Pinot Noir
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Greystone Wines,
Ready, but will keep,
We are delighted that our own-label New Zealand Pinot Noir has once again been produced for us by Pinot Noir specialist, Greystone, in North Canterbury. This delicious 2016 has a gorgeously open nose of red and black cherries. The fleshy fruit continues on the palate, accompanied by an extremely appealing savoury quality and a smoky element that draws you in. The wine is very attractive, both vibrant and refreshing, and the long finish gives it real gravitas.
Catriona Felstead MW
Catriona Felstead MW
Bottle
£17.95
Case price (6)
£96.90
Saving
£10.80
Bottle 6 x 75cl 203cs
£67.74
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Benjamin Leroux,
Ready, but will improve,
Our Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir is a new addition to our own-label range, made from 100 percent Côte d’Or fruit to obtain this prestigious new appellation (which only came into existence from the 2017 vintage). The fruit is in fact declassified Chorey-lès-Beaune, from very old vines and sourced with the help of star négociant Benjamin Leroux exclusively for Berry Bros. & Rudd. Unsurprisingly, the wine offers remarkable complexity, with pretty, floral top-notes accompanying the charming red-berry fruit. Elegant and delicate, this is Burgundian Pinot Noir in its most elemental expression.
Adam Bruntlett - Wine Buyer
Adam Bruntlett - Wine Buyer
Bottle
£18.80
Bottle 12 x 75cl 90cs
£162.00
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Au Bon Climat,
Ready, but will keep,
This Pinot Noir has been made exclusively for us by Jim Clendenen from Au Bon Climat. The fruit is sourced from a single vineyard, named “Kick on” located in the Los Alamos Valley, just north of the Santa Rita Hills and to the south of the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. The vineyard benefits from cool ocean breezes that help the wine to achieve freshness and purity.
This is bright, pale ruby in colour with a red-berry profile. The nose is full of wild strawberries, dark cherries and rose-petal perfume. It has refreshing and lively acidity with a juicy, concentrated core and fine-grained tannins. Spice and herbal notes create layers of complexity on the finish of this incredibly well-balanced wine. Drink now to 2020.
Bottle
£24.95
Case price (6)
£134.70
Saving
£15.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 94cs
£198.48
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Benjamin Leroux,
Ready, but will improve,
Our 2016 Nuits-St Georges has once again been made for us by the talented Benjamin Leroux. We have blended the fruit of two vineyards — Aux St Jacques and Les Fleuriöres — to paint a complete picture of the appellation. The former provides floral perfume, elegant tannins and red berry fruit, while the latter gives structure, spice and black fruit. It's an irresistible combination which should be enjoyed now or over the next few years. Adam Bruntlett
Bottle
£35.00
Case price (12)
£378.00
Saving
£42.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 166cs
£288.96
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Domaine Rossignol-Trapet,
Ready, but will keep,
This Gevrey-Chambertin is made for us by the organic Rossignol-Trapet family, who select the fruit from parcels scattered across the village. Beautiful pale ruby in colour and with a charming bouquet of red berry fruits, it is a seductive prospect. But don't be fooled by the delicate nose, the palate has genuine power and an unerring poise and purity. The finely-honed structure makes this an excellent match for game, as well as lighter red meat dishes like roast lamb.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Bottle
£35.00
Case price (6)
£189.00
Saving
£21.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 157cs
£288.96
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Benjamin Leroux,
Ready, but will keep,
For our 2015 Nuits-St Georges, Benjamin Leroux has succeeded in marrying the rich black fruit and silky tannins of the vintage with Nuits’s classic spice. There is an underlying elegance which tames the appellation’s sauvage character. The result is versatile; try it with poultry and red meat dishes.
Adam Bruntlett - Wine Buyer
Adam Bruntlett - Wine Buyer
Bottle
£35.00
Case price (6)
£189.00
Saving
£21.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 115cs
£288.96
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Bottle
£15.50
Case price (12)
£167.40
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£18.60
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£113.52
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Bottle
£15.95
Case price (12)
£172.20
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£19.20
Bottle 6 x 75cl 19cs
£58.74
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Domaine Jean Fournier,
Ready, but will keep,
Marsannay, Cuvée St Urbain is a blend from various sites. It shows a fine midpurple colour, with dense rich fruit on the nose with some dark notes. Elegant and lively, the fruit spreads out very well across the palate, silky and delicious.
