Pinot Noir
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Crittenden Estate,
Ready, but will keep,
Produced specially for Berry Bros. & Rudd by Crittenden, this is an exceptionally pure Pinot Noir. It is made with hand-harvested fruit selected from cool-climate sites in the King Valley in Victoria. The berry-fruit characters that dominate the nose and palate are fresh and juicy, supported by finely wrought tannins and vibrant acidity.
Bottle
£13.95
Case price (12)
£167.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 245cs
£112.68
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Greystone Wines,
Ready, but will keep,
Made for us once again by Greystone in North Canterbury, our 2017 New Zealand Pinot Noir is a wonderfully pretty and delicate wine. We love the fact that Greystone reflects the vintage conditions so well each year in its wines; this 2017 does not have the intense, smoky character of 2016 but, in contrast, is a much more Burgundian style, full of very pure red-berry fruit with just a touch of black cherries. It is lifted, ethereal and a joy to taste.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Bottle
£17.95
Case price (6)
£107.70
Bottle 6 x 75cl 591cs
£76.32
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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
£23.50
Case price (12)
£282.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 38cs
£208.08
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Ready, but will keep,
This bottle includes a 10% saving until 14th July 2019. The price shown includes the discount.
This Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is a relatively new addition to our Own Selection range, made specially for us by the highly regarded winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. The 2017 follows a similar flavour profile to the 2016, with raspberries and red cherries, however its riper, juicier bramble fruit and luscious texture display the vintage's generous characteristics. The wine's ripe tannins provide sufficient grip on the finish, balanced by refreshing acidity and spicy complexity.
Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
This Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is a relatively new addition to our Own Selection range, made specially for us by the highly regarded winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. The 2017 follows a similar flavour profile to the 2016, with raspberries and red cherries, however its riper, juicier bramble fruit and luscious texture display the vintage's generous characteristics. The wine's ripe tannins provide sufficient grip on the finish, balanced by refreshing acidity and spicy complexity.
Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Bottle
£25.95
Case price (12)
£311.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 72cs
£232.68
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Benjamin Leroux,
Ready, but will keep,
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, Wine Buyer
Bottle
£36.00
Case price (12)
£432.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 62cs
£333.12
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Domaine Rossignol-Trapet,
Ready, but will keep,
Made by Rossignol-Trapet, our 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin is made with fruit from 10 organically farmed, old-vine plots. The old vines provide both concentration and balance, while the varied locations of the parcels give a true expression of the village. A bouquet of vibrant redcurrant and flowers seduces, while the palate is packed with sweet cherry fruit and subtle spice, finishing on a precise and mineral finish. Try it with roast lamb or mushroom Wellington.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Bottle
£42.50
Case price (12)
£459.00
Saving
£51.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 124cs
£355.68
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Bottle
£11.50
Case price (12)
£138.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 16cs
£88.08
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Ready, but will improve,
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 (6)
£117.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 10cs
£84.06
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Bottle
£19.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£172.68
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Bottle
£20.50
Case price (6)
£123.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 9cs
£89.04
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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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Drink now,
Pinot Noir Précoce is an early-ripening mutation of Pinot Noir, suited to England’s cooler climate. Made with fruit sourced from the Martin’s Lane vineyard in Essex, with a small amount of Flint’s own estate fruit, this offers aromas of violet, cherry blossom and sour cherry. On the palate, crunchy red fruit mingles with notes of star anise and white pepper. Partially whole-bunch fermented and aged in old Burgundian oak barrels for six months, the tannins are soft and expertly well-integrated, akin to Beaujolais. This is perfect lunchtime drinking, served lightly chilled with cheese and charcuterie.
Daisy Gatt, Buying Assistant (spring 2019)
Daisy Gatt, Buying Assistant (spring 2019)
Bottle
£21.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 11cs
£91.56
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Ready, but will keep,
This hidden gem is located up in the village of Meloisey, high in the hills behind Pommard. Brother and sister Martial and Gaetane Carré have recently taken over running the estate from their father, Denis, and have focused on making wines which are fruit-forward but with structure and complexity.
