La Roche-Vineuse

Ripe citrus and a hint of tropical fruit fill the nose, the latter the only indicator of the heat of the 2015 vintage. Fresh as a daisy on the palate, there is a mineral thread attributable to the vineyard’s shallow top soil. To preserve its bright, primary fruit character, 85 percent of this cuvée is fermented in stainless steel, rather than barrel. Drink now to 2020.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer Complex aromas of tropical and ripe citrus fruit plus a discreet nutty character (15% of this cuvée is oak aged). The palate’s fresh acidity and mineral core give little indication of the heat of the ’15 vintage. As ever, this is a hugely winsome, approachable cuvée from a winemaker whose surname is wholly appropriate.
Will Heslop, Buyer. Berry Bros. & Rudd.

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.

The name “Cras” comes from the word “Craie”, which translates directly as chalk or limestone. It’s therefore no surprise that there is a high active limestone content in the soil in this vineyard. This combined with the southwest exposition of the vineyard, gives wine which is a harmonious balance of ripe stone fruit and chalky mineral backbone. The 10 to 15 percent new oak is seamlessly integrated. Drink 2020-2025.
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.

Possibly our favourite wine from the whole of the Mâconnais, this is glowing with a pure, pale colour. Really intense ripe fruit – some pear, some ripe apple – lends this a firm, chiselled style. Some greengage fruit adds a lovely thread of cool acidity. Truly, it is hard to imagine how this could be better.

Olivier concurs with the view that 2014 is a top vintage for white wines. The weather was good throughout the harvest, so he was able to pick each vineyard at a time of his choosing. There has also been some evolution within the range, with the introduction of an excellent new cuvée, Pouilly-Fuissé, Les Chevrières.

Until 31st August this product is discounted by 30%*
Fine, bright, pale yellow, the rich fruit is enlivened by a touch of baked apples. This is fairly powerful by Mâcon standards but has the necessary acidity to retain freshness. Drink 2017-2019.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer

Olivier, who normally picks after his neighbours, was out harvesting before them this year, starting at the end of August. The hot, dry wind in that period really concentrated both the sugars and the acidity in the grapes. Everything ripened rapidly so Olivier made sure to privilege his best terroirs, and completed the harvest in five fewer days than usual.
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Every year we ask the question: how does Olivier manage to achieve so much elegance while delivering the signature punch of Les Cras? Full of plump fruit and with a soft, rewarding texture, this has real length and purity. Les Cras is a spectacular site capable of producing wines which age extremely well. This is fully open for business but will still keep.