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director
One of the brightest talents in the northern Côte de Nuits is Laurent Fournier who runs the estate which carries his father’s name, as well as being the man in charge of the dossier for defining some Premier Cru vineyards in Marsannay. We have been hugely impressed with his wines for several years and are now offering them En Primeur for the first time. There is a quality of fruit here which fully reflects the joys of the Côte de Nuits, yet at rather more affordable prices.
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director
One of the brightest talents in the northern Côte de Nuits is Laurent Fournier who runs the estate which carries his father’s name, as well as being the man in charge of the dossier for defining some Premier Cru vineyards in Marsannay. We have been hugely impressed with his wines for several years and are now offering them En Primeur for the first time. There is a quality of fruit here which fully reflects the joys of the Côte de Nuits, yet at rather more affordable prices.
Bottle
£17.15
Case price (12)
£205.80
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Bottle
£17.95
Case price (12)
£193.80
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£21.60
Bottle 12 x 75cl 13cs
£135.48
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Domaine de Montille,
Ready, but will keep,
A red-purple hue with attractive fruit, flora and gentle in the mouth. There is refreshing acidity behind, but the lovely floral notes win out. High class Bourgogne.
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer
Harvest began during the last week in September and finished just before the storm. There was less whole bunch vinification for the wines affected by hail, but Volnay Taillepieds, Pommard Rugiens, Corton Clos du Roi and the wines from the Côte de Nuits were all predominantly vinified with their stems.
Bottle
£18.55
Case price (12)
£222.60
Bottle 12 x 75cl 5cs
£159.48
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Bottle
£18.95
Case price (12)
£204.60
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£22.80
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
£144.48
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Weingut Eymann,
Ready, but will keep,
Vincent Toreye, a passionate young winemaker, now leads the family business based in one of Germany’s warmest regions: the Pfalz. The estate focuses on a clear expression of terroir with several single-site wines. All its wines are certified both organic and biodynamic, highlighting the family’s focus on sustainability.
This is an accessible and refreshing Pinot Noir of outstanding value with bright red cherry and raspberry fruit aromas. Herbal top notes combine with a savoury spice character which continues on the mid-palate. The chalky tannins are balanced by lively acidity. Unfined and unfiltered, this wine offers an intriguing alternative to Burgundy. Drink now to 2022.
Bottle
£19.50
Case price (12)
£210.60
Saving
£23.40
Bottle 6 x 75cl 36cs
£74.76
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Pulenta Estate,
Drink now,
This is truly enticing, with gorgeous red fruit flavours on the nose, with more subtle aromas of forest floor now beginning to emerge. The palate’s fresh acidity speaks of the vineyards’ altitude but this is riper and fuller-bodied than many Old World Pinots. Twelve months in French oak barrels (30 percent of them new) seems well judged, imparting a luxurious caramel note to the long finish. Drink now to 2020.
Will Heslop, Wine Buyer
Will Heslop, Wine Buyer
Bottle
£20.95
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Bottle
£21.50
Case price (12)
£232.32
Saving
£25.68
Bottle 6 x 75cl 14cs
£83.76
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Domaine la Croix Montjoie,
Ready, but will keep,
Sophie and Mathieu buy the grapes for this cuvée from a friend who shares their meticulous approach in the vineyards. Aged for 12 months in old oak barrels, there’s a seductive, untamed character to this wine, beginning with its spice and red berry aromas. At three years old, the tannins remain satisfyingly assertive, whetting the appetite for a dish of red meat or hard, strong cheese.
Bottle
£21.95
Case price (12)
£237.00
Saving
£26.40
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
£85.74
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Olivier Merlin,
For laying down,
Olivier replanted the previous, inferior vines with cuttings of Pinot Fin taken from the Clos des Epeneaux 20 years ago. Pale ruby in colour, this is an elegant, delicate expression of Pinot Noir, full of red berry fruit and silky tannins. The limestone adds complexity in the form of fine, chalky tannins. Drink 2019-2023.
