say Vigne en haut meaning vineyard above. Exposed to the south this vineyard is still subject to the cooler valley air ensuring a fineness not seen further down the slope. Coste-Caumartin have a 0.55 hectare parcel planted on the local soil rich in fine limestone. An elegant nose with expansive, yet fine aromatics. Both the nose and palate are very mineral with a aerial character not seen in wines from further down the slope. Bright and structured and rather stylish.

PLACE OF CHANGING WINDS Between Two Mountains Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges

Here too there is a similar mentholated nose on the spiced plum, dark cherry and warm earth-suffused aromas that are trimmed in enough wood to mention. The delicious and energetic middle weight plus flavors display focused power on the moderately austere finish where a touch of dryness slowly emerges. I suspect that this will round out in time as the dryness is subtle. Drink 2028+.

DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vielles Vignes, Chambolle-Musigny

DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vieilles Vignes, Nuits-St-Georges

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)