Getting Your Head Around Burgundy Part 1 – Vineyards, Classifications & Villages


This will be the first in many articles to help you understand Burgundy, the mythical home of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay.
Understanding Burgundy Starts with the Different Villages & After that it Just Keeps Getting Better!

Two things about Burgundy

  1. All of the vineyards in Burgundy have been named
  2. All have been classified according to the quality of fruit they are capable of producing.

The Classifications

From top to bottom the quality classifications are:

  1. Grand Cru – Specific single vineyards of the highest classification. Only 1% of production. You’ll know you’re looking at a “Grand Cru” if it is written on the label in addition to the specific vineyard where the fruit came from.
  2. Premier Cru – Specific single vineyards. Combined with Village wines making 48% of production. You’ll know you’re looking at a “Premier Cru” or “1er Cru” if it’s written on the label in addition to the specific vineyard where the fruit came from.
  3. Village – Fruit from a specific sub-region ie the village of Puligny-Montrachet that is better than Bourgogne standard, but, not good enough to be classified Premier Cru. Village wine will generally only have the name of the Village written on the label. Some times they will have a vineyard name on the label if there is something special about the particular vineyard the fruit is sourced from.
  4. Bourgogne – Fruit from anywhere in Burgundy. 51% of production. Bourgogne wine will have just Bourgogne written on the label and in a shift from tradition to aid export markets sometimes the variety, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. They will never have a specific vineyard name on them.

The Regions of Burgundy

The best bit of Burgundy is a thin strip running from North to South around 50km in length, to the South East of Paris

It’s split into three main regions, within each of these regions there are villages which have specific single vineyards planted in them to the varieties red varieties: Pinot Noir and Gamay, and the white varieties: Chardonnay and Aligoté, a lesser variety that produces some fun wines at more affordable prices.

The three main regions in the strip South of Dijon are:

  1. Côte D’Or – meaning the Golden Slope, derived from it’s original name, Côte d’Orient, East Slope, within which rest:
    1. Côte-de-Nuits – South of the city of Dijon and North of the town of Beaune famous for it’s Pinot Noir. The best known villages are: Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Nuits-St-Georges and Vosne-Romanée. 5% of Burgundy production including Chablis.
    2. Côte-du-Beaune – The area around and South of Beaune famous for Chardonnay including the 5 Grand Cru vineyards and many very good Pinot producing vineyards. The best known villages are: Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Mersault, Volnay, Pommard and Saint Aubin. 10% of production including Chablis.
  2. Côte-Chalonaise – Mixing more affordable Chardonnay and Pinot that can be of excellent quality. The villages of Rully, Mercurey and Givry producing their best wines.
  3. Mâconnaise – The least regarded of the main regions, still capable of producing some very good wines.

In addition to these, the two regions of Beaujolais, mostly producing Gamay, (at the South end of the Dijon Strip) and Chablis, mostly producing Chardonnay (between the southern part of Champagne and Dijon) are part of the Bourgogne wine region.

Click to view full sized map

Know the Producer. Know their Vineyards

The trick is getting to know your producers and the villages they have plantings in, and, the specific vineyards they hold within these villages.

The single vineyards are known as “Climat” sometimes the single vineyards are surrounds by walls and the “Climat” is called a Clos, walled vineyard. Within a single vineyard there are often Lieux-dits, these are parts of the single vineyard that have a specific topography or historical nature.

Let’s drill down with an example going down to the single vineyard level.

Region: Burgundy

Main Sub-Region: Côte D’Or

Minor Sub-Region: Côte-des-Nuits

Village: Gevrey-Chambertin (3 down on the right from the top) on the map above.

Single Vineyard or Climats: Chambertin, The best known Grand Cru vineyard. You can see where it is in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin in the map below.

Number of Owners: Last time I looked there were around 23 owners of part of the Chambertin vineyard, just as many négoce wines (wines made with fruit purchased from vineyard owners).

Number of Wines Made: and Labelled “Chambertin Grand Cru”. Around 40 with a dozen producers doing a good job. Wine is produced from vineyards owned or leased by producers or from purchased fruit. This is where you really need to get to know your vineyards and producers! Frances hereditary title laws have seen lands vineyards split between siblings to the point where some hold so few vines of a plot they can not even make a single barrel of wine from it. These usually end up being sold or leased.

What does all this mean?

To understand Burgundy you need to know a few key things.

Where the fruit comes from? If it’s classified “Village” or “Premier Cru” is it a good village or lesser one for that variety? If it’s classified “Bourgogne” where does the fruit come from? Philippe Chavy’s Bourgogne entry level Chardonnay is made using fruit sourced from Puligny-Montrachet, 90%, and Mersault 10%. Basically, it comes from two of the best villages for Chardonnay in Burgundy. Yet, it is still classified Bourgogne as would be a Chardonnay of this classification from a lesser village.

Which are the best vineyards? If it’s a Grand Cru vineyard it’s been identified as one of the best. After that, it’s great to look for Premier Cru vineyards that sit right next to a Grand Cru. The Premier Cru Chardonnay vineyard “Les Pucelles” in Puligny-Montrachet is right next to the two Grand Crus Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenue-Bâtard-Montrachet. Then the Village Vineyards right next to a Grand Cru or Premier Cru vineyard. There are also some well-known Premier Cru vineyards, such as Les Amoureuses in the village of Chambolle-Musigny and Clos Saint-Jacques in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin and Les Grandes Ruchottes in Chassagne-Montrachet that consistently perform at close to Grand Cru levels. So close, that Burgundians, unofficially give them that status, and, the price of the wines reflect it.

Which are the best producers? A matter of experience. The challenge is the vineyard rating is indicative of the “potential” of the vineyard only. A bad operator will take a Grand Cru vineyard and turn it into pretty ordinary Pinot or Chardonnay. A good operator can take a decent vineyard classified as Bourgogne or Village and make something that deserves to be further up the classification.

If all else fails …  Ask us at WINE DECODED! It just takes a lot of time and a lot of drinking.

Read Getting Your Head Around Burgundy Part 2. Join the Wine Decoded Community to make sure you don’t miss out it’s free!

We regularly have Burgundy offers. Check out our “Offers” page for current and past offers.

… a little more detail on the Climats and Lieux Dits

The further exploration of the Climats and Lieux Dits in Burgundy was prompted by Peter M one of Wine Decoded’s community members. Thanks Peter!

The use of Climats and Lieux Dits in Burgundy has been used to great effect, highlighting the potential (I say potential as the vigneron can still stuff up the vineyard and the wine) quality of different vineyards.

