2017 White Burgundy
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Bottle
£17.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 12cs
£148.08
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Bottle
£17.95
Case price (12)
£215.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 257cs
£152.64
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Bottle
£22.50
Case price (12)
£264.60
Saving
£5.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 211cs
£193.68
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Olivier Merlin,
Ready, but will improve,
St Véran is expected to receive Premier Cru status in the next few years, and 90 percent of the vineyards that make up this cuvée are likely to be classified at that level. The nose is inviting with plenty of juicy fruit. In the mouth, it is initially rich, with plenty of concentration and a spicy, mineral finish. Drink 2019-2023.
Bottle
£22.50
Case price (12)
£270.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 29cs
£198.12
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Domaine la Soufrandise,
Ready, but will keep,
This is a powerful, concentrated Pouilly-Fuissé, from our friends Françoise and Nicolas Melin. There’s a touch of reduction on the nose which quickly blows off to reveal aromas of stone-fruit, toasty oak and a hint of honey. Already balanced and complex, it will only improve with time – on a recent visit to the domaine, we were treated to the superb 2013 (still fresh as a daisy). Drink now to 2023.
Will Heslop, Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Bottle
£24.50
Case price (12)
£294.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 10cs
£218.16
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Heritiers du Comte Lafon,
Ready, but will keep,
Two-thirds raised in foudre with the remainder in large barrels, this is a standout cuvée in warmer vintages such as 2017. There is gorgeous stone-fruit on the nose and palate, along with sizzling energy and tension. The finish has a pleasant citrus bitterness and a touch of toast. Drink 2019-2022.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (12)
£300.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 51cs
£223.08
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Bret Bros.,
Ready, but will improve,
Located at the foot of the north side of the Roche de Vergisson, this is a cool site which has come into its own in recent warm vintages. Young vines give plenty of energy and fruit, while the finish is fresh and crystalline. Half the wine had no sulphur added before bottling. Drink 2019-2023.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
Bottle
£27.50
Case price (12)
£297.00
Saving
£33.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 130cs
£220.68
Magnum
£60.00
Case price (6)
£324.00
Saving
£36.00
Magnum 6 x 150cl 10cs
£243.18
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Olivier Merlin,
For laying down,
This vineyard has a high proportion of Chardonnay Muscaté, which gives the wine its characteristic floral nose, with rose petals mingling with confit lemon. This parcel is amongst the first to be harvested. Spicy and rounded, it’s almost oily, but there’s also a lingering tension in the background. Drink 2020-2024.
Bottle
£27.50
Case price (6)
£165.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 131cs
£124.08
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Jean-Yves Devevey,
For laying down,
Jean-Yves has just under two hectares in the hills around Nantoux. Initially the style is as you would expect: fresh, linear and assertive. Slowly, however, the openness of the vintage becomes evident with a pleasing buttery texture, still supported by a lemony freshness. Drink 2020-2024.
It was a “normal” harvest here this year which, in Jean-Yves’s world, is still a relatively paltry 30hl/ha, due to his scrupulous organic and biodynamic vineyard management. Jean-Yves is increasingly interested in the role and importance of sulphur dioxide in a wine’s evolution. He found that a trial bottling made without SO2 had little expression of the vineyard, yet he finds that adding SO2 too early in the winemaking process makes the wines more fragile and prone to oxidation. A fine range from a reflective winemaker.
It was a “normal” harvest here this year which, in Jean-Yves’s world, is still a relatively paltry 30hl/ha, due to his scrupulous organic and biodynamic vineyard management. Jean-Yves is increasingly interested in the role and importance of sulphur dioxide in a wine’s evolution. He found that a trial bottling made without SO2 had little expression of the vineyard, yet he finds that adding SO2 too early in the winemaking process makes the wines more fragile and prone to oxidation. A fine range from a reflective winemaker.
Bottle
£27.50
Case price (12)
£330.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 87cs
£248.16
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Bottle
£27.95
Case price (12)
£335.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 46cs
£252.60
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Jean-Yves Devevey,
For laying down,
From a parcel known as Les Chagnots, a steeper and stonier site than Champs Perdrix, this wine is vinified and matured for 18 months – or 18 moons – in 10 percent new oak. The nose is floral with citrus fruit, while the palate offers surprising density, lime cordial acidity and a chewy, grippy finish which drifts into grilled nuts and spice. Drink 2020-2025.