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.
Bottle
£22.50
Case price (12)
£243.00
Saving
£27.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 29cs
£176.52
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Domaine Jean Fournier,
Ready, but will keep,
Lovely, glowing, fresh, purple colour; this has a fabulous cherry and raspberry nose, clear pure fruit. With a little structure to keep it honest, this is otherwise very easy and appealing, with a nice touch of freshening acidity. Compelling at this price.
“Those who did the work in the vineyards will find it paid off in 2014”, opines Laurent Fournier. There is no problem with concentration if the yields were reasonable. He went through the vineyards twice, at the end of August and again just before picking, to remove any bunches he was not happy with. Even then he discarded two small plots of Clos du Roy so as to ensure that what made it to barrel, and then bottle, was first-rate. As indeed it is.
“Those who did the work in the vineyards will find it paid off in 2014”, opines Laurent Fournier. There is no problem with concentration if the yields were reasonable. He went through the vineyards twice, at the end of August and again just before picking, to remove any bunches he was not happy with. Even then he discarded two small plots of Clos du Roy so as to ensure that what made it to barrel, and then bottle, was first-rate. As indeed it is.
Bottle
£22.50
Case price (12)
£243.00
Saving
£27.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 14cs
£88.26
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Domaine Jean Fournier,
Ready, but will keep,
This is an assemblage of village vineyards and younger (but not young) vines of the hoped-for, future Premiers Crus. With lively raspberry, cherry and alpine strawberry notes, the wine has a silky texture and fine, long finish. Drink 2018-2023.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer
Laurent Fournier has made beautiful wines in 2015, keeping him cheerful during the trickier 2016 growing season. He began with his whites on 8th September before attacking the reds, finishing by 16th September. There was no need for sorting the completely healthy grapes nor for extraction because all came out naturally. The wines have been matured in a mix of bigger and normal-sized barrels. There is also an excellent Bourgogne Rouge Le Chapitre.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer
Laurent Fournier has made beautiful wines in 2015, keeping him cheerful during the trickier 2016 growing season. He began with his whites on 8th September before attacking the reds, finishing by 16th September. There was no need for sorting the completely healthy grapes nor for extraction because all came out naturally. The wines have been matured in a mix of bigger and normal-sized barrels. There is also an excellent Bourgogne Rouge Le Chapitre.
Bottle
£22.95
Case price (12)
£247.80
Saving
£27.60
Bottle 6 x 75cl 32cs
£90.24
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Bottle
£23.03
Case price (6)
£138.18
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
£102.12
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Domaine Danjean-Berthoux,
Ready, but will keep,
Whilst Givry is often seen as a good-value entry to red Burgundy, this wine is proof that the village is capable of producing more serious, age-worthy wines (of course at eminently sensible prices). The nose is spicy and somewhat brooding, with wild berries making an appearance alongside bramble notes. The palate offers a creamy texture and dense fruit, with supple and juicy tannins. What is remarkable about this wine, however, is the length of the finish, which lingers, carried along by the fine and polished tannins. Drink 2019-2024.