We have seen this approach spread across the world with single vineyards wines becoming commonplace. In Australia, there have been attempts to establish distinctions across some of our wine regions. Think Mac Forbes Map of the Yarra Valley and its sub-regions, the Barossa Grounds Project, and, the McLaren Vale Scarce Earth Project. None have yet to reach the level of detail established with the Climats in Burgundy.

Back to Burgundy, the video below is an excellent explanation of Climat.

A definition of Climats from bourgognes-wines.com:

Climats are precisely delineated plots of land that enjoy specific geological and climatic conditions. When combined with human effort and translated through the two great Bourgogne varietals of Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for whites, they give rise to an exceptional range of appellations that are classified according to quality and which enjoy international renown.

The Climats confer their own unique organoleptic qualities onto the wines of Bourgogne, such as their appearance, aromas, flavours and texture.
Some Climats were first referenced as far back as the 7th century, such as Clos de Bèze in Gevrey. For centuries, the reputation of Bourgogne wines was driven by the monks of Cîteaux, and then by the Dukes of Bourgogne. Some wines, such as Clos Vougeot and Montrachet, which bore the name of the Climat where they were grown, acquired a reputation that extended beyond French borders.

In 1935, the National Institute for Origins and Quality (INAO), made official the usage of the word “Climat” and began using it in legal texts applying to all Bourgogne appellations, whatever their level of hierarchy.
The Climats are a sign of excellence and on 4 July 2015, the Climats were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lieux-dits: intimately linked to the Climats

Lieux-dits are also plots recognized for their own topographic or historical specificities. Their precise geographical location is not registered by the INAO.

A certain number of producers choose to feature the name of their lieu-dit on their labels, such as Pouilly-Fuissé, Le Clos Reyssié.

BURGUNDY’S VINEYARDS – “CLIMATS” OR WHAT?

When the Romans settled in Burgundy, they planted vines on the plains, at the foot of the Côte d’Or to their West.  During ensuing centuries, land was gradually cleared on the forested slopes of the Côte, mainly for mixed farming including grape growing. This land proved highly suitable for viticulture, with the slope providing drainage, adequate nutrition and good exposition to the sun.  Thus, over time, viticulture became the main agricultural pursuit of the Côte.

As vineyards were developed, they became known through common usage by individual names (that is, place-names, in French lieux-dits plural, lieu-dit singular).  Such names served, in effect, as geographic identifiers, somewhat analogous to an “address”.  Their origins often lie in aspects of the landscape – for example, the word “Charmes”, which is found in quite a few lieux-dits, refers most probably to the hornbeam tree having been planted on the site before clearing for viticulture.

In 1807, Napoléon initiated a plan (the Cadastre) to survey France’s lands, with Burgundy being surveyed mainly in the 1820s. This survey thus gave official recognition to the many hundreds of existing lieux-dits.  But, more than that, it delineated the plot(s) of the individual owner(s) within each lieu-dit – the survey being necessary to support the title to the land, as is the case with the Australian land registry systems.

In the main, vignerons referred to these same vineyards as climats, which has vague connotations of weather/exposure/slope etc.  Thus, the term was used interchangeably with lieu-dit.  Gradually, however, the word climat became used in the context of a vineyard’s “quality”.  Thus, when Burgundy’s vineyards were classified qualitatively, via the 1935 AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) system, the term “climat” was reserved for the top 2 tiers (grand cru and premier cruvineyards), although in the vast majority of cases the named climat is identical to the corresponding lieu-dit.  In contrast, the third quality tier – village-level vineyards – were officially recognised only as lieux-dits.

There are many named vineyards – lieux-dits – that are not recognised individually in the above, top three, tiers of the AOC classification. Such individual vineyards thus have no official status and are grouped together under a collective appellation such as Bourgogne.  However, some makers do quote the name of the vineyard/lieu-dit (e.g. Domaine René Cacheux’s Bourgogne “Les Champs d’Argent”).  Presumably, this reflects the fact that this wine comes from a specific vineyard within the respective village boundary (in this case, the village of Vosne-Romanée) despite the fact that the AOC deemed this lieu-dit worthy only of a generic Bourgogne classification.

Just to confuse matters, many vignerons and commentators refer to the vineyard as a terroir – as distinct from the terroir of the vineyard – which word is thus often used interchangeably with climat and lieu-dit.  But, the matter of “terroir” is complex and unsettled, a subject for another day…

To put a contemporary spin on this topic, since the Côte d’Or was given World Heritage listing in 2015, the official Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) has focussed on use of the word “climat” to describe all of the classified vineyards – despite its use being restricted by the AOC to the top two tiers. This reflects the fact that the nature and uniqueness of the Côte’s climats was a major focal point of the campaign to achieve World Heritage recognition.

Peter M – Wine Decoded Community Memeber

About Mongeard-Mugneret The Mongeard family arrived in Vosne-Romanée in the 1620, with records showing a Mongeard working as vigneron for Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in 1786. Their legacy now spans over eight generations, however they continue to produce wine with the utmost respect for tradition. In 1945, Jean Mongeard, whose mother was a Mugneret, found […]
$417
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A discreet application of wood suffuses the restrained and beautifully layered nose of mineral reduction, iodine, tidal pool, white orchard fruit and a vague hint of phenolic character. The super-sleek, dense and intense broad-shouldered flavors possess a palate etching mouthfeel while delivering simply remarkable length on the stony, austere and very dry finale that is akin to rolling small rocks around the mouth. The intensity really builds as it sits on the palate and overall, this beauty is
A combination of three parcels throughout the famous Sanford & Benedict vineyard. Two of the plantings are 10-12 years old, but certainly responsible for the dark, deep core of this wine. The third piece, a small fermentation of the original, own-rooted plantings from 1971, brings the elegance and floral lift. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points
$241
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Simply Delicious

Hoddles Creek Estate Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay | Yarra Valley, Australia

Perfect intro to Hoddle's Creek Chardonnay! Cool Upper Yarra Valley Fruit = Wine of Poise & Great Intensity! Cool(ish) year, small yields. This is the best HCE Chardonnay I can recall tasting. White peach, green pear, a little citrus, fine spicy oak, almond, discreet struck match. It’s tight, but has flavour, plenty of flinty and chalky texture, ripe lemon and lemon peel, almond biscotti and green olive, firm crunch of pure acidity, and a long and racy finish that so mouth-watering and zest
Fanco's done it again!

Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Pinot Noir | Yarra Valley, Australia

You'd be hard pressed to fined a better value Pinot than this! Cherry, plum, baking spice, a little more earthy – more bass than treble here – some vanilla, thyme and mint in the mix too. It’s full of juicy red and black fruited flavour, a slight orange peel amaro twist through it, a pleasing amount of grainy/silty tannin, kind of autumnal too, a little rhubarb and spice, with a juicy and sappy finish of excellent length. Lots of flavour and a good amount of chewy texture. It’s balance o

Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2021

Chardonnay | South Australia, Adelaide Hills

The evenness of the weight through the palate is exceptional. The textural finesse and length outstanding. Layered beautiful wine. Stunning build of flavour and intensity with chalky fine acid. Incredibly complete and harmonious. Restraint with power. Now there's a trick!
$45
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A.Rodda ‘Baxendale’ Whitlands Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay | Victoria, Australia

The latest addition to Adrian's Chardonnay range. The Baxendale is supple plush, clean & long. For mine the most immediately approachable Australian Chardonnay just keeps getting better and better. Last year I was tasting a line of OK white Burgundy then moved onto A.Rodda's Chardonnays & BOOM! They're superb wines. The Baxendale is supple plush, clean & long. For mine the most immediately approachable. The acid a bit more resolved. Oak nicely balanced, edge of pithy stuff. Florals, c
$52
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Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Chardonnay 2020

Chardonnay | South Island, New Zealand

Pure with tension, balanced & rich with a refreshing textural acid. Mid-palate weight is excellent with layers of textural lees and funk ~ excellent! Chardonnay with flavour. As it warms in the glass the expression continues. Long, fine, even & flowing with a saline twist this is very good drinking at the price point. It has all the high notes giving energy to the wine.
$56
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It's the texture and flow that separate Shaun's Dapple wines from others! Excellent density, line and length with chalky, mineral ,saline acid and succulent fruit. Serious mid-palate depth. Calm and patient winemaking showing. After 4 hours in the glass only a month after bottling, it starts to reveal itself. White flowers and that trademark lick of reduction wrap a core of fruit that shows depth only achieved with vine age. Let alone a 30% crop reduction.  Excellent flow.
$58
$55ea in any 3+
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Domaine Roland Lavantureux Petit Chablis 2020

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

“Here is the only wine that with 100% stainless-steel for all vinification and elevage. All from Lignorelles. That’s a very friendly nose – slightly round and faintly caramel despite tank elevage – an inviting sweetness. A little touch of green in the flavours but also lots of energy and citrus bitters. Very engaging, tasty wine. Long too.” Bill Nanson
$61
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$55ea in any 6+

Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay | Picadilly Valley, Australia

The build in intensity of this very complete wine is clear. Yes the acid is there, it has the depth and length to hold it. The mid-palate weight is exceptional and oak use (⅓ new) refined, layered and harmonious. Perfumed with white flowers, a little baking spice crème pat. Super citrus, white grapefruit and stunning intense lime. Tasting the 3 side by side as a great way to explore depth, length and shape of fruit. The separator from so many Chardonnays on the market is the texture,
$61
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A.Rodda ‘Smiths’ Beechworth Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay | Victoria, Australia

When I first came across Adrian's wines, tasting a line of OK white Burgundy they highlighted just how far Australian Chardonnay has come in the last 30 years. They're superb wines. The Smith's has a lovely generous core of fruit. Balanced by a juicy line of acid. Fine texture, so pure, long and delicious. Still very youthful. A year or two in bottle will do wonders. A nice little bit of funk layers in, feels a little like a pillow for your tongue! The flavours build after you've swallowed it
$61
$58ea in any 3+
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A.Rodda ‘Willow Lake’ Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay | Yarra Valley, Australia

The Willow Lake has excellent depth and length, with the acid to match the fruit intensity. It needs the most time to resolve of Adrian's 3 Chardonnays. When it does it is going to be freaky good. Australian Chardonnay just keeps getting better and better. Last year I was tasting a line of OK white Burgundy then moved onto A.Rodda's Chardonnays & BOOM! They're superb wines. The Willow Lake has excellent depth and length, with the acid to match the fruit intensity. It needs the most time t
$61
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DML VIN Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir | Victoria, Australia

D'Anna + Middleton + Lewis = DML VIN Pinot! Red cherry, plum, spice, a little samphire and thyme, a slight smokiness too, and dried roses. It’s fine, but offers more grunt and substance than the more delicate Yarra Valley offering, more grain and grip through the tannin, poached strawberry and ripe pomegranate with a bit of crunch on a long finish. It’s lively and regional, and so nicely turned out. Gary Walsh
$64
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DML VIN Upper Yarra Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir | Yarra Valley, Australia

D'Anna + Middleton + Lewis = DML VIN Pinot! It’s very pretty and refined. All fresh raspberry and red cherry, floral perfume and a dusting of spice, kind of juicy, but nicely composed, expanding and filling the mouth with flavour and gentle emery tannin, fresh and long through the finish. Wholesome feeling, classic styling, and just lovely to drink Gary Walsh
$64
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Showing exactly how important vine age is! A step up, an extra zip of salty acid and that mid palate weight with excellent length. Florals, white stone fruit a little citrus pith and plenty of fun. That slight primary edge that disappeared as it opened revealing excellent depth and length with restraint. A little more complexity. Mid palate texture is excellent. Hazelnuts and an extra layer of pleasure here. Excellent.
$67
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Domaine Thibert Mâcon-Prissé ‘en Chailloux’ 2018

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy

This is superb, and it's just the entry level wine! Palpable energy here, picked at an excellent point. Superbly balanced, saline, a little chalky. Very fresh. The texture is so fine, gliding along your tongue. The spectrum of fruit flavours covered is both complex and seamless with pops of cleverly handled lees work, the meal and oats Euan mentions. This glimmers green/gold in the glass. Aromatically evoking ripe yellow fruits, meal and oat with some stony nuances. The palate has flavors
$67
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Domaine Testut Chablis Vielles Vignes 2019

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

The pedigree of this fruit at the Chablis level is pretty bloody good! It's from a 50 year old parcel adjacent to the Grand Cru, Blanchot! Bloody tasty Village. Beautifully weighted and developed. Often at this level Chablis can be thin and raw. Testut here, as with all his wines shows a deft touch in raise the wine and building generosity. A wine that can be hoovered now, it’ll drink well over the next few years. Great flow across your palate, fine, sophisticated, perfect everyday drinking
$67
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Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2020

Pinot Noir | South Island, New Zealand

Showing much more freshness & red fruit profile than the atypical 2021, sits fine and velvety on the tannin profile. Long and even. Plush and refreshing. Gently spiced. Elegant flavourful. Harmonious and integrated. Layered complexity with eathiness and a well balanced stalk use adding intrigue. A lovely perfume dancing over the top.
$68
$65ea in any 3+
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Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020

Pinot Noir | South Island, Central Otago

Fresh energetic zippy acid much more contained than the 2021. More vibrant without the darkness and dry red factor of the 2021. This will be a region that I look for the cool vintages. This is very good at the price point playing comfortably with Mercurey 1er Crus. They’ve nailed the mouthfeel: long, even and flowing. The core of fruit lingers on complexed with a little baking spice and again beautifully integrated stalk adding intrigue. Resolved. A little musk and rose playing at the edges.
$68
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Georges Deschamps Chablis 2022

