Excuse My French is a great introduction to the unpretentious, joyful wines France has to offer. One of our greatest discoveries of the past year, the entire Excuse My French range, packs huge drinkability and interest into the bottle at ridiculously affordable prices. The 2020 Excuse My French Pinot Noir is yet another winner; red & black berries on the palate with a hint of vanilla and a delicious richness. The tannins are soft and silky with an enjoyable juicy finish. Hugely satisfying wine that you will struggle to put down after one glass.

VALLI Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Just the second ever bottling of this extremely limited single vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir from the iconic Felton Road.

Domaine Sylvain Cathiard stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Cathiard family. This small domaine, established by Sylvain Cathiard's grandfather in the 1930s, carries with it a rich history rooted in the legendary Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Domaine Lamarche. Sylvain's father, Andre, lovingly nurtured the domaine from 1969 until 1985, when the reins were passed on to Sylvain himself. In the following years, Sylvain embarked on a journey to develop his own vineyards, renting parcels from his father and other vignerons. Soon after he acquired his father's original vineyards solidifying his commitment to the craft. In 2006, Sylvain's son, Sebastien joined him marking the beginning of a new chapter for the estate. Together, they formed Sylvain Cathiard et Fils, a collaboration that combines tradition with a fresh perspective. Since 2011, Sebastien has taken the helm, carrying on the family legacy while Sylvain enjoys a well-deserved retirement. Spanning across 5 hectares, the vineyards of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard grace the appellations of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Of significant note is their tiny parcel in Romanée-St-Vivant, situated just below the iconic Romanee Conti. Here, they proudly hold the title of the smallest land-owner of this magnificent Grand cru. Every aspect of vineyard work is executed with meticulous attention to detail by Sebastien, his wife, and a dedicated team. Embracing organic principles, they prioritize the natural harmony of the vines, although certification has not been sought. When it comes to winemaking, Sebastien adopts a hands-off approach, allowing the wines to evolve naturally. Whole-cluster fermentation takes place, with the juice cold settled for approximately 10 days. The wines then undergo a skin contact period of 22 to 30 days. Maturation occurs over 18 months in oak barrels, sourced primarily from tonellerie Remond and Francois Freres. The percentage of new oak used varies across the appellations, with village wines aged in roughly 1/3rd new oak and 2/3rds of 1-year-old oak. Premier Crus see a balance of 50% new oak and 50% 1-year-old oak, while Grand Crus are aged in two new barrels and one one-year-old barrel. Since 2000, the wines have not been fined or filtered, allowing them to express their true character. Sebastien Cathiard's wines exude an unparalleled sense of harmony, with a soft and elegant texture that speaks to their finesse. Since taking over the domaine, Sebastien has listened attentively to those fortunate enough to taste alongside him. As a result, he has gradually reduced the percentage of new oak used for aging, allowing the fruit to shine with natural intensity and balance. The Vosne-Romanées, in particular, have garnered a reputation as some of the finest in the village.Each bottle from Domaine Sylvain Cathiard is a testament to the fully mature vineyards that have yielded fruit of exceptional quality. With a limited production of around 50 barrels in a good vintage, these wines are a true embodiment of passion, tradition and the pursuit of excellence. The Sylvain Cathiard Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers 2021 is an outstanding expression of this renowned Burgundy appellation. Crafted from a .47-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1945 and 1960, located mid-slope and in close proximity to the Vosne-Romanee border. This wine is aged in a combination of 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old oak, adding complexity and structure to the final product. In the glass, this Nuits St Georges 1er Cru reveals a bright red-purple colour that immediately catches the eye. The nose is incredibly enticing, with a pronounced spiciness that could easily be mistaken for a Vosne 1er Cru. Aromas of exotic tea, plum, and dark berries fill the air, setting the stage for a truly captivating tasting experience. On the palate, this wine showcases its pedigree and depth. The richness and concentration of flavors are immediately evident, highlighting the influence of very old vines. The medium-bodied texture is solidly powerful, with harmonious plush tannins that caress the palate. The mid-palate is a standout feature, displaying great depth and a sense of generosity that elevates the overall experience. The persistence of the wine is excellent, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. The lush dark fruit intensity is balanced by valuable acidity, adding a refreshing and vibrant element to the wine's profile. Bright red purple in colour, a little denser than Aux Thorey. This is the more solid of the two, slightly more backward, while the intensity of the lush dark fruit is matched by valuable acidity. The barrel speaks less and the aftertaste stretches out further. Drink from 2026-2033. - Jasper Morris MW, 92-95 Points.