Adam Bruntlett, Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Adam Bruntlett, Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Bottle
£23.50
Case price (12)
£253.80
Saving
£28.20
Bottle 12 x 75cl 37cs
£185.52
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Patrice et Michele Rion,
For laying down,
Situated just a few hundred metres from the vineyards of Nuits-St Georges, Les Dames Huguettes is at an altitude of 300 to 450 metres, giving the wine a vivacious freshness and vibrancy. The cuvée was all barrel aged, but without any new oak, giving the wine a more rounded feel and just a touch of spice to accompany the juicy red berry fruit. The finish is chalky with a slightly wild edge which gives just a glimpse of Nuits character. Drink 2019-2024.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Patrice Rion and his wife Michèle began their own small domaine in 1990 with just two wines, Bourgogne Rouge, Les Bons Bâtons and Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras, while Patrice was still working as winemaker with his family at Domaine Daniel Rion. In 2000 Patrice left the family business to develop his own estate further. Today most of the vineyards are in Nuits-St Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Recent vintages have seen the increasing involvement of Patrice’s son Maxime. The Rion cellar is a bit emptier this year, partially because of the frost but also, more significantly, because their arrangement in Chambolle for Villages, Fuées, Amoureuses and Bonnes Mares has terminated, and 2015 was the last vintage of those lovely wines. Maxime Rion initially found the 2016s a little “monolithic” after fermentation, but they have discovered their terroir in barrel. The vintage shows more red fruit than black, with the fruit of frosted vineyards having more colour. The long, cool end of season reminds him of 1996 but, whereas that vintage is only starting to drink now, the 2016s will open up earlier. The estate also has a new wine, a Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits from the Dames Huguettes vineyard. It’s made from bought-in fruit, but chosen from an especially well-sited and tended vineyard.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Patrice Rion and his wife Michèle began their own small domaine in 1990 with just two wines, Bourgogne Rouge, Les Bons Bâtons and Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras, while Patrice was still working as winemaker with his family at Domaine Daniel Rion. In 2000 Patrice left the family business to develop his own estate further. Today most of the vineyards are in Nuits-St Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Recent vintages have seen the increasing involvement of Patrice’s son Maxime. The Rion cellar is a bit emptier this year, partially because of the frost but also, more significantly, because their arrangement in Chambolle for Villages, Fuées, Amoureuses and Bonnes Mares has terminated, and 2015 was the last vintage of those lovely wines. Maxime Rion initially found the 2016s a little “monolithic” after fermentation, but they have discovered their terroir in barrel. The vintage shows more red fruit than black, with the fruit of frosted vineyards having more colour. The long, cool end of season reminds him of 1996 but, whereas that vintage is only starting to drink now, the 2016s will open up earlier. The estate also has a new wine, a Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits from the Dames Huguettes vineyard. It’s made from bought-in fruit, but chosen from an especially well-sited and tended vineyard.
Bottle
£23.95
Case price (12)
£258.60
Saving
£28.80
Bottle 12 x 75cl 42cs
£189.48
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David Moreau,
Ready, but will improve,
These are David’s oldest vines, with two parcels planted in 1943 and 1947, on argile rouge and marne respectively. The slightly younger plot is Premier Cru and makes up 45 percent of the blend. The wine has a fresh and composed bouquet with a note of Morello cherry but, typically, there is a good line of firm but elevating tannin on the palate. Drink 2019-2023.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
David Moreau took over part of his octogenerian grandfather’s domaine in Santenay in 2009. Prior to that, he worked with Olivier Lamy, Domaine de la RomanéeConti, and at Neudorf in New Zealand. David now has seven hectares in production and has made significant changes in both viticulture and vinification. The vineyards were almost all planted in the 1960s, so David has old vines to work with. He will soon become president of the local vine-growers syndicat a measure of the regard in which he is held. Once again, David is very happy with this year’s results. There was very little frost damage this far south and all his wines performed well in our barrel tastings. There is a confidence in David’s winemaking that raises expectations for some outperforming wines from this lesser-known part of Burgundy. The purity and transparency of 2016 suits his range very well.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
David Moreau took over part of his octogenerian grandfather’s domaine in Santenay in 2009. Prior to that, he worked with Olivier Lamy, Domaine de la RomanéeConti, and at Neudorf in New Zealand. David now has seven hectares in production and has made significant changes in both viticulture and vinification. The vineyards were almost all planted in the 1960s, so David has old vines to work with. He will soon become president of the local vine-growers syndicat a measure of the regard in which he is held. Once again, David is very happy with this year’s results. There was very little frost damage this far south and all his wines performed well in our barrel tastings. There is a confidence in David’s winemaking that raises expectations for some outperforming wines from this lesser-known part of Burgundy. The purity and transparency of 2016 suits his range very well.