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

A richer more immediately generous iteration than the 2021 yet with a delicacy and elegance. Perfumed fruit ripe gold apple a little lemon oil at play and a salty pop. Delicous long fine, supple. Excellent texture, line and length, impressive élévage and that all important mid-palate weight. Complexed by the long slow ferment and time on lees. Great drinking.
$68
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Showing exactly how important vine age is! Shroomy wet wool funk reminiscent of old school. I think it's a character from low pH high acid whites with a good reduction. Build in depth and length Mid-Palate weight beyond the standard Chablis. Saline. Much more complete wine. Better even flow and drive coming through. The delightful lacing of maple syrup, from a clever élévage adds to the mid-palate weight. A little baking spice and crème pat. A note on the 2021's: The 2021 Laffay's are a bl
$70
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Domaine Roland Lavantureux Chablis 2020

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

“All the domaine’s wines are vinified parcel by parcel – this comes from a single parcel in Lignorelles but a big parcel of 5ha and it’s the biggest cuvée of the domaine. Here starting to see a proportion of older barrels for elevage. A similar roundness and sweet invitation to drink. Mouth- filling, silky – here is a super wine for drinking today! The finish is pure and full of energy – again with lovely citrus-skin complexity. That’s really excellent.” Bill Nanson
$71
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Stunning!

Stefano Lubiana ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2019

Chardonnay | Tasmania, Australia

Stunning. The texture here is divine. Refined with a delicacy to the long seamless line of acid. Superb flavour profile of ripe lemons & citrus oil, white nectarine, a little green apple, light honey, nutty wild ferment / solids with supple creaminess. Such great drinking.
$72
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Incredibly Elegant!

Stefano Lubiana Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir | Tasmania, Australia

Superb expression right out of the gate, whilst it will offer much much more with time. Excellent depth and length with layer after layer of flavour. The energy of the fruit is balanced with a darkness, spiced and an intriguing sappy hint. The acidity and tannin marry well offering up a fine long structure.
$72
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Showing exactly how important vine age is! A step up, an extra zip of salty acid and that mid palate weight with excellent length. Florals, white stone fruit a little citrus pith and plenty of fun. That slight primary edge that disappeared as it opened revealing excellent depth and length with restraint. A little more complexity. Mid palate texture is excellent. Hazelnuts and an extra layer of pleasure here. Excellent.
$72
$69ea in any 3+
$66ea in any 6+

Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Bourgogne Rouge 2020

Pinot Noir | Dezize-Lès-Maranges, France

The 2019 was A delight to contemplate and an absolute pleasure to drink. Once again looking forward to ripping the lid of one of these. “Deep purple black, surprisingly little nose. Juicy pure red fruit, classic rather than hot vintage fruit in the mouth and impressively concentrated, firmer structure than in 2019. Really long finish. I am rather impressed by this.”  Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy 87-89 Points
$72
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Domaine Louis Boillot Bougogne 2016

Pinot Noir | France, Burgundy

There is a level of sophistication that you typically only see at the next level up, the village wines! Meadows nails the note here. There is a level of sophistication that you typically only see at the next level up, the village wines. The plush, supple texture caresses. Harmony brings together a wine of complexity and pleasing weight. Pretty & delicious! Here the expressive nose blends together notes of both red and dark currant with those of earth and a hint of humus. The supple, delic
$74
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Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 2022

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

This is very good. Defaix has given us a restrained, detailed expression of Chablis. Mineral with juicy fruit, citrus, and most importantly loads of personality. The fruit drive is impressive, balanced by lightning energy and zippy acid. The mouthfeel is superb, long and refined with great length. A cracking Chablis. Challenger for house Chardonnay! Tank fermenting and ageing Chardonnay can come through as a certain primary, unfinished rawness, particularly in the new world. Not so here. Develop
$74
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House Chablis! Exceptional flavour & salty acid profile with a fine texture! From 3 parcels in Lignorelles – vines planted by grandfather – 50-60-year-old vines. Here with 40%-barrel elevage, all the higher crus with 50%. A touch of floral notes over a little vibration of minerality. Wide, slowly mouth-filling, so intense finishing, with width. Ooh, that’s super and with a proper salinity. Bravo! Bill Nanson
$75
$72ea in any 3+
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Yeringberg Chardonnay 2019

Chardonnay | Yarra Valley, Australia

"A wine of subtlety and composure, our 2019 Chardonnay is a wine of real presence. Cool, elegant floral aromas with notes of nectarine, citrus blossom and struck match, develop to offer generosity and richness, with hints of white peach, hazelnut and oatmeal biscuit. The palate is initially lively, creamy and citrus-driven, leading to a lovely touch of pithiness framing the subtle nectarine and lemon curd fruit, and a long, savoury finish. A wine that offers immediate pleasure, but equally, one
$75
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Bindi Kostas Rind Chardonnay 2021

Chardonnay | Macedon, Australia

The 2021 has classic Kostas lemon, lime and grapefruit aromas mixed with spice, cream, chalk and blossom. It is fresh, racy, mouth filling, textured and very long. It will take 6+ years to mature. Michael D
$75
$72ea in any 3+
$69ea in any 6+

Domaine Thibert Mâcon-Prissé ‘en Chailloux’ 2019

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy

“There is a whiff of the exotic present on the petrol-tinged white and yellow orchard fruit scents. There is fine volume to the dense and rich flavors that possess plenty of dry extract on the delicious and sneaky long finish that is shaped by citrus-inflected acidity.” Allen Meadows, Burghound 87-89
$75
$71ea in any 3+
$67ea in any 6+
“A more concentrated width of aroma – here with a more overt nod to the barrel elevage. That’s beautifully vibrant and deeply flavoured – plenty of barrel, plenty of concentration. Wait 2-3 years for this great finishing wine – unless you are a fan of creamy-oak in your wine.”  Bill Nanson
$76
$73ea in any 3+
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Fascinating tasting this with Burghound’s note and next to a 2020 Guillard ‘Reniard’ from Gevrey-Chambertin. The villages of Savigny-lès-Beaune and Chorey-lès-Beaune tend to show the sunshine a little more compared to those both further south and north. Dark and clearly ripe, Pavelot has maintained energy and vitality. The tannins build to a crescendo along the palate balancing the richness with a fine acid. The shape and flow are generous, yet linear with that quality tannin and persist
$77
$73ea in any 3+
$69ea in any 6+

