrels to give smoky aromas and the hallmark buttered toast notes of classic Meursault, this wine has broad shoulders and rich stone-fruit flavours which are complemented by a racy, saline finish.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy,
Ready, but will improve,
A blend of 10 different vineyard plots across the appellation, our 2017 Puligny-Montrachet is a benchmark example of this famous village. The charming nose offers stone-fruit, white flowers and a touch of spicy oak, while the invigorating palate delivers crystalline citrus and tangy, saline minerals. Lacy, delicate and refined, this is a wine which is best enjoyed at the table, ideally with seared scallops or sole meunière.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Ready, but will keep,
The 2018 vintage was something of a miracle for Jean-Michel Droin. Never in his career (which now spans half a century) had he seen such a combination of quality and bumper quantity. His 2018 Macon-Solutré Le Clos is characterised by sunny aromas of peach, pineapple and ripe citrus fruit. Raised exclusively in stainless steel, the palate feels rounded yet refreshing. In short, this is a great all-rounder – and not only for the cricket season. Drink now to 2021.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (spring 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (spring 2019)
Domaine des Deux Roches,
Ready, but will keep,
This excellent example of unoaked white Burgundy comes from our friends at Domaine des Deux Roches. Its fresh, citrussy character owes much to the north-westerly aspect of the vineyard, which ensures the grapes here ripen slowly and retain plenty of acidity. Winemaker Jean-Luc Terrier (a committed gastronome) suggests pairing it with shellfish, creamy chicken dishes or goats’ cheese. Drink now to 2020.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Pandolfi Price, Agricola Santa Ines,
Ready, but will keep,
The Pandolfi Price family bought an exceptional site in the cool Itata Valley in 2002. Twenty-five hectares of dry-farmed Chardonnay vines had been planted there since 1992 and grapes were sold to other companies until 2007. Realising the high quality of the site’s terroir, the family started making its first wines in 2008.
Crisp notes of lemon and grapefruit dominate the nose, with subtle lemon pâtisserie hinting at a slightly richer mouth-feel – a result of 18 months on lees. On the palate, this richer texture is well-balanced by the fresh acidity which maintains the clean, energetic style of this wine. Drink now to 2021.
Crisp notes of lemon and grapefruit dominate the nose, with subtle lemon pâtisserie hinting at a slightly richer mouth-feel – a result of 18 months on lees. On the palate, this richer texture is well-balanced by the fresh acidity which maintains the clean, energetic style of this wine. Drink now to 2021.
Domaine Berthenet,
Ready, but will keep,
François Berthenet is a name to watch in the still somewhat underrated appellation of Montagny. This wine, which François describes as “emblematic” of his family’s domaine, is blended from numerous parcels (primarily on clay-limestone soil) around the village of Montagny-lès-Buxy. It is raised exclusively in stainless steel. The nose is explosive and seductive – a mélange of stone-fruit, citrus and white pepper. The palate is taut and mineral but with a hedonistic pineapple twist on the finish. A versatile food wine, it works a treat with prawn and avocado salad. Drink now to 2020.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Olivier Merlin,
Ready, but will improve,
This product is included in our mix and match offer, which is available until 31st December. Choose 12 bottles from this selection for £200 or 24 bottles for £380.
This wine shows the quality of this excellent, chalky site. The nose is smoky and spicy, with a little oak showing. The fruit is rich and dense on entry, with some complex floral notes too, but what is most impressive is the tension and acidity of this wine, which finishes on a chalky note as though sucking on a stone. Drink 2020-2025.
Olivier is taking many steps to counteract the warmer summers and earlier harvests; managing the canopy to protect grapes from sunburn, using late-ripening rootstocks, reducing the amount of new oak he uses to keep the wines feeling fresher, and bringing harvest dates forward to retain acidity. The 2017 crop is around 15 percent down due to the dry summer which stressed the grapes. Picking began on 27th August and Olivier feels the wines are a little richer than 2016, but still with very good balance and well-integrated oak.
This wine shows the quality of this excellent, chalky site. The nose is smoky and spicy, with a little oak showing. The fruit is rich and dense on entry, with some complex floral notes too, but what is most impressive is the tension and acidity of this wine, which finishes on a chalky note as though sucking on a stone. Drink 2020-2025.
Olivier is taking many steps to counteract the warmer summers and earlier harvests; managing the canopy to protect grapes from sunburn, using late-ripening rootstocks, reducing the amount of new oak he uses to keep the wines feeling fresher, and bringing harvest dates forward to retain acidity. The 2017 crop is around 15 percent down due to the dry summer which stressed the grapes. Picking began on 27th August and Olivier feels the wines are a little richer than 2016, but still with very good balance and well-integrated oak.