It was a “normal” harvest here this year which, in Jean-Yves’s world, is still a relatively paltry 30hl/ha, due to his scrupulous organic and biodynamic vineyard management. Jean-Yves is increasingly interested in the role and importance of sulphur dioxide in a wine’s evolution. He found that a trial bottling made without SO2 had little expression of the vineyard, yet he finds that adding SO2 too early in the winemaking process makes the wines more fragile and prone to oxidation. A fine range from a reflective winemaker.
It was a “normal” harvest here this year which, in Jean-Yves’s world, is still a relatively paltry 30hl/ha, due to his scrupulous organic and biodynamic vineyard management. Jean-Yves is increasingly interested in the role and importance of sulphur dioxide in a wine’s evolution. He found that a trial bottling made without SO2 had little expression of the vineyard, yet he finds that adding SO2 too early in the winemaking process makes the wines more fragile and prone to oxidation. A fine range from a reflective winemaker.
Bottle
£28.50
Case price (12)
£342.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 94cs
£258.12
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Domaine Jean-Noel Gagnard,
Ready, but will improve,
Unfortunately, the cool location of this parcel above St Aubin meant that at least half the crop was lost to frost this year. What remains is, however, excellent: energetic and crisp, but with extra concentration which gives more grip and density than is typical. Around half the wine is raised in barrel, adding some complexity and apricot-skin texture. Drink 2019-2024.
After the catastrophically small vintage last year, Caroline is much happier with the good but in no sense excessive crop of 2017. Indeed, her organic viticulture methods and old-vine holdings mean that yields are a long way below the permitted maximum. Caroline is pleased with the ripe fruit profile of the wines, highlighting the velour, density and volume as key attributes, but taking care to explain that they are not heavy. These are exciting wines, which will be hedonistic in youth but the abundance of dry extract points to huge ageing potential.
After the catastrophically small vintage last year, Caroline is much happier with the good but in no sense excessive crop of 2017. Indeed, her organic viticulture methods and old-vine holdings mean that yields are a long way below the permitted maximum. Caroline is pleased with the ripe fruit profile of the wines, highlighting the velour, density and volume as key attributes, but taking care to explain that they are not heavy. These are exciting wines, which will be hedonistic in youth but the abundance of dry extract points to huge ageing potential.
Bottle
£29.95
Case price (12)
£359.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
£272.64
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Heritiers du Comte Lafon,
Ready, but will keep,
The Maranches vineyard has a significant proportion of old Chardonnay Muscaté vines, a variety which provides a floral note to the fruit. This gives a perfume to the nose and a spicy, peachy feel to the palate, while the old vines resisted the drought stress and provide a balancing tension. Drink 2019-2022.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
Bottle
£30.00
Case price (12)
£360.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 30cs
£273.12
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Bottle
£30.00
Case price (12)
£360.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 24cs
£273.12
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Jean-Yves Devevey,
Ready, but will improve,
This is more textured than the exciting 2016. The 60-year-old vines and limestone soil impart texture and freshness respectively, and the acidity is most attractive – almost citrus, blood orange, perhaps. A charmingly pure and meditative wine. Drink 2020-2024.
It was a “normal” harvest here this year which, in Jean-Yves’s world, is still a relatively paltry 30hl/ha, due to his scrupulous organic and biodynamic vineyard management. Jean-Yves is increasingly interested in the role and importance of sulphur dioxide in a wine’s evolution. He found that a trial bottling made without SO2 had little expression of the vineyard, yet he finds that adding SO2 too early in the winemaking process makes the wines more fragile and prone to oxidation. A fine range from a reflective winemaker.
It was a “normal” harvest here this year which, in Jean-Yves’s world, is still a relatively paltry 30hl/ha, due to his scrupulous organic and biodynamic vineyard management. Jean-Yves is increasingly interested in the role and importance of sulphur dioxide in a wine’s evolution. He found that a trial bottling made without SO2 had little expression of the vineyard, yet he finds that adding SO2 too early in the winemaking process makes the wines more fragile and prone to oxidation. A fine range from a reflective winemaker.