Domaine Louis Boillot Bougogne 2017

Pinot Noir | Burgundy, France

There is a level of sophistication that you typically only see at the next level up, the village wines! "A super-fresh mix of red and dark berry fruit aromas is liberally laced with earth wisps that can also be found on the vibrant and delicious flavors that possess very good depth and persistence and only a trace of rusticity. This should be accessible young but be able to reward a few years of cellaring as well." Allen Meadows The fruit for the Bourgogne comes largely from Gevrey-Chamber
$78
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Producer and site … that is all! When your Bourgogne is made from vineyards in Meursault and Puligny it really does make a difference. Ballot-Millot has given as a beautifully balanced wine, with a wonderful texture. An excellent Bourgogne with great fresh flavours & a little funk. Drinking beautifully now and good for a few more years. "Ripe and nicely layered aromas include those of various white orchard and citrus confit scents. There is fine density to the opulent, indeed alm
$79
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The 2019 Bourgogne Rouge offers up aromas of sweet red berries and plums mingled with peonies and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and textural, it's deep and complete, with lively acids and a penetrating finish. Bouley now gives his regional bottlings the same extended élevage as his grander appellations, and the result are compelling. William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
$80
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“parcels in Lignorelles – vines planted by grandfather – 50-60-year-old vines. 40% barrel – a mix of sizes but nothing new, indeed about 5-year-old barrels An extra width that’s filled with extra freshness – that’s a great nose. Direct, structured, still with purity and energy and faintly austere too – overtly great villages – what a wine – bravo!” Bill Nanson “Pale lemon, with a beautifully perfumed nose, ripe but stopping short of honeysuckle. The minerals com
$80
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Pavelot's Top wine rates as one of the few remaining bargains in Burgundy! The 2018 was delicious the 2019 will be in my gob next week! A perfumed, ripe and cool nose features notes of red currant, black raspberry, violet and a hint of sandalwood. There is very fine mid-palate density with an abundance of sappy dry extract to the velvety and mouth coating flavors that flash good minerality on the powerful, balanced and hugely long finish. This is marvelous but it's also a buy and forget
$87
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Super fine of deceptive weight, complexity & transparency. It achieves one of the greatest feats in white wine: elegance with real depth and length, particularly mid-palate weight. with loads of fun. Excellent acid profile and flow. The balance here is impressive. Just delicious, very good, thirst-quenching. Great purity and precision, layered and full of personality. Another terrific wine from this address, the 2020 Viré-Clessé Quintaine exhibits aromas of citrus zest, white flo
$88
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The 2020 Bourgogne Chardonnay offers up aromas of honeyed orchard fruit, white flowers, citrus zest and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, ample and seamless, it's a bright, charming wine that will drink well on release. William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 88 Points BH 87 From the planes below Puligny-Montrachet
$88
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Maison Dieu is the name of an actual lieu-dit situated in Pommard but Violot chooses to employ the term cuvée anyway; in the period prior to 1937 this well-situated parcel was declared as Pommard rather than Bourgogne “Ripe aromas of red berries, plum and plenty of earth lead to voluminous and very rich middle weight flavors that possess a seductive texture before concluding in a clean, refreshing and only mildly rustic finale.” Burghound
$92
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$84ea in any 6+
"The Triangle block, on the Smith's vineyard, consists of just 183 vines. Whole-bunch pressed, fermented in one new puncheon and one seasoned hogshead, 12 months oak maturation on lees. Consistently a stand-out wine from vintage to vintage, and one revealing deep concentration and precision. A study in cool-climate beauty, of spring blossoms, citrus and white peach, lightly spiced and dressed in a nutty, leesy complexity. Runs deep and long, and oh-so beautifully in balance. A delight on
$92
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“The 2018 Rully offers up lovely aromas of cassis, blackberries, rich soil tones and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, round and fleshy, its generous core of fruit is underpinned by lively acids and velvety tannins. Last year, I wrote that the 2017 rendition was one of the most unabashedly delicious Rully reds that I can remember tasting from Vincent Dureuil, but this 2018 is just as charming—and with somewhat more depth, too.” William Kelley, The Wine Advocate The full pote
$93
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The most mineral of the 1er's This is where it’s at line length precision harmony. Wicked acid yet the fruit to back it. Fine linear, salty, heading more down the citrus line with a little long ferment nuttiness and Crème Patissiere. Great shape. Crystalline purity. There are things happening here. Consumed Oct 2023 Those things have been happening! Over the course of the year a little flesh has been added to the bones, the fermentation artifacts have layered in seamlessly and the b
$93
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The most mineral of the 1er's The funk. Is there again. The cut is there, the step up in acid with the more linear elegant fruit and power over the top. There is something here that gives me a feel of Brézé / Savennieres Chenin from the Loire Valley. A little quince thing happening, baking spice, super chalking acid and a little phenolics offering cleansing texture. Plenty of length to follow.  A note on the 2021's: The 2021 Laffay's are a blast from the classically styled Chablis of the 1
$93
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Domaine Thibert Saint-Véran ‘Bois de Fée’ 2017

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy

“The 2017 Saint-Véran Bois de Fée mingles notes of citrus oil, crisp green apple and Anjou pear with an elegant patina of almond paste and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with tangy acids and a long, saline finish, it has turned out very well.” William Kelley
$94
$90ea in any 3+
$86ea in any 6+

Domaine Louis Boillot Bougogne 2019

Pinot Noir | Burgundy, France

There is a level of sophistication that you typically only see at the next level up, the village wines! “Super-fresh aromas of cool and pretty red berries are laced with earth elements that are also reflected by the vibrant and nicely detailed middle weight flavors that possess fine depth and length for a wine at this level.” Allen Meadows, 86-89 Points ♥ Outstanding Top value The fruit for the Bourgogne comes largely from Gevrey-Chambertin with a splash from Brochon.
$94
$90ea in any 3+
$86ea in any 6+
75 Year Old Vines!