Product Information: Paul Chavy is the son of the renowned Burgundy vigneron Jean-Louis Chavy. Paul set up a new and prestigious négoce business enabling the family estate to offer a wider range of wines while creating opportunities to work with different terroirs and from Saint Aubin up as far as Gevrey Chambertin. The 2022 Gevrey Chambertin opens with an enticing bouquet red and dark berries, dried herbs, and turned earth. Powerful dark fruits on the palate, vibrant acidity balances the wine, with fine firm tannins in tow. Excellent ageing potential. 100% de-stemmed fruit given a cold maceration for several days before fermentation on skins for 27 days with only a gentle daily pump-over (no hand plunging). Aged on fine lees in barrel, all 228 litre barrels for the red wines, for 12 months before blending back in tank and bottled un-fined after a very light filtration. Maker: The Chavy family has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet for over 200 years, but it was not until 1986 that Gérard Chavy began to estate-bottle his wines, previously selling them to négociants. Following Gérard's retirement around 2005, the estate was divided into two separate entities managed by his sons, Jean-Louis and Alain Chavy. Jean-Louis Chavy has since developed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, complete with a temperature-controlled cellar situated at the base of the village. This allows him to work comfortably while ensuring the wines are stored in optimal conditions. His son, Paul Chavy, has been part of the estate since before the pandemic and has embarked on creating his own range of wines, sourcing fruit from regions including Saint-Aubin and as far as Gevrey-Chambertin. The Chavy family continues to uphold a legacy of quality and tradition in their winemaking, offering a tantalising glimpse into the heart of Burgundy. For father and son terroir expression is paramount, with wines crafted in a consistent manner allowing the unique soil and exposure to shine through. Jean-Louis and Paul Chavy’s wines are effortless and unforced, showcasing exceptional fruit purity and a clear expression of terroir in each 1er cru. With his son Paul now working full-time at the estate after completing his winemaking studies, the added support in both the vineyard and cellar translates to even greater precision and clarity in every bottle. These wines embody a classic style, aging and developing gracefully over time. Quantities are always limited, and they sell out quickly upon release. So best to grab them while you can. The Philosophy: Paul Chavy returned to the family estate in 2020, bringing valuable insights from his studies and professional experiences. He has established a prestigious négoce business to expand their range of wines and deepen his understanding of various terroirs, villages, and crus. For the white wines, Paul employs a meticulous vinification process, featuring long, slow pressing in a pneumatic press to preserve the finest lees. The wines age in 350-litre barrels from a variety of cooperages for 11 months, followed by an additional 6 to 7 months in tank before bottling, with only light filtration and fining when necessary. The red wines are crafted with care, using 100% de-stemmed grapes. After a cool maceration of 5-7 days in stainless steel, they undergo 17-22 days of fermentation with gentle pump-overs and no punching down. After 12 months in 228-litre barrels, the wines are blended in stainless steel tanks for another 6-7 months before bottling, without fining and with light filtration. This meticulous approach, combined with Paul’s fresh insights and growing experience across new terroirs, showcases the domaine's versatility while delivering the exceptional wines they are renowned for. Nose - Spicy Notes, Redcurrant, Pure Spicy notes, appealing redcurrant and raspberry leaf on the nose. Good concentration. Palate - Succulent, Red and Berries, New Leather Complete, lengthy, fleshy, a touch lighter than your classic but still with beautifully formed fruit. Finish - Mineral, Fresh, Chalky Tannins So much to enjoy in this village wine. Will age well.