Heritiers du Comte Lafon,
Ready, but will keep,
The 2018 crop was generous in the Mâconnais, but there was no negative effect on the quality of the wines – quite the opposite, in fact, in the case of the Mâcon-Villages from Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon, which contains de-classified fruit from some of the region’s most celebrated vineyards. As ever, this wine’s calling card is zippy acidity and a citrus-fruit attack segueing into richer stone-fruit notes on the mid-palate. A proportion of the ’18 was aged for six months in large oak foudres, contributing extra complexity and texture. A luxurious apéritif, it also pairs brilliantly will all manner of dishes from tandoori chicken to salmon and asparagus quiche. Drink now to 2022.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Olivier Merlin,
Ready, but will improve,
The vines here are relatively young, having mostly been planted since Olivier and Corinne set up the domaine in the late 1980s. This youthful vigour gives the wine an impressive freshness and fruitforward approachability. Fermented and raised entirely in tank, this shows the purity and vibrancy of Chardonnay, with a pleasant citrus bitterness on the finish. Drink 2018-2020.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Olivier and Corinne Merlin have been established in the Mâconnais village of La Roche Vineuse since 1987. Over the years they have bought the domaine which they originally rented, built a new cuverie, planted new vineyards locally and spread out into further appellations such as Pouilly-Fuissé and Moulin-à-Vent. Theirs has been one of the great success stories of the modern Mâconnais. They expect to be joined shortly by sons Théo and Paul. Having made his first wines in 1987, this year represents Olivier’s 30th vintage in La Roche Vineuse. It is fair to say that in this time he has contributed much to raising standards in the Mâconnais. Proof of his great skill as a winemaker came in the form of a bottle of 1990 Mâcon La Roche Vineuse Vieilles Vignes, a highlight of a lunch at Berry Bros. & Rudd in July to mark Jasper Morris’s retirement.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Olivier and Corinne Merlin have been established in the Mâconnais village of La Roche Vineuse since 1987. Over the years they have bought the domaine which they originally rented, built a new cuverie, planted new vineyards locally and spread out into further appellations such as Pouilly-Fuissé and Moulin-à-Vent. Theirs has been one of the great success stories of the modern Mâconnais. They expect to be joined shortly by sons Théo and Paul. Having made his first wines in 1987, this year represents Olivier’s 30th vintage in La Roche Vineuse. It is fair to say that in this time he has contributed much to raising standards in the Mâconnais. Proof of his great skill as a winemaker came in the form of a bottle of 1990 Mâcon La Roche Vineuse Vieilles Vignes, a highlight of a lunch at Berry Bros. & Rudd in July to mark Jasper Morris’s retirement.
Didier & Pascal Picq,
Drink now,
Blended from numerous parcels across Chichée, this is a classic, mineral rendition of village Chablis. Didier’s policy is to age his wines exclusively in stainless steel tanks. For a food pairing, look no further than shellfish or sushi. Drink now to 2021.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (November 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (November 2019)
Jean-Philippe Fichet,
Ready, but will improve,
The yield here was just 28hl/ha on average and the resultant concentration is noticeable. The fruit profile is more citrus-driven than one often expects from this wine, with a hint of grapefruit and lime. Saline and a touch austere at present, this will fill out in time. Drink 2019-2023.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Fichet’s big step forward came in 2000 when he moved the whole operation to splendid cellars at Le Creux du Coche by the Hôpital de Meursault. Jean-Philippe is looking for purity in his wines. He deals mostly with lieux-dits in Meursault with just one Premier Cru in Puligny. Constantly experimenting and refining, his wines have real definition and individuality, with the individual terroirs clearly exposed. The wines are raised in barrel for the first year, using larger demi- muids for the lesser appellations, then assembled in tank. A maximum of 30 percent new oak is used on any cuvée. It is hard not to be infected by Jean- Philippe’s enthusiasm and positivity. Despite being 40 percent down in 2016, he remained upbeat, explaining that he sees the variability of vintages as part and parcel of a vigneron ’s lot. The losses could have been much worse, but the domaine is equipped with candles which protect against frost and they work hard in the vines to keep grass low to reduce the risk of frost damage. He declared himself happy with the quality, but feels it is a vintage which will require patience on the part of the consumer, as many of the wines will be more austere in youth than those of 2015.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Fichet’s big step forward came in 2000 when he moved the whole operation to splendid cellars at Le Creux du Coche by the Hôpital de Meursault. Jean-Philippe is looking for purity in his wines. He deals mostly with lieux-dits in Meursault with just one Premier Cru in Puligny. Constantly experimenting and refining, his wines have real definition and individuality, with the individual terroirs clearly exposed. The wines are raised in barrel for the first year, using larger demi- muids for the lesser appellations, then assembled in tank. A maximum of 30 percent new oak is used on any cuvée. It is hard not to be infected by Jean- Philippe’s enthusiasm and positivity. Despite being 40 percent down in 2016, he remained upbeat, explaining that he sees the variability of vintages as part and parcel of a vigneron ’s lot. The losses could have been much worse, but the domaine is equipped with candles which protect against frost and they work hard in the vines to keep grass low to reduce the risk of frost damage. He declared himself happy with the quality, but feels it is a vintage which will require patience on the part of the consumer, as many of the wines will be more austere in youth than those of 2015.