Domaine Thibert Pouilly-Fuissé Cuvée Heritage 2018

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy

“Pretty aromas of peach, white flowers, green apple and lemon rind. There is excellent, indeed almost painful, intensity to the solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that exude a refreshing salinity on the bone dry and citrus-suffused finish. At least some patience advised. ♥ Outstanding Allen Meadows, Burghound
$96
$92ea in any 3+
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Weingut Nikolaihof Chardonnay 2019

Chardonnay | Wachau, Austria

Variety: 100% Chardonnay Region: Wachau Vineyard: Own vineyards. Soil Type: Loess soil on Danube gravel Alcohol: 13.5% Acidity: 6.2 grams per liter Residual sugar: 6 grams per liter **DUE MID-2024**
$96
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Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis Tête d’Or 2019

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

“A dollop of wood sets off a ripe mix of both white and yellow orchard fruit laced with nuances of iodine and seashore. There is fine mid-palate density to the intense and saline-suffused flavors that terminate in an agreeably clean and dry finish. This could use better depth but since it always seems to age extremely well, more should develop if giving a chance. Worth checking out.❤️ Outstanding ” Burghound
$97
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Bourgogne from Meursault Vineyards! Proving once again that you have to know the fruit source of any Bourgogne level wines. Javillier's are both from vineyards in Meursault. The Cuvée de Forgets from the Volnay side and the Cuvée Oligocène from the Puligny side.
$98
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Domaine Henri Germain Côte d’Or Blanc 2018

Chardonnay | Meursault, Burgundy

"A notably ripe yet still attractively fresh nose flashes a hint of exotic fruit character on the notes of white peach, poached pear and whiff of lychee. There is once again very good energy to the delicious, round and rich flavors that also deliver fine length on the clean and dry finish." Allen Meadows, Burghound
$98
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The hallmark citrus aromas of a fine Côte de Léchet are present on the nose of quinine, oyster shell and poached apple scents. There is fine volume to the delicious medium-bodied flavors that flash ample minerality on the saline, youthfully austere and focused finale. Lovely. Burghound ♥ Outstanding 90-93 Points 🔥 HOT TIP - Drink it at 12-14ºC or even a bit warmer to get the most from it.
$98
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Too steep for animals here and slippery too – so everything done by hand. A wide nose, half mineral and saline. Bigger – full, framed with fresh, melting acidity, insinuating delicious flavour. Very long – that’s another great 2018!  Bill Nanson
$99
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Sitting between the Vaillons and Mont de Milieu in terms of richness and minerality Delicacy, laced and fine, perfumed, elegant and long, a little primary would be interesting to see what a little time in old wood would do for this. The salinity is back in force. Tighter it will need bottle age to show it’s best. The phenolics / acid complex will take time. Everything is there waiting to come together and give a little patience you will be in a very happy place.
$99
$95ea in any 3+
$91ea in any 6+

Domaine SC Guillard Gevrey-Chambertin 2019

Pinot Noir | Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy

Deep crimson, quite deep color. The nose is layered with berry fruit, raspberry, wild strawberry, cassis and briary fruit. There is lovely perfume lift and a purity of fruit. It is super fresh and focused. The palate is beautifully balanced and finely structured with spice, red berry loads of silky tannins and a long driven finish. Lovely balance and length.  Drink 2025-2035. Tom Carson
$99
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Cellar it for a couple of years!

Yabby Lake Block 6 Pinot Noir 2015

Pinot Noir | Victoria, Australia

Brooding with Sour Cherry and Dark Fruit. Kinda the child to Block 1 and Block 2 It's got some edgy tannin and extraction on one hand from the Pommard clone of Pinot. On the other it's got concentration and oppulence from the MV6 clone. Really want to see this wine in another 12-24 months.
$100
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Delicious

Yabby Lake Block 6 Chardonnay 2015

Chardonnay | Victoria, Australia

More of Everything! Depth + Length + Texture = More in Your Glass! There are 8 objective criteria I use to assess wine. This wine gets a big tick for all of them! Then there is a 9th objective criteria, Style or Overall Beauty. Think you'd be hard pressed to find a wine lover that could hold their hand on their heart and say this wasn't a beautiful wine.
$100
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“A deft touch of wood sets off the ripe aromas of white orchard fruit, sea breeze and a hint of shellfish. The delicious and slightly richer flavors possess a touch more volume on the seductively textured, mouth coating and firmer finale. This is also lovely for its level and worth checking out." Drink 2025+ ❤️ Outstanding Top value Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-92 Points
$100
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Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Bourgogne Blanc Côte d’Or 2021

Chardonnay | Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy

The 2019 was the best Bourgogne Blanc that came across our tasting table from the vintage. Yet to try the 2020. Looking forward to it tantalising our tastebuds. One of the best value white Burgundies in our portfolio. “The vines are situated below Puligny for the most part. Pale lemon colour. A bit of bacon fat lends a phenolic aspect. Tighter and plenty of weight. Very good length.”  Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy 86-88 Points
$100
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Beautifully poised Chardonnay. The all important texture, with a fine, saline acid line is right where it should be. Fresh pithy citrus, excellent herbal note with, perfectly integrated oak. Layers of texture and flavour stack in seamlessly. Crunchy, delicious. Very smart wine!
$102
$97ea in any 3+
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75 Year Old Vines!

Domaine Thibert Pouilly-Fuissé Cuvée Heritage 2019

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy

"Riper aromas are composed by notes of white peach, apricot and petrol. There is good vibrancy to the nicely textured medium-bodied flavors that deliver better depth and persistence on the mildly warm and attractively dry finale." ♥ Outstanding Allen Meadows, Burghound 92 Points
$102
$97ea in any 3+
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A domaine wine composed of <40% Butteaux plus some Forêts and Montmains proper in roughly equal amounts. Opening in the glass with notes of citrus oil, crisp green apple, iodine and wet stones, Fèvre's 2019 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains is medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with incisive acids and chalky grip on the finish. Cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, it's unusually deep and structured this year, and it will reward patience. William Kelley
$103
$98ea in any 3+
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Domaine Thibert Pouilly-Vinzelles ‘Les Longeays’ 2017

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, France

“Aromas of pear, clear honey, fresh bread and white flowers preface the 2017 Pouilly-Vinzelles Les Longeays, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and nicely concentrated wine that's lively and precise, concluding with a long, sapid finish. It's a superb rendition of this sprawling climat." William Kelley
$103
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Lafon in Mâcon!

Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Pouilly Fuisse 2017

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, France

About Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon In September 1999 the Lafon family of Meursault bought a Domaine in the wine region of Maconnais at Milly-Lamartine, renaming it Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon. In May 2003 a further Domaine of 6 hectares in the villages of Uchizy and Chardonnay was bought. Together the Mâcon domaine amounted to 14 hectares producing seven […]
$104
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“A nose of freshness – almost cold and saline – it has my attention. Mouth-filling. Super energy to this wine – plenty of citrus bitters again that slightly modify the texture – interestingly you note the barrel more in the flavours this time than the aromas – the reverse of the last wine – but the elevage was the same. Again, a great wine but wait 2 -3 years” Bill Nanson “More lemon than lime, a little touch of coconut, the wine has the intensity to handle it, amazin
$105
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Moreau-Naudet Chablis 2021

