DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vielles Vignes, Chambolle-Musigny

Thomas Bouley is very much the insiders secret, more famous with his fellow vignerons than with collectors chasing the next 'superstar' seen on social media. That Thomas resists putting his name on the front label of his wines (preferring to keep his father's) is typical of his humble and low key approach. Based in Volnay may also add to his relative anonymity, however we suspect this is changing rapidly as word gets out of just how spectacular his wines are, and of the continual improvement seen since he began working with his father in the early 2000's. Meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and winery are notable here, and key to why Thomas is so highly regarded by his peers. Yields are moderate, and in the cellar whole cluster ferments are used more with his clay rich sites (Pommard Fremiers, Volnay Clos des Chenes), while those with thin white soils (Pommard Rugiens-Hauts, Volnay Caillerets) are largely destemmed. New oak use is minimal, and each wine spend two winters on fine lees before bottling.

Put simply, this is the finest Pinot Noir from the finest producer in arguably the finest region for production in Australia. A wine of incredible depth, concentraion, texture and length. If you love Pinot Noir, you simply must try this stunning wine.

A complex wine with superb fruit intensity and structure, Bass Phillips Estate Pinot Noir displays vibrant red berry fruit and layers of earthy, minerally complexity that unfurl and evolve over time.

DOMAINE HENRI MAGNIEN Estournelles St-Jacques 1er cru, Gevrey-Chambertin

In 1775, Bouchard purchased 3.76 hectares of Volnay Caillerets Premier Cru from the Carnot family. It was the first vineyard they purchased and the label has "Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" written on it in memory of the family that owned the land before them. Medium bodied, this always elegant, persistent and fragrant wine is the epitome of Volnay and usually looks at its best with about ten years cellaring.

With the oldest records dating back to 1220, it took until 1872 for Bouchard to finally acquire all of the parcels of this 3.36ha Beaune monopole. Depending on the vintage not all the fruit is totally destemmed and the wine is matured in French oak for 12 months with 30-40% new wood. Always well priced and approachable in its youth it will also reward 5-10 years cellaring.