Bottle
£23.95
Case price (12)
£258.60
Saving
£28.80
Bottle 6 x 75cl 10cs
£94.74
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£95.00
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Domaine Jean Fournier,
Ready, but will keep,
An extraordinary Bourgogne Rouge, this is made only from vines planted in 1947 on oolitic limestone, just outside Marsannay. There are some intriguing smoky notes, with echoes of coffee and caramel. In many ways, it is the even more hirsute cousin of the Clos du Roy. A unique and fascinating wine. Drink 2019-2025.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
The Fourniers have been making wine in Marsannay since at least the 17th century, though the domaine as currently constituted was established in the 1960s by Jean Fournier. His son Laurent now runs the estate, along with being in charge of the project to establish Premiers Crus in Marsannay. The domaine is now certified organic, through AB and Ecocert. They make more than 20 different cuvées, the majority from Marsannay. Laurent’s efforts for the creation of a Premier Cru category in Marsannay seem to have stalled for the moment – perhaps a good thing, as he needed all his energy to combat the mildew this year. Laurent is another vigneron who had to compromise his organic status to save the crop, and he ended up with 28hl/ha across the domaine. The results are compelling though: these are wines without compromise, amplifying the paradoxes of Marsannay, with its cool limestone, extreme terroirs and burly tannins. Running between those is the fruit of some wonderful old vineyards, of which Laurent is the proud custodian.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
The Fourniers have been making wine in Marsannay since at least the 17th century, though the domaine as currently constituted was established in the 1960s by Jean Fournier. His son Laurent now runs the estate, along with being in charge of the project to establish Premiers Crus in Marsannay. The domaine is now certified organic, through AB and Ecocert. They make more than 20 different cuvées, the majority from Marsannay. Laurent’s efforts for the creation of a Premier Cru category in Marsannay seem to have stalled for the moment – perhaps a good thing, as he needed all his energy to combat the mildew this year. Laurent is another vigneron who had to compromise his organic status to save the crop, and he ended up with 28hl/ha across the domaine. The results are compelling though: these are wines without compromise, amplifying the paradoxes of Marsannay, with its cool limestone, extreme terroirs and burly tannins. Running between those is the fruit of some wonderful old vineyards, of which Laurent is the proud custodian.
Bottle
£24.95
Case price (12)
£269.40
Saving
£30.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 35cs
£99.24
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Domaine Jean Fournier,
Ready, but will keep,
In Marsannay, it is not St Vincent but St Urbain who holds sway as the patron saint of vignerons. His eponymous cuvée is a blend of various village sites and older vines. There was no new oak in 2016, and 25 percent whole-bunch. It was aged in larger 500-litre barrels, then spent three months in concrete, which Laurent prefers to stainless steel, which has too cold a touch, he says. The wine has a deep, viscous nose, almost like marmite, and a positive, rich, earthy palate. This makes it sound rustic; it’s not, just characterful Pinot Noir from deep, cool soils. Drink 2019-2024.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
The Fourniers have been making wine in Marsannay since at least the 17th century, though the domaine as currently constituted was established in the 1960s by Jean Fournier. His son Laurent now runs the estate, along with being in charge of the project to establish Premiers Crus in Marsannay. The domaine is now certified organic, through AB and Ecocert. They make more than 20 different cuvées, the majority from Marsannay. Laurent’s efforts for the creation of a Premier Cru category in Marsannay seem to have stalled for the moment – perhaps a good thing, as he needed all his energy to combat the mildew this year. Laurent is another vigneron who had to compromise his organic status to save the crop, and he ended up with 28hl/ha across the domaine. The results are compelling though: these are wines without compromise, amplifying the paradoxes of Marsannay, with its cool limestone, extreme terroirs and burly tannins. Running between those is the fruit of some wonderful old vineyards, of which Laurent is the proud custodian.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
The Fourniers have been making wine in Marsannay since at least the 17th century, though the domaine as currently constituted was established in the 1960s by Jean Fournier. His son Laurent now runs the estate, along with being in charge of the project to establish Premiers Crus in Marsannay. The domaine is now certified organic, through AB and Ecocert. They make more than 20 different cuvées, the majority from Marsannay. Laurent’s efforts for the creation of a Premier Cru category in Marsannay seem to have stalled for the moment – perhaps a good thing, as he needed all his energy to combat the mildew this year. Laurent is another vigneron who had to compromise his organic status to save the crop, and he ended up with 28hl/ha across the domaine. The results are compelling though: these are wines without compromise, amplifying the paradoxes of Marsannay, with its cool limestone, extreme terroirs and burly tannins. Running between those is the fruit of some wonderful old vineyards, of which Laurent is the proud custodian.