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

Moreau’s village Chablis is drawn chiefly from 20- to 30-year-old vineyards in Préhy and Courgis, both south of Chablis. Then, there are parcels in Chablis and Chichée (under the Premier Cru vines of Vaugiraut/Vosgros). All up, the domaine works with 30 parcels scattered across the appellation, representing a variety of soil structures and exposures. All the fruit from the younger vines is sold off in bulk, lifting the standard in general. The 2021 Chablis was picked over various dates, dep
$105
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The richest of the 1ers! “Starting with a tiny reduction – this with cork – most of the earlier bottles are diam... Slowly more complex but still a compact nose. More impact in the mouth, slightly rounder too – supple and more generous but not lacking any energy – I prefer the more frank expression of the previous two wines – so give this time – it’s still only tank élévage here.” The Burgundy Report A note on the 2021's: The 2021 Laffay's are a blast from the cla
$105
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Sitting between the Vaillons and Mont de Milieu in terms of richness and minerality “More floral than citrus for this nose. Another wine that’s direct, floral again in the flavours and mineral – chiselled and saline. Long finishing – another wine that’s more about intensity than concentration – but such fun in the mouth – citrus energy!” The Burgundy Report A note on the 2021's: The 2021 Laffay's are a blast from the classically styled Chablis of the 1970's with lower
$105
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“Almost black in the centre. Black cherry, very powerful indeed with some firm tannins and still very good acidity. Sterner and weightier, not for the ethereal minded. The wine had not yet been adjusted for sulphur and a second sample was fresher, though along similar lines.” Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy 89-92 Points “The 2020 Maranges La Fussière 1er Cru which contains slightly less whole bunch than the Village, has a more austere, well-defined, stony bouquet featuring dark berry
$106
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“Another hyper intense black purple colour, always very concentrated from their 90 year old vines, still in great condition. Black cherry stones. Plenty of tannins. I am not overpowered by the fruit though. It just needs much more time to come out of its shell. There is a huge mass of really bright fruit waiting within and a lovely clean pure finish.” Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy 90-93 Points “The 2020 Maranges Clos de la Boutière 1er Cru has an airy bouquet of dark berry fruit, pr
$106
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A cuvée that now sees two winters in barrel like the rest of the range, the 2020 Bourgogne Côte d’Or Rouge exhibits aromas of sweet berries, spices and vanilla pod, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and seamless palate that’s flesh and charming, with sweet tannins and succulent acids. Drink 2023-2035 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 89 Points
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A much earthier and more sauvage-suffused nose speaks of poached plum, dark raspberry and a hint of forest floor. There is both excellent energy and details to the nicely mineral-driven medium weight flavors that conclude in a grippy but not tough finish that offers fine depth and persistence. Les Duresses almost never drinks especially well young and I don't see this one doing that either so be prepared to give it at least 5 to 6 years first. Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-92 Points
$107
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“The 2019 Rully is a great success, offering up an expressive bouquet of raspberries and plums. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and succulent, its pure and nicely concentrated core of fruit is framed by succulent acids.” William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 89-91 Points  The full potential of Mercurey and Rully reds is yet to be seen. Like all of Burgundy these two villages are evolving. We're seeing money from a couple of the big boys helping raise the bar. The little guys, farmers w
$107
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Yeringberg Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir | Yarra Valley, Australia

"The 2019 Pinot Noir combines the kind of ripeness and generosity, delicacy and finesse that characterise great Pinot Noir. Initially reserved, the nose offers notes of sun-kissed strawberry, blood plum and rose petal, together with exotic hints of musk and nutmeg. The palate has a supple richness, with a depth of flavour built on both the character of the vintage and the age of the vines. Juicy strawberry fruit, plum and rhubarb flavours are underpinned by an almost luxuriant structure that’s
$108
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Domaine Bernard Moreau Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

This is a delicious drink straight off the bat! 100% Chassagne fruit. This is a delicious drink straight off the bat. Approachable young and good to go over the next few years. A level of generosity and immediate appeal while showing the freshness and hinting at the complexity and precision that comes as you move through Alex's range. The 2019 Bourgogne Chardonnay bursts with aromas of citrus oil, peaches and white flowers. Medium-bodied, perfumed and charming, it derives from parcels in the
$109
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Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay | Picadilly Valley, Australia

The evenness of the weight through the palate is exceptional. The textural finesse and length outstanding. Layered beautiful wine. Stunning build of flavour and intensity with chalky fine acid. Incredibly complete and harmonious. Restraint with power. Now there's a trick! The 2022 Tapanappa Chardonnays are superb wines that will age beautifully. Looking forward to see what they look like in 5-10-20 years. This is an exceptional wines that will challenge many a village wine from Puligny &
$109
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Domaine Thibert Saint-Véran ‘Bois de Fée’ 2019

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy

“An aromatic that’s reserved, still with a width of slightly golden fruit but vibrant too. Mouth-filling, mouth- watering, flavour that melts over the palate – rounder than the incisive directness of the last wine. Slowly, deliciously, fading flavour. A very different shape, almost P-F style.” Bill Nanson, The Burgundy Report “A less evolved and backward nose offers up notes of wood, citrus zest and a mix of white and yellow peach. There is again excellent volume and richness t
$109
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“Another wine which started out in wood for 50% of the volume, which may explain the light coconut touch. Great floral points alongside, such energy of fruit, primary yellow notes, clean concentrated citrus zest, long saline finish. Another beautiful wine from this site.” Jasper Morris 90-92 Points 5-Star Wine
$109
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Domaine Alex Moreau Bourgogne Chardonnay 2021

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

This is a delicious drink straight off the bat! 100% Chassagne fruit. This is a delicious drink straight off the bat. Approachable young and good to go over the next few years. A level of generosity and immediate appeal while showing the freshness and hinting at the complexity and precision that comes as you move through Alex's range. Fine-boned and precise, the 2021 Bourgogne Chardonnay offers up aromas of pear, citrus oil, white flower and clear honey, followed by a medium-bodied, v
$109
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“A relatively young estate, Lavantureux is definitely a domaine to watch. Arnaud and David are now running things, with a recent 0.95ha acquisition in Vau de Vey. Farmed by hand, this is a delightful Premier Cru which emphasises the character of this steep, stony climat. Lovely density on the palate with an intriguing lime character, balanced by mineral, flinty notes and a touch of creamy oak adding more complexity. Subtle and nuanced.” Decanter
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“Very classy on the nose with dried apple and hints of pineapple and lilac. Medium-to full-bodied with a creamy and crunchy mouth feel from the ripe fruit and the bright acidity.” James Suckling
$110
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Lovely wine, beautifully made harmonious, long fine layered, of great complexity, softer acid profile, yet plenty of acid, a textural feat! Excellent development. Citrus and pith, with a good phenolic textural play. Nicely balanced, on a lower perceived acid bent for the region. Chalky feel. Plenty of fun. Subtle leesy funk, with great clarity. Fauchaume has a number of Lieux Dits that you'll see on the label: Vaulorent, Fontenay, Vaupulan amongst them.
$110
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Bannockburn Serré Pinot Noir 2022

