$100 and over
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay
Bachelet-Monnot Puligny-Montrachet
Bachelet-Monnot Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières
Bachelet Monnot Santenay Blanc
Domaine Marc-Antonin Blain
Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume l'Homme Mort
Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. The Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume l'Homme Mort 2020 is a captivating wine that exemplifies the excellence of Premier Cru Chablis. Crafted from vineyards spanning approximately 1.1 hectares in the renowned Fourchaume climat, this wine is a testament to Pierrick Laroche's expertise and dedication. This wine represents the unique characteristics of the Fourchaume climat. The terroir, with its limestone soils, imparts a distinct character to the wine. The precise flavour profile of the 2020 vintage has a harmonious balance of flavors, vibrant acidity and a subtle mineral undertone that are typical of Premier Cru Chablis. The Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume l'Homme Mort 2020 is a wine that captivates with its finesse, complexity and the expression of its Premier Cru terroir. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with seafood or poultry dishes, this Chablis is sure to impress with its elegance and depth. Pierrick's vineyards boast an average vine age of 25 years, with some vines reaching up to 35 years old. The winemaking process involves the use of indigenous yeast, allowing for a very long and slow alcoholic fermentation lasting 2-3 months. Following fermentation, the wine is carefully aged with 60% aged in stainless steel tanks and the remaining 40% in aged barrels. This aging process spans 18 months culminating in bottling during the spring. The result is a wine of exceptional complexity and depth, thanks to the meticulous elevage techniques employed by Pierrick Laroche.
Domaine Fabien Coche Auxey Duresses Blanc
Product Information: Once thought too steep and cold for perfect ripening, Auxey-Duresses is located just above the village of Meursault and is finally hitting its stride. More fresh and mineral giving notable acidity, its cooler aspect works so well in the warmer vintages like 2022. These are among the sites that will benefit from global warming. It delivers fine, fresh aromas of citrus and white flowers, underscored by a distinct chalky minerality. Auxey Duresses adjoins Meursault vineyards close to some of the most famed vineyards of the village with Les Luchets and Vireuils joining directly on to Meursault as the village points to the hills just to the west. Here the slopes are steeper and the limestone more apparent and the wines correspondingly more fresh and mineral. Hand harvest or low yields, whole bunch pressing, long ageing on lees 12 months for Aligote and Bourgogne and up to 18 months for Meursaults. Coche's wines represent excellent value, people should realise Burgundy is still accessible, particularly in appellations not of interest to investors’, as Wine journalist Matthew Hayes explains. '[Fabien Coche] Traditional rather than austere modern wines, they are oaked but not over-oaked, and substantial without being fat. They are fairly priced, too, if anything in Burgundy remains actually fairly priced.' Maker: Established in 1940 and formerly known as Coche-Bizouard, the Domaine Fabien Coche is dedicated to cultivating the exceptional qualities found in the renowned wines of Burgundy. With a commitment to traditional methods, Domaine Fabien Coche carefully tends to every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard work to bottling, ensuring the production of wines that are truly exceptional. Fabien Coche, is a fourth-generation vigneron, who took over the management of his family's prestigious domaine in 2005, following in the footsteps of his well-known relatives. Fabien Coche’s father is a first cousin of Jean-Francois Coche-Dury and it is not so long ago that the two domaines shared almost identical labels. Fabien started working with his father in 1998 and since 2005 has taken over the running and now has his own distinctive labels. The Coche-Dury family holds a prominent position among Burgundy's esteemed families. Fabien Coche's holdings were formerly part of the same estate until 1940, Coche-Dury is now overseen by Fabien's cousin Raphael. Fabien has become a prominent figure in the wine industry, achieving notable success in the current generation. Showcasing his expertise and passion, Fabien's impressive collection of vineyards covers approximately 11 hectares, encompassing Meursault, Monthelie, Pommard and Auxey-Duresses. Stylistically the wines at this estate are incredibly pure with little (if any) discernible mark from the hand of the winemaker with new oak at a low 25% and a notable percentage of larger format barrels. I would place the style of his wines in-between that of his cousins Coche-Dury and Roulot. Fabiens wines have the acidity and purity of Roulot without the trademark SO2 which tends to mark Roulots wines when young, and also without the extravagant luxuriant texture that so defines the wines of Coche-Dury. Here we simply find real old vine depth delivering some of the purest expressions of each vineyard site that we have seen right the way through the range from Aligote right to the very top. Vineyard: The vineyard was established in 1940, this estate spans prestigious appellations including AOC Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard, Auxey-Duresses, and Monthelie, both village and premier cru. The vineyards, covering 12 hectares and have been practicing organic viticulture since 1998. With vine is high ranging from 8000 to 11000 per hectare. Average vine age is impressive here with more than 60% of vines over 60 years old. The domaine is currently transitioning to fully organic vineyards, which should be complete by 2024. Nose - White Flowers, Apple, Light Buttery Oak Concentration of lemon peel and green apple fruit with hints of white flowers, butter and spice. Palate - Golden Apple, Ripe, Creamy Fruit carries through nicely on the palate, with a creamy texture and marvellous balance. Finish - Lemon Peel, Spice, Chalky On the whole quite meaty and substantial. Ripe and full with distinct chalky minerality.
Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet Clavoillons
Product Information: This ideal site gives a roundness and generosity compared to the more elevated Folatieres which is just above on a slightly steeper slope. This wine offers a lovely fullness with great length in the mouth owing to its old vine (average 71 years), along with aromas of ripe and candied fruit. Premier Cru Clavoilons lies right in the middle of the Puligny Appellation between Perrieres to the north and Les Pucelles bordering on the south side. Only 2 families have ownership in this tiny 5.5855 ha vineyard, Chavy family have 0.7895 ha and the rest belonging to the various branches of the illustrious Leflaive family (replanting their plot in 1970’s). Here Jean-Louis has 0.32 ha of vines planted in 1952 just below Folatieres. Eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. 25-30% new barrels. "Jean-Louis Chavy’s wines are a masterclass in finesse, showcasing the purity of Puligny-Montrachet’s terroir." - Jancis Robinson. 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: Vinification is classic with whole bunch pressing and 24 hours of settling with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. Jean-Louis has not used any battonage on any cuvees for some years now. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 30 to 50 years old though some in Folatieres and Clavoillons amongst the oldest planted in 1952. For the elevage of the wines the use of new oak is restrained with the village Puligny seeing only 15% new oak and the 1er cru’s just 25%. Recent years have seen a move towards 350 litre barrels for ageing to have less oak influence. Unfortunately there are no Grand cru vineyards among his holdings, however his 1er cru’s are located very close to some of the best vineyards in the heart of Puligny. Nose - Stone Fruits, Ripe, Candied Fruit There is a lovely density to the aromas and to the core of this wine. Palate - Lively, Yellow Fruits, Thread of Minerals Dense fruits. The palate is lively and the minerality zesty, which lightens the concentrated character. Finish - Bright Citrus, Chalky, Nutty Bright, faintly nutty-savoury, with citrus fruits linger on the finish.
Domaine Paul Chavy Saint Romain Blanc La Perriere
Product Information: The bunches don't fall far from the vine! Paul Chavy is already showing talent well beyond his years. His 2022 Saint Romain Blanc La Perriere, a brilliantly fresh and mineral village, that's outstanding value, and a great introduction to his burgeoning collection. Proving Burgundy is still accessible if you know where to look! From a cooler north-east facing site in La Perriere which is on the left hand side before driving into the village from Meursault and then Auxey-Duresses. Very limestone terroir giving freshness and minerality to this cuvee. The vineyard is located almost right on the border of Auxey-Duresses and just a few minutes drive from Meursault. This wine is 100% aged in barrel with just 15% new oak and all barrels being 350 litre with a mix of coopers including the new tiny cooperage of Eric Millard which is very highly regarded. Shows wonderful perfume and depth for this level. 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 - Ripe Apple, Zesty Lemon, Floral Delicate floral notes intertwine with hints of crushed stones, honey and citrus on the nose. Palate - Yellow Orchard Fruits, Linear, Light Oak Ripe orchard fruits, lemon wash and a whisper of subtle oak. Finish - Zippy Acidity, Mineral, Saline Zesty, lively acidity, mature orchard fruit on the palate.
Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Product Description Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013 is a rare and exceptional cuvée that reflects the unique characteristics of a vintage marked by a very late harvest. The year 2013 stood out with cool and rainy weather, resulting in a delayed harvest that only began at the end of September. This late ripening process gave rise to grapes with a rare balance of freshness and depth, producing a wine of great finesse and complexity. The blend is made exclusively from Grand and Premier Cru Chardonnay, with 70% sourced from the Côte des Blancs and 30% from the Montagne de Reims. With over 9 years of ageing on lees and a dosage of 5.5 g/L, this Champagne presents the ultimate expression of Ruinart’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. The result is a cuvée with an extraordinary combination of freshness, depth, and a distinctive toasty character. The wine is vinified with meticulous care, following traditional techniques such as manual disgorgement and ageing under cork, a process that imparts a unique richness and subtlety to the wine. The late ripening of the grapes gives the wine its unmistakable structure and precision, while the chalky terroir of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims provides a mineral backbone that enhances the wine’s complexity. Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013 is a Champagne that balances elegance with boldness, and its unique character makes it a true standout in the world of luxury Champagne. Maker The House of Ruinart, founded in 1729, is one of the oldest and most prestigious Champagne houses, known for its uncompromising dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Ruinart is renowned for its exceptional Blanc de Blancs, a signature style that showcases the elegance and freshness of Chardonnay. Each cuvée is a reflection of the House’s century-old legacy of blending expertise, rooted in the distinctive terroirs of Champagne. Ruinart’s commitment to excellence is evident in every bottle, from the selection of the finest vineyards to the meticulous ageing process in the cellars. At the helm of Ruinart’s winemaking is Cellar Master Frédéric Panaïotis, who brings his passion for Champagne and his innovative approach to the craft. Under his leadership, Ruinart continues to create wines that push the boundaries of what Champagne can be, balancing tradition with modern techniques. The House’s dedication to quality is exemplified in the use of manual disgorgement and the reintroduction of the traditional cork ageing technique, ensuring that each bottle of Ruinart Champagne delivers a unique and exceptional tasting experience. Philosophy Ruinart’s philosophy is rooted in a commitment to creating Champagne that expresses the unique characteristics of the land and the year. The House believes that great Champagne is born out of a deep connection to nature and a respect for the elements. Each cuvée is an exploration of terroir, with a focus on expressing the purity of the grapes and the richness of the environment. By allowing nature to guide the process and using time-honoured techniques such as ageing under cork and manual disgorgement, Ruinart creates wines that are as much about tradition as they are about innovation. At Ruinart, the pursuit of excellence is constant, and every vintage is an opportunity to refine and perfect the art of Champagne making. The House’s philosophy is not just about creating wine—it’s about creating an experience that captures the essence of a place, a moment, and a story. Each bottle of Ruinart Champagne is a testament to this philosophy, offering a taste of the craftsmanship and dedication that has defined the House for over 290 years. Tasting Notes Appearance Golden with Green Reflections The wine presents an intense golden hue with subtle green reflections, offering a glimpse of its youthful character and the rich minerality imparted by its terroir. Nose Complex & Toasty On the nose, Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013 reveals a complex bouquet with aromas of ripe citrus fruits, dried fruits, and subtle floral notes. Toasty hints of gingerbread and almond mix harmoniously with delicate minerality and a fresh, powdery edge. These fragrances are further complemented by a subtle touch of smokiness, adding depth and complexity to the profile. Palate Fresh, Structured, and Lively The palate is marked by its crystalline freshness, with vibrant citrus and floral notes that echo the nose. The structure is firm and precise, showcasing the balance between the minerality of the Côte des Blancs and the richness of the Montagne de Reims’ terroir. A delicate yet powerful tension between freshness and maturity drives the wine’s dynamic profile, leading to a long and satisfying finish marked by a delightful hint of bitter orange peel and a lingering minerality. Finish Long & Elegant The finish is elegant and refined, with a remarkable persistence of citrus and floral notes. The wine’s subtle bitterness, combined with its refreshing minerality, creates a finish that lingers, inviting further exploration. Style - Champagne Varietal - Chardonnay Country - France Region - Champagne Vintage - 2013 Bottle Size - 750ml ABV - 12.5%