Domaine des Deux Roches,
Ready, but will keep,
This powerful, seductive St Véran hails from a single, south-facing parcel of 60-year-old vines at the foot of the Roche de Vergisson. The wine takes its name from the soil here, which is rich in humus and therefore darker than elsewhere in the appellation. Prepare to be seduced by a bouquet centred on stone-fruit and white flowers. There’s an attractive buttery character to the palate, indicative of six months in barrel prior to bottling in the late spring. The finish is long, with a refreshing citrus twist. Drink now to 2020.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Domaine des Gerbeaux,
Ready, but will improve,
From a vineyard with pale, pebbly limestone soil, this is the tensest, most mineral of Jean-Michel’s Pouilly-Fuissés. It’s raised in one-year-old oak barrels, which contribute an attractive buttery note to the nose. Despite the warmth of the vintage, there’s plenty of refreshing acidity on the palate. Easy to enjoy as an apéritif, it’s also a great match for chicken Caesar salad. Drink now to 2021.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (August 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (August 2019)
Olivier Merlin,
Ready, but will improve,
Located in the south of Burgundy, the Mâconnais is an excellent source of good-value white wine, typically offering a sunnier and fruitier style of Burgundy. Olivier Merlin set up his domaine from scratch in the late 1980s with his wife, Corinne. He quickly established himself as one of the best winemakers in the region.
Vibrant pale lemon in colour, this wine sees between 10 and 15% new oak during the élevage, which serves to add a touch of complexity and breadth to the vibrant citrus fruit. There is excellent concentration and a focused, mineral purity which shines through. Drink now to 2022.
Vibrant pale lemon in colour, this wine sees between 10 and 15% new oak during the élevage, which serves to add a touch of complexity and breadth to the vibrant citrus fruit. There is excellent concentration and a focused, mineral purity which shines through. Drink now to 2022.
Waterford Estate,
Drink now,
The fruit for this single-vineyard Chardonnay is sourced from some of the oldest vines in South Africa. The 2016 vintage was particularly dry and warm in the region, but thanks to the Helderberg mountain’s proximity to the ocean, the grapes could cool down at night and retain good acidity. This resulted in a wine with great concentration, lifted by refreshing minerality and a vibrant perfumed nose. On the palate, there’s an abundance of lime and stone-fruit, with a gentle hint of well-judged oak. It’s perfumed and vibrant now but will develop beautifully to 2021.
Stefania Masin - Wine Buyer
Stefania Masin - Wine Buyer
Chardonnay is the "Big Daddy" of white wine grapes and one of the most widely planted in the world. It is suited to a wide variety of soils, though it excels in soils with a high limestone content as found in Champagne, Chablis, and the Côte D`Or.
Burgundy is Chardonnay's spiritual home and the best White Burgundies are dry, rich, honeyed wines with marvellous poise, elegance and balance. They are unquestionably the finest dry white wines in the world. Chardonnay plays a crucial role in the Champagne blend, providing structure and finesse, and is the sole grape in Blanc de Blancs.
It is quantitatively important in California and Australia, is widely planted in Chile and South Africa, and is the second most widely planted grape in New Zealand. In warm climates Chardonnay has a tendency to develop very high sugar levels during the final stages of ripening and this can occur at the expense of acidity. Late picking is a common problem and can result in blowsy and flabby wines that lack structure and definition.
Recently in the New World, we have seen a move towards more elegant, better- balanced and less oak-driven Chardonnays, and this is to be welcomed.