Bright ruby in colour with some youthful purple highlights, the nose is an absolute joy with an explosion of inviting summer pudding aromas. The palate doesn’t disappoint, with juicy cranberry and redcurrant and a fresh acidity that will leave you wanting another glass. Drink now to 2021.
Bright ruby in colour with some youthful purple highlights, the nose is an absolute joy with an explosion of inviting summer pudding aromas. The palate doesn’t disappoint, with juicy cranberry and redcurrant and a fresh acidity that will leave you wanting another glass. Drink now to 2021.
Bottle
£21.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 15cs
£188.16
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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)
£270.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 3cs
£198.12
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£250.00
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Olivier Merlin,
For laying down,
This is from young vines which come from cuttings of old Pinot Fin taken from the Clos des Epeneaux around 20 years ago. The class of the plant material shows on the nose, which is packed with pretty red berries. The palate is nice and juicy, with lots of ripe strawberry and cherry fruit, and chalky tannins. Drink 2019-2024.
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.
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.
Bottle
£22.50
Case price (12)
£270.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 108cs
£198.12
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Bottle
£23.03
Case price (6)
£138.18
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
£101.70
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Isabel Estate,
Ready, but will keep,
Isabel Estate was established in 1980, when Marlborough was still unknown to most British drinkers. The first plantings were of Chardonnay, followed by Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinots Noir and Gris. The estate’s wines are today made by Jeremy McKenzie and Carlos Orgiles Ortega, a dynamic duo who, between them, have worked in virtually every major wine-producing country on Earth.
Aromas of fresh cherry and raspberry mingle seamlessly with cedar and sweet spice while the concentration of fruit on the palate speaks of the vineyard’s rich clay soils. This is drinking beautifully now, but has the structure to age gracefully, exchanging its bright primary fruit for more complex, savoury characteristics. Drink now to 2022.
Aromas of fresh cherry and raspberry mingle seamlessly with cedar and sweet spice while the concentration of fruit on the palate speaks of the vineyard’s rich clay soils. This is drinking beautifully now, but has the structure to age gracefully, exchanging its bright primary fruit for more complex, savoury characteristics. Drink now to 2022.
Bottle
£23.95
Case price (6)
£143.70
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
£106.32
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Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
Maxime Rion now makes most of the decisions at this exemplary estate, although he can call on his father Patrice – approaching his 40th vintage as a winemaker – for guidance. The Rions are a talented, forward-thinking family who were among the first in Burgundy to bottle some of their wines under screwcap, and whose eco-friendly tractor shed boasts solar panels and a rainwater purification system.
This is a fresh, fruit-driven Burgundy from vineyards just above Nuits-St Georges. It is raised exclusively in used oak, which rounds the tannins and accentuates the wild, spicy character redolent of Nuits. Drink now to 2021.
This is a fresh, fruit-driven Burgundy from vineyards just above Nuits-St Georges. It is raised exclusively in used oak, which rounds the tannins and accentuates the wild, spicy character redolent of Nuits. Drink now to 2021.
Bottle
£23.95
Case price (12)
£287.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 100cs
£212.64
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£211.99
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David Moreau,
Ready, but will improve,
These are David’s oldest vines, with two parcels planted in 1947 and 1943, on red clay and decomposed granite respectively. The slightly younger plot is Premier Cru land and makes up 45 percent of the blend. Vivid ruby in colour, the crunchy red-berry fruit mingles with chalky tannins to produce a very drinkable wine. Drink 2019-2023.
David began picking on 7th September for his Pinot Noir, pointing out that while this was the same date as in 2015, the two vintages have contrasting profiles. David used the word digeste to describe the 2017s, suggesting these are wines which will have you reaching for the next glass. The character of the vintage is one of freshness, purity, bright red fruit and floral notes, a combination which marries perfectly with Davids precise and confident winemaking style.
David began picking on 7th September for his Pinot Noir, pointing out that while this was the same date as in 2015, the two vintages have contrasting profiles. David used the word digeste to describe the 2017s, suggesting these are wines which will have you reaching for the next glass. The character of the vintage is one of freshness, purity, bright red fruit and floral notes, a combination which marries perfectly with Davids precise and confident winemaking style.