Product Description The 2022 Sylvain Cathiard Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Aux Thorey' is a distinguished wine from a truly exceptional plot. Sourced from a 0.43-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1953, this wine showcases the finesse and power that Nuits-Saint-Georges is famous for. The vineyard, perched high on the slope near the Vosne-Romanée border, enjoys cooler temperatures and a mineral-rich terroir, imparting a distinct elegance that sets it apart from other wines in the cellar. Sylvain worked with these vines for many years under en mettayage arrangements before seizing the opportunity to purchase the plot in 2006. In the glass, the wine displays a vibrant purple hue, hinting at the depth and richness within. The nose is a striking blend of ripe plummy fruit, with both red and black fruit notes woven together seamlessly. The palate is full and concentrated, offering a beautiful balance of charm and precision, with layers of fruit that evolve across the tongue. There is a touch of Asian spice towards the finish, likely from the small berries and the wine's extended oak aging. The firm grip of tannins suggests this is a wine built for the long haul, with a promising future ahead. With its well-structured frame, concentrated fruit, and impeccable balance, the 2022 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Aux Thorey' is poised to age gracefully. Drink from 2029 to 2035 to experience its full potential. Maker Sylvain Cathiard’s Domaine is renowned for producing wines that embody the elegance, power, and finesse of Burgundy. Originally founded by Sylvain’s grandfather in the 1930s, the estate has grown in both size and reputation under Sylvain’s leadership. After taking over the Domaine in 1985, Sylvain passed the reins to his son, Sébastien, in 2011, who has since brought the estate to new heights. The Domaine spans 5 hectares across some of the finest vineyards in Burgundy, including Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, and the coveted Romanée-Saint-Vivant. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to organic practices, the Cathiard family produces wines that reflect the true character of each vineyard. Sébastien’s minimalist approach to winemaking—coupled with his father’s legacy—has made Cathiard’s wines some of the most sought-after in the region, praised for their purity, balance, and ability to age. Philosophy At Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, the philosophy is simple yet profound: respect the land, let the vineyards speak, and produce wines that are true to their terroir. Sébastien Cathiard’s approach to winemaking is hands-off, with a strong emphasis on organic and sustainable practices. The estate’s vineyards are farmed with the utmost care, using organic principles to allow the vines to express their full potential. In the winery, Sébastien prefers minimal intervention, allowing natural yeasts to drive fermentation and avoiding fining or filtration. This philosophy results in wines that are pure, expressive, and elegantly balanced, showcasing the complexity and beauty of Burgundy’s finest terroirs. With a focus on producing wines that are harmonious, finely textured, and capable of aging gracefully, Sébastien’s wines have become known for their precision and finesse. His ability to let the land shine through in every bottle has earned Domaine Sylvain Cathiard a reputation as one of Burgundy’s top producers. Tasting Notes Nose Ripe Plummy Fruit, Red & Black Fruit, Subtle Spice The 2022 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Aux Thorey" offers a complex nose of ripe plummy fruit, with both red and black fruit notes interwoven. The wine’s striking perfume is accented by subtle hints of spice and minerality, reflecting the unique terroir of the vineyard. Palate Full, Concentrated, Balanced On the palate, the wine is full and concentrated, with a seamless distribution of fruit across the tongue. The balance between charm and precision is remarkable, with a firm structure and a touch of Asian spice that adds complexity. The tannins are firm yet finely integrated, providing a solid backbone to the wine. Finish Long, Tension, Fruit & Spice The finish is long and persistent, with a fine balance between acidity, tannins, and fruit. The wine’s tension and structure suggest it will age beautifully, with the fruit and spice elements continuing to evolve over time. Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – France Region – Burgundy Appellation – Nuits-Saint-Georges Sub-Region – 1er Cru "Aux Thorey" Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13% Oak – 50% New Oak, 50% 1-Year-Old Oak Farming Practices – Organic Practices Drink Window – 2029–2035