Pinot Noir | Victoria, Australia

The most complete iteration of Pinot from this Bannockburn release. Super fine tannins with line, length and elegance. Red fruits and a perfume of musk. Fine integrated acid. Shape and flow. Complexed by forest floor and a lick of wet wool. Lingering fruit a little roast beetroot. Historically I've seen Bannockburn's Pinots as a little clumsy, soapy and oxidised lacking sophistication. Having not tasted the wines for a few years, the 2022 Serré is a breath of fresh air! If this is a sign
$110
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Jean-Paul et Benôit Droin Chablis 2021

Chardonnay | Chablis, Burgundy

This is aromatically similar to the Petit Chablis though with more citrus elements in evidence. There is again good richness to the succulent and rounded medium-weight flavors that also exude a refreshing salinity on the clean, moderately dry and sneaky long finish that is slightly firmer. Burghound 88-91 Points
$111
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Hard to beat for the $
Give it a couple of days open or a few years in bottle and you'll go to a happy place. Reviews yet to come. Kelley's note below is of the 2020. Along with the Le Clos du Roy this represents one of the best value Burgundies on the market. As I wrote earlier this year, Faiveley's 2019 Mercurey 1er Cru Clos des Myglands is a success, delivering aromas of sweet berry fruit, plums, espresso roast and spices. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with powdery tannins and lively acids, it's a
$112
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Here the expressive nose is spicier and a bit more floral as well with its baked plum, black cherry and soft earth scents. I very much like the texture of the medium-bodied flavors that are more precise if not quite as rich or powerful, all wrapped in a mildly sweet finish where a touch of warmth slowly emerges. While qualitatively similar, the texture of this and the Les Duresses are like night and day. Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-92 Points
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Sitting between the Vaillons and Mont de Milieu in terms of richness and minerality Delicacy, laced and fine, perfumed, elegant and long, a little primary would be interesting to see what a little time in old wood would do for this. The salinity is back in force. Tighter it will need bottle age to show it’s best. The phenolics / acid complex will take time. Everything is there waiting to come together and give a little patience you will be in a very happy place.
$117
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$107ea in any 6+
The richest of the 1ers! Richer and more out to play there’s plenty of fruit drive here. Honeyed, a little nutty with maple at play, crème patissere. Generosity from this warmer site is tempered by a line of acid. That long ferment mid-palate with a little baking spice, pop of cracked yeast. Long.
$117
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Domaine Thibert Pouilly-Vinzelles ‘Les Longeays’ 2018

Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuisse, France

“The 2018 Pouilly-Vinzelles Les Longeays is lovely, mingling notions of peach, pear and orange oil with scents of freshly baked bread, buttery pastry and classy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and penetrating, with racy acids and a long, saline finish, it's a terrific wine of real character. 2022 -2035” William Kelley 93 Points, Burghound 89-91 ♥ Outstanding Top Value  
$117
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Punching above its weight! Reviews yet to come. Kelley's note below is of the 2019. Along with the Clos de Myglands this represents one of the best value Burgundies on the market. Aromas of plums, spices, incense and soil tones, framed by a touch of toasty new oak, introduce the 2019 Mercurey 1er Cru Clos du Roy, a medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety wine that's fleshy and concentrated, with fine, powdery tannins and lively acids. This is an enveloping, gourmand wine from a 2.6-hec
$117
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Bindi Original Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Pinot Noir | Victoria, Australia

So silky and fine. The 2022 Original Vineyard spent 15 months in French barrels (one third new) and was bottled in mid July. This wine comes from our 1988 planting. The 2022 is super pure in red cherry, raspberry and ripe strawberry aromas. It is typically floral and gently spicy, a little savoury and very seductive. The palate is fresh, creamy, savoury, has fine tannins driving the supple and smooth fruit and flows beautifully long. It is very delicious. Michael D Limit 1
$117
$113ea in any 3+
$109ea in any 6+

Domaine Marc Morey Bourgogne Blanc 2021

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

A background hint of reduction blurs the nuance of the petrol and citrus zest-scented nose. The racy, delicious and nicely concentrated middleweight flavors possess a lovely texture that contrasts somewhat with the mildly rustic and agreeably dry finish where the citrus character of the nose resurfaces. Drink: 2025+ Allen Meadows, Burghound 86 Points The 2021 Bourgogne Blanc has a simple but bright malic nose, well-defined and a little flinty in style. The palate is well balanced with
$117
$112ea in any 3+
$107ea in any 6+
Bourgogne from Meursault Vineyards! A discreet application of wood is present on the similar nose but with a bit more citrus influence. There is excellent energy and detail to the slightly more concentrated middle weight flavors that exude a refreshing salinity on the complex, lingering and balanced finale. This consistently boxes above its weight, and it is particularly good in 2020. Outstanding Top value ♥ 2026+ Allen Meadows, Burghound 88 Points
$117
$112ea in any 3+
$107ea in any 6+
Gotta love the full Montée. There's a reason it comes up time and time again in discussions on Chablis! Gotta love the full Montée. There's a reason it comes up time and time again in discussions on Chablis. Check out the interactive map below. Click on the vineyard name and you'll see it's on the same side of the river as the cluster of Grand Cru's and lies right next to Blanchot and Le Clos. After trying the 2017 1er Cru Forêts &  GC Grenouille (bought out all remaing stock of those
$118
$113ea in any 3+
$108ea in any 6+
Gotta love the full Montée. There's a reason it comes up time and time again in discussions on Chablis! Gotta love the full Montée. There's a reason it comes up time and time again in discussions on Chablis. Check out the interactive map below. Click on the vineyard name and you'll see it's on the same side of the river as the cluster of Grand Cru's and lies right next to Blanchot and Le Clos. Every wine I've had from Testut to date has been a delicious, delicate yet flavourful rendition of
$118
$113ea in any 3+
$108ea in any 6+
LIMIT 3
“Deep crimson-purple; it has an exotic perfumed bouquet, partly from the inclusion of one-third whole bunches, and partly from 18 months maturation in used Stockinger barrels. The power and length of the wine is extraordinary: the “drink to” date should prove conservative. Drink to 2040.” James Halliday, The Weekend Australian 98 Points  
$118
$113ea in any 3+
$108ea in any 6+
Old vine depth & persistence
Lovely limpid color bright. Nose detailed cool fruits red fruit focused hint of rose petal and a lick of new oak. Palate is tight and super fresh and intense but also has an airy lightness to it. Tannins are slightly sinewy and grippy to close but the elevated fruit and texture carry long. Pure and focused Drink 2023-2038 Tom Carson
$119
$104ea in any 3+
$99ea in any 6+

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