Bottle
£23.95
Case price (6)
£143.70
Bottle 6 x 75cl 19cs
£106.32
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Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
Situated just above 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 fruit is crunchy with a cool freshness, chalky tannins and a touch of spice which gives a nod to Nuits. Drink 2019-2024.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Bottle
£23.95
Case price (12)
£287.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 65cs
£212.64
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Michele & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
After the frost of 2016, Patrice is relieved to have this back on form and reports that the vines are in good health. The nose has a pretty, floral profile, which along with the charming, supple fruit and silky tannins, confirms this wine’s reputation as a mini Chambolle. Always great value. Drink 2019-2024.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.
Bottle
£23.95
Case price (12)
£287.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 4cs
£212.64
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£210.00
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Bottle
£23.95
Case price (12)
£258.60
Saving
£28.80
Bottle 6 x 75cl 8cs
£94.32
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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 (6)
£149.70
Bottle 6 x 75cl 97cs
£111.30
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Ready, but will keep,
Digioia-Royer: the name may not trip off the tongue, but the wines dance across it. Run by Michel Digioia, this is a tiny estate based in Chambolle-Musigny. Michel has a small parcel of Chambolle and even smaller plots of Premier Cru Nuits-St Georges, but the majority of his holdings fall under the appellation of Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits.
This wine is made from a single parcel, planted in the 1950s, whose altitude (a relatively lofty 350 metres) results in wines with crunchy acidity and a real sense of energy. On the nose, expect aromas of blackberry and cherry. The tannins have softened with a few years in bottle, but there’s still satisfying grip to the palate, which makes this a rewarding match for meaty dishes. Drink now to 2024.
This wine is made from a single parcel, planted in the 1950s, whose altitude (a relatively lofty 350 metres) results in wines with crunchy acidity and a real sense of energy. On the nose, expect aromas of blackberry and cherry. The tannins have softened with a few years in bottle, but there’s still satisfying grip to the palate, which makes this a rewarding match for meaty dishes. Drink now to 2024.
Bottle
£24.95
Case price (6)
£149.70
Bottle 6 x 75cl 34cs
£111.30
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Ready, but will improve,
The frost damage of 2016 has necessitated a different blend this year, but the result is exciting nonetheless. The 2016 cuvée includes some vineyards Thibault is now looking after in Chambolle, adding a touch of class to the mix, and giving a wine with pretty red fruit, a floral lift and surprising depth. This is not a wine of great body, but there is good length and a certain elegance. Drink 2018-2025.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
In 2001 Thibault took over an old family property in Nuits-St Georges, reclaiming the vines which had been contracted out to various share-croppers. The family jewels ( his branch) consist of Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot and Nuits-St Georges Les St Georges, to which he has added further vineyards and a few cuvées made from purchased grapes. The vineyards are certified organic and farmed biodynamically, with horses used to plough the vineyards where possible. The oak regime is not to exceed 50 percent new barrels but also not to use any barrels more than three years old. Thibault has also developed several single-vineyard bottlings of Moulin-à-Vent (Beaujolais). In summer 2017 Thibault opened a new, environmentally friendly cuverie which harnesses geothermal and solar energy and recycles rainwater. Thibault Liger-Belair is a busy man. He has his fascinating project in Moulin-à- Vent (find his Cru Beaujolais wines on page 55) as well as overseeing the forestry and manufacture of the barrels for all his wines, and experimenting with very light toasting. Overall, he is quietly satisfied with this year’s results. He continues to work with varying levels of whole bunches and is trialling a refinement which involves removing the thick, central stalk of bunches, to leave mini-bunches. He was especially badly hit by frost in the Hautes Côtes and Chambolle but elsewhere this is a relatively happy cellar.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
In 2001 Thibault took over an old family property in Nuits-St Georges, reclaiming the vines which had been contracted out to various share-croppers. The family jewels ( his branch) consist of Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot and Nuits-St Georges Les St Georges, to which he has added further vineyards and a few cuvées made from purchased grapes. The vineyards are certified organic and farmed biodynamically, with horses used to plough the vineyards where possible. The oak regime is not to exceed 50 percent new barrels but also not to use any barrels more than three years old. Thibault has also developed several single-vineyard bottlings of Moulin-à-Vent (Beaujolais). In summer 2017 Thibault opened a new, environmentally friendly cuverie which harnesses geothermal and solar energy and recycles rainwater. Thibault Liger-Belair is a busy man. He has his fascinating project in Moulin-à- Vent (find his Cru Beaujolais wines on page 55) as well as overseeing the forestry and manufacture of the barrels for all his wines, and experimenting with very light toasting. Overall, he is quietly satisfied with this year’s results. He continues to work with varying levels of whole bunches and is trialling a refinement which involves removing the thick, central stalk of bunches, to leave mini-bunches. He was especially badly hit by frost in the Hautes Côtes and Chambolle but elsewhere this is a relatively happy cellar.
