As Australian Chardonnay continues its re-emergence, Vasse Felix Heytesbury is firmly leading the charge with its complex, modern style that has seen the winemaking team take home a cabinet full of trophies and gold medals in recent years. 100% wild yeast fermented and matured in French oak for only nine months, there is a power and persistence that is unmistakable. A flavour cavalcade of matchstick, citrus, white peach and grapefruit alongside a subtle toasty, nutty aspect from the sublime oak regime. The finish of this remarkable example will leave you in no doubt to this wines pedigree and ageability. Sheer classic.

Domaine de Chevalier uses traditional methods when making their flavoursome white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Fermentation occurs in oak casks and is then aged for 18th in oak, some of which is new. This practice was abandoned by many in Graves, only to be (rightfully) regenerated to allow wines of substance and character to be produced once again. Chevalier's Blanc is a wine that is taut and restrained that opens up over a six to eight year period to reveal a wine of supreme delicacy.

This parcel is located on the upper slopes above the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières appellation. The clay/limestone soil has a subsoil of extremely hard white rock riddled with fissures. These allow the roots to circulate through the white limestone. The parcels southern exposure, coupled with a steady 20% slope, affords the grapes excellent ventilation leading to a harvest that is both ripe and healthy. The wine often presents aromas of candied orange (or other citrus fruits) on the nose and in the mouth.

The wine tastes remarkably good: concentrated, aromatic, and complex. The speed with which the grapes became concentrated preserved magnificent vivaciousness. The wines are truly brilliant.

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.