With the oldest records dating back to 1220, it took until 1872 for Bouchard to finally acquire all of the parcels of this 3.36ha Beaune monopole. Depending on the vintage not all the fruit is totally destemmed and the wine is matured in French oak for 12 months with 30-40% new wood. Always well priced and approachable in its youth it will also reward 5-10 years cellaring.

DOMAINE HENRI MAGNIEN 1er Cru La Coutiere, Aloxe-Corton

HARTFORD WINES Hartford Court Land's Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sonoma County

The Philipponnat family has owned and run its Champagne house in the heart of the wine-growing areas of Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Averney for over 500 years. A family of vignerons, winemakers and merchants since the 16th century, they famously supplied their wines to Louis XIV, the Sun King. The houses 20 hectares of vines are Grand and Premier Cru, ensuring quality and intensity in the wines. First press juice from exclusively Premier and Grand Cru plots. 100% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and our vineyards in Mareuil-sur-Ay and Avenay-Val-dOr makeup this exquisite wine. Aged for five to seven years to develop maximum complexity and to highlight the secondary and tertiary aromas which are the hallmark of extended ageing on lees. Bright, pink gold in colour, with persistent and generous mousse.Luscious and fruit-driven with notes of pastry with fresh pear, almond and cinnamon.The palate is creamy and round with notes of praline, caramel and apricot jam. The finish is fresh with spicy hints of cinnamon and clove. A sunny wine, very representative of the year. Extra brut dosage (4.25 g/litre)