Bottle
£24.95
Case price (12)
£269.40
Saving
£30.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 170cs
£99.24
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Bottle
£25.00
Case price (12)
£270.00
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£30.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 4cs
£198.96
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Bottle
£25.00
Case price (12)
£270.00
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£30.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 29cs
£99.48
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Benjamin Leroux,
Ready, but will improve,
As ever, this is a Bourgogne which punches significantly above its weight. A good dollop of Savigny, Santenay, Beaune, Monthélie and St Romain make their way into the blend, not as off-cuts, but because Ben sees this as his vinous business card. Raised in large foudres, this is as gorgeous as ever, with an incredible purity of juicy, red berry fruit. The quintessence of Burgundian Pinot Noir. Drink 2018-2024.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Having created a name for himself as régisseur (general manager) of Comte Armand in Pommard from 1999 until 2013, Benjamin Leroux established a small négociant business based in Beaune in 2007. The emphasis is on Côte de Beaune whites and Côte de Nuits reds. The company also owns a small holding of Bâtard-Montrachet and since 2014 some vineyards in Meursault. In a short space of time Benjamin Leroux’s wines have built an impressive reputation. Ben is a big fan of his 2016s, praising the sizzling tension of the whites and the beautiful quality of the Pinot fruit, which allowed him to use more whole bunches than in 2015. In early stages of élevage he drew comparisons to 2010, and feels these are wines which will surprise people and gain complexity with time. Thanks to his strong relationships with suppliers, Ben was able to maintain production at around 2015 levels despite the frost, although in general he has less Village and Grand Cru wine and more at the Premier Cru level. For reasons of space, the limited volumes of Grands Crus have not been included in this catalogue. Since the 2014 vintage, all white wines are bottled under screwcap.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Having created a name for himself as régisseur (general manager) of Comte Armand in Pommard from 1999 until 2013, Benjamin Leroux established a small négociant business based in Beaune in 2007. The emphasis is on Côte de Beaune whites and Côte de Nuits reds. The company also owns a small holding of Bâtard-Montrachet and since 2014 some vineyards in Meursault. In a short space of time Benjamin Leroux’s wines have built an impressive reputation. Ben is a big fan of his 2016s, praising the sizzling tension of the whites and the beautiful quality of the Pinot fruit, which allowed him to use more whole bunches than in 2015. In early stages of élevage he drew comparisons to 2010, and feels these are wines which will surprise people and gain complexity with time. Thanks to his strong relationships with suppliers, Ben was able to maintain production at around 2015 levels despite the frost, although in general he has less Village and Grand Cru wine and more at the Premier Cru level. For reasons of space, the limited volumes of Grands Crus have not been included in this catalogue. Since the 2014 vintage, all white wines are bottled under screwcap.
Screwcap
Bottle
£25.00
Screwcap
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (6)
£135.00
Saving
£15.00
Screwcap
Bottle 6 x 75cl 18cs
£99.48
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (12)
£270.00
Saving
£30.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 56cs
£99.48
Screwcap
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£120.00
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Simon et Daniel Chotard, Sancerre,
Drink now,
Sancerre is best known for its white wines, but its reds, made from Pinot Noir, can also be of good quality, particularly in warmer years such as 2015. Daniel is a multi-instrumentalist musician, while his son Simon has now taken over the business and is working on converting the estate to organic viticulture.
The warm vintage has provided extra stuffing to this wine and allowed the oak to marry seamlessly in the form of subtle peppery spice notes. These sit among succulent cranberry and redcurrant fruit, all underpinned by a freshness characteristic of the cool Sancerre microclimate, giving a very elegant wine. Drink now to 2020.
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (6)
£135.00
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Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.
Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.
Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.
The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.