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (6)
£150.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 20cs
£111.54
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£125.00
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David Moreau,
Ready, but will improve,
Half of the vines for this cuvée suffer from court noué (fanleaf virus), which reduces the yield and causes millerandage; small berries which make concentrated wines. The nose offers subtle spice notes while the palate gives richness and density with some darker fruit flavours and rocky grip. Drink 2020-2024
David began picking on 7th September for his Pinot Noir, pointing out that while this was the same date as in 2015, the two vintages have contrasting profiles. David used the word digeste to describe the 2017s, suggesting these are wines which will have you reaching for the next glass. The character of the vintage is one of freshness, purity, bright red fruit and floral notes, a combination which marries perfectly with Davids precise and confident winemaking style.
David began picking on 7th September for his Pinot Noir, pointing out that while this was the same date as in 2015, the two vintages have contrasting profiles. David used the word digeste to describe the 2017s, suggesting these are wines which will have you reaching for the next glass. The character of the vintage is one of freshness, purity, bright red fruit and floral notes, a combination which marries perfectly with Davids precise and confident winemaking style.
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (6)
£150.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 20cs
£111.54
See All Listings
Sebastien Magnien,
Ready, but will improve,
The Clos de la Perrière is one of the outstanding sites of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, facing south on stony and shallow soil. The nose has a lovely, lifted perfume which leads on to a textured palate packed with pure red-cherry fruit and dense tannins. This will truly hit its stride with a few years in bottle. Drink 2020-2024.
A short tour of one of Sébastien Magnien’s vineyards tells all you need to know about his philosophy; each vine is perfectly manicured, with not a leaf out of place. This attention to detail is reflected in his wines, which are precise, steely and mineral. Sébastien’s choice of picking date is guided by acidity rather than sugar levels, putting the emphasis on freshness. He declared himself very happy with 2017, comparing the white wines to 2014 but with perhaps a touch more flavour ripeness, and praising the accessible, moreish character of the reds.
A short tour of one of Sébastien Magnien’s vineyards tells all you need to know about his philosophy; each vine is perfectly manicured, with not a leaf out of place. This attention to detail is reflected in his wines, which are precise, steely and mineral. Sébastien’s choice of picking date is guided by acidity rather than sugar levels, putting the emphasis on freshness. He declared himself very happy with 2017, comparing the white wines to 2014 but with perhaps a touch more flavour ripeness, and praising the accessible, moreish character of the reds.
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (12)
£300.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 48cs
£223.08
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Domaine Danjean-Berthoux,
Ready, but will keep,
From a site with thin pebbly soils, this is the domaine’s most mineral, angular cuvée characterised by bright red and black fruit aromas and crunchy acidity. About 10% of the final blend is aged in new oak, which tends to mark the wine in its youth, but whose influence is now perfectly integrated. A cracking example of what top growers are achieving in the up-and-coming Côte Chalonnaise. Drink now to 2023
Will Heslop, Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (12)
£300.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 45cs
£223.08
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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.
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (6)
£150.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£111.54
Screwcap
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (6)
£150.00
Screwcap
Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
£111.54
Screwcap
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£110.00
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Bottle
£25.00
Case price (6)
£150.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 117cs
£111.54
See All Listings
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.