DOMAINE MOREAU-NAUDET Montee de Tonnerre 1er Cru, Chablis

The JM Fourrier 1er Cru Morgeot is an aromatic delight with an inviting nose of lemon, honeysuckle, and acacia. The floral aromas resolve on the elegantly textured palate with soft, fleshy stone fruits, and round-edged citrus. This well-refined Chassagne-Montrachet offers a sumptuous mouthfeel, persistent flavour, and great length.

The colour is slightly amber with hints of yellow. The evolution on the palate is surprising. It starts off with an intense freshness that surprises, then comes the mid-palate with a dense liquor that gives this wine phenomenal power; the vivacity takes over again on the finish, thanks to a slight bitter note of lime and mango. A particularly well balanced Cuvée Madame. Recognised amongst the finest wines in its appellation, Château Coutet was classified a First Growth in 1855. One of the oldest estates in the Sauternes region, Coutet has an exceptional terroir and a rich architectural heritage. An English fortress in the 13th Century, this citadel with its square tower, a design typical of the eras military constructions, became a wine producing estate in 1643. Château Coutet belonged to the de Lur Saluces family for over a century and currently is owned and managed by Philippe and Dominique Baly, with the technical and commercial collaboration of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., the vineyards exclusive distributor. The name Coutet comes from the Gascon word for knife (couteau), in reference to the wines fresh, lively acidity and unique vivacity. In its youth, Château Coutet displays aromas of white flowers, citrus, honey, and vanilla. Age enhances the botrytis character to give the wines a deep, delicate bouquet with hints of spice and candied fruit.

Dark purple. A heady, expansive bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, incense, violet and smoky minerals. Lush, palate-staining cassis and blueberry flavors show excellent clarity and vivacity for their power thanks to juicy acidity and a touch of peppery spices. Closes sweet, sappy, broad and extremely long, with smooth tannins coming on late.

Château d’Avize is one of only a few châteaux in Champagne, and the only one with a Grand Cru status. Using their biodynamic principles, the pope of Bio Dynamic and Organic Viticulture, Hervé Jestin and the Leclerc Briant team have created an extraordinary, age-worthy Champagne which demands cellaring to reach its potential. This Blanc de Blancs combines Leclerc Briant’s characterful, stimulating style; the tension of the 2013 vintage; and the power of the Avize terroir – the grandest of all the villages in the Côte des Blancs. Avize, already home to some of Champagne’s most iconic and collectable producers, has a new shining star of the champagne world. The Champagne develops a fruity, coated and juicy substance, supported by a lemony acidity. The salinity and dryness enhance a rich and suave finish.