Case price (Bottle 12 x 75cl)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 39cs
£243.12
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Heritiers du Comte Lafon,
Ready, but will improve,
Two-thirds of this is raised in demi-muids, one-third in a small foudre. This really shines in 2017, seemingly unaffected by the vintage and – as always – giving a tangy, nervy and mineral expression of the Mâconnais. With remarkable freshness and precision, it’s very long too. Drink 2020-2025.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
Bottle
£31.50
Case price (12)
£340.20
Saving
£37.80
Bottle 12 x 75cl 10cs
£256.68
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Bottle
£31.55
Bottle 6 x 75cl 39cs
£144.30
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Olivier Merlin,
Ready, but will improve,
These old vines are situated in the village of Fuissé, renowned for its broad-shouldered style of wine. The plots face south and have lots of chalk in the soil, giving ripeness and freshness. Olivier explains that the old vines coped well with the drought conditions, giving a powerful wine which maintains a fresh, mineral core. Excellent. Drink 2021-2026.
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
£32.00
Case price (6)
£192.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 59cs
£146.58
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Bret Bros.,
Ready, but will improve,
The Brets took on these vines in 2016, but they were so badly hailed that it produced a tiny crop. It is a long parcel, so ripens in stages and has to be picked in successive tries. Raised 50-50 in tank and barrel, the 2017 displays plenty of ripe fruit, a floral complexity and a crisp, citrus finish which radiates from the midpalate. Drink 2020-2025.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
Bottle
£32.50
Case price (12)
£351.00
Saving
£39.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 90cs
£265.68
Magnum
£70.00
Case price (6)
£378.00
Saving
£42.00
Magnum 6 x 150cl 24cs
£288.18
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Heritiers du Comte Lafon,
Ready, but will keep,
This wine includes a new parcel which came as part of a deal with the Bret Brothers to jointly manage another estate. These old vines at higher altitude give the wine more freshness and complexity. The nose is opulent and expressive with white flowers. The palate has some rich orange fruit, but there is plenty of tension which keeps things balanced. Drink 2020-2025.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
The hot and dry conditions of summer 2017 have yielded mixed blessings; the wines are deliciously ripe but the volumes have suffered a little due to drought stress. Picking began early (at the end of August), with the resulting wines being described by Caroline as of really high quality, with good balance and maturity. Dominique and Caroline take great care to pick each parcel (and indeed sub-parcel) at precisely the right time to ensure optimum ripeness.
Bottle
£32.95
Case price (12)
£395.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 52cs
£302.64
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Bottle
£32.95
Case price (12)
£395.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 48cs
£302.64
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Olivier Merlin,
Ready, but will improve,
When the Premier Cru classification finally arrives, this will be the highest-altitude Premier Cru at over 300 metres above sea-level. Spicy and rich but very elegant too, the fruit is restrained, succulent citrus, and the overall feel is one of energy and tension. Simply gorgeous, this complete wine is an elegant expression of Fuissé with austerity and precision. Drink 2021-2027.
Bottle
£33.00
Case price (6)
£198.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 18cs
£151.56
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Olivier Merlin,
For laying down,
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.
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
£34.00
Case price (12)
£408.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 303cs
£156.54
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Bret Bros.,
Ready, but will improve,
This southeast-facing vineyard is an extension of Les Quarts but has deeper soil, giving earlier-ripening vines and thus a richer profile to accompany the crisp, clean and floral style of Vinzelles. Plenty of mid-palate weight and a pleasing grip on the finish suggest great potential. Drink 2020-2026.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
Bottle
£37.50
Case price (12)
£405.00
Saving
£45.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 19cs
£310.68
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Bret Bros.,
Ready, but will improve,
This vineyard’s cool location on top of the Roche de Vergisson, facing east, means it is always an elegant and fresh expression of Pouilly-Fuissé. The nose has spicy oak and smoky reduction, leading into a citrus palate which has a youthful bitterness that leaves you wanting another sip. Drink 2020-2025.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
Bottle
£37.50
Case price (12)
£405.00
Saving
£45.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 48cs
£310.68
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Bret Bros.,
Ready, but will improve,
From vines aged over 80 years old and located in the mid-slope sweet spot of this beautiful vineyard, this is delightfully balanced. The perfect weight of fresh fruit sits alongside vibrant energy and purity that gives a spine-tingling finish. An outstanding wine with poise, grace and verve. Drink 2020-2027.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
The Bret brothers described 2017 as another warm and early vintage, with harvest beginning on the 26th August. They picked early compared to many of their peers, Jean-Philippe explaining that maturity came very quickly. Their decision to bring the grapes in quickly, along with their organic and biodynamic viticulture, has resulted in wonderfully fresh wines. In the cellar they are experimenting with lower levels of sulphur during the winemaking process, with the aim of obtaining full fruit and terroir expression in their wines.
Bottle
£45.00
Case price (12)
£486.00
Saving
£54.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 49cs
£378.12
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£310.00
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Chateau des Quarts,
Ready, but will improve,
The fear with removing the oldest vines from a blend is that the main bottling might suffer, but the average age of the other vines is still impressive at over 50 years old and the result is a wine of real intensity, with arguably more freshness, purity and elegance than usual. An ethereal and delicate expression of the clos. Drink 2020-2026.
Château des Quarts was created in 2012 by two of our favourite vignerons, Dominique Lafon and Olivier Merlin, who are old friends. The vineyard is managed by Olivier and the wine made in his facility at La Roche Vineuse. This monopole vineyard of 2.23 hectares in Chaintré is surrounded by a high stone wall, facing east, overlooking the Saône valley. The 2017 vintage saw the 100-year anniversary of the planting of the oldest parcel of vines in the Clos des Quarts. The key to their longevity is riparia rootstock and an old-school training and pruning regime.
To celebrate the centenary, Dominique Lafon and Olivier Merlin, custodians of the special property and vineyard, have decided to bottle the wine made from these ancient vines separately. Production is 10 barrels, equating to just 1,500 magnums, which are offered in individual wooden cases.
Château des Quarts was created in 2012 by two of our favourite vignerons, Dominique Lafon and Olivier Merlin, who are old friends. The vineyard is managed by Olivier and the wine made in his facility at La Roche Vineuse. This monopole vineyard of 2.23 hectares in Chaintré is surrounded by a high stone wall, facing east, overlooking the Saône valley. The 2017 vintage saw the 100-year anniversary of the planting of the oldest parcel of vines in the Clos des Quarts. The key to their longevity is riparia rootstock and an old-school training and pruning regime.
To celebrate the centenary, Dominique Lafon and Olivier Merlin, custodians of the special property and vineyard, have decided to bottle the wine made from these ancient vines separately. Production is 10 barrels, equating to just 1,500 magnums, which are offered in individual wooden cases.
Bottle
£45.00
Case price (6)
£270.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 43cs
£211.56
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Bottle
£49.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 43cs
£231.54
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Domaine Michel Bouzereau,
Ready, but will improve,
Grands Charrons sits at the same height as the village’s Premiers Crus but faces more to the east. The wine is beautifully aromatic in 2017, floral with a hint of honey and a fine, ripe entry to the palate, although still with plenty in reserve. Drink 2022-2028.
The harvest started on 30th August in Cailleret and Charmes, and was finished by 9th September. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flowered in warm weather at the same time but, while the Pinot loved the heat, Chardonnay did not, with the resulting coulure and millerandage restricting yields to around 50hl/ha. Jean-Baptiste looked to get texture into his wines with skin contact and an extended fermentation rather than through bâtonnage, seeking to capture as much of the vital balancing freshness as possible.
The harvest started on 30th August in Cailleret and Charmes, and was finished by 9th September. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flowered in warm weather at the same time but, while the Pinot loved the heat, Chardonnay did not, with the resulting coulure and millerandage restricting yields to around 50hl/ha. Jean-Baptiste looked to get texture into his wines with skin contact and an extended fermentation rather than through bâtonnage, seeking to capture as much of the vital balancing freshness as possible.
Case price (Bottle 12 x 75cl)
Bottle 12 x 75cl 3cs
£423.12
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Michèle & Patrice Rion,
For laying down,
This vineyard, with its very white soils, sits just above Les Argillières. Patrice and Maxime have been working on obtaining more texture in the wine by crushing the grapes before pressing and it certainly adds an extra dimension to the peachy, floral fruit and chalky limestone freshness. Drink 2021-2027.
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.
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 64cs
£236.58
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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.