$100 and over
Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay (BIN 144)
Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Bougros
Product Information: Pierrick’s parcel comes from the western end of Bougros, towards the top of the hill where the slope is only about 5 %. Vinified in stainless steel, it was matured for 8 months in one barrique and one old 500 litre barrel, adding an extra dimension of complexity to complement the profoundly concentrated fruit from this exceptional site. An outstanding Grand Cru. Bougros lies to the west of the Chablis Grand Cru appellation its position on the slope offers wind protection. The site extends over a large southwest-facing terrace at the top and over a steeper south-facing slope towards the bottom. This hillside positioning is favourable, soaking up intense sunlight for the necessary hours each day. This sun-drenched character first hits the palate with concentrated generous fruits, then gives way to a refined structure of acidity and mineral drive. Lasting long in the mouth, elegant and intensely mineral, it needs a bit of patience to fully express its potential Maker: 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. 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. 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. Philosophy: 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. Nose - Crisp Green Orchard Fruit, White Flowers, Oyster Jus Exhibiting aromas of crisp green orchard fruit, white flowers, freshly baked bread, oyster jus and white peach. Palate - Taut, Layered, White Peach The palate is full, taut and with layered. Juicily melting with flavour at the edges. Finish - Pungent Minerals, Long, Complex Complex and developing, long finish. Concluding with a pungently mineral finish.
Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Chablis Grand Cru Valmur
Product Information: Valmur is the valley between two other grand crus - Les Clos and Vaudesir. Christian Moreau's two parcels benefit from two exposures one 70 acres southeast and 30 acres northeast (1 ha in total). The vines are more than 60 years old. They produce a very full-bodied and powerful wine. Sourced from vines with an average age of over 40 years old. Half of the holding of the estate has been re-planted in recent years so quantities of this wine are reduced making them quite scarce. Valmur is one of the seven Climats of the Chablis Grand Cru appellation, covering 10.5 hectares. Shaped like an amphitheatre, it enjoys an exposure going south to west. Because of this particular shape, it soaks in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. An area facing northwest adds a fresh quality, as well as a later maturity. The Climat of Valmur has a double personality, constantly juggling between remarkable freshness and a distinctive fruit concentration. Maker: Domaine Christian Moreau is a historic name in the world of Chablis. The current generation, led by Christian Moreau and his son Fabien, continues to uphold the family's legacy. With their exceptional vineyard holdings, which include nearly 8 hectares of Grand Cru out of Chablis' total 92 hectares, this small yet remarkable estate has quickly established itself as one of the leading producers of Chablis, consistently crafting outstanding wines. Their holdings in Petit, village and 1er cru Chablis are impressive and relatively small, but the true highlights lie in their range of Grand Cru vineyards. They possess a single holding of approximately 3 hectares in Les Clos, along with 41 hectares in Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos, as well as smaller holdings in Valmur, Blanchots and Vaudesir. Christian Moreau are consistent producers of the classic must-try climats of Chablis. Vineyard: These exceptional vineyard sites, combined with old vines, meticulous winemaking and careful attention to every step of production, have resulted in wines that are widely regarded as some of the finest in Chablis. The estate's commitment to organic farming, certified since 2013, has further enhanced the expression of their vineyards. With investments in new tanks and other winemaking techniques, the results are evident in each vintage. The wines of Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are known for their precision, clear typicity and elegance. They have the ability to age gracefully while providing immense pleasure throughout their lives Fabien Moreau, who took over as winemaker in 2002, has already made a significant impact. With previous experience in New Zealand and a deep respect for terroir, Fabien is a visionary winemaker. The wines of Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are authentic, distinctive and of exceptional quality. Nose - Immense Precision, Lemon-Lime, Mineral Reduction Distinctive sun-drenched concentrated fruits, flint inflections. Palate - White Peach, Zesty Fruits, Balanced The exceptionally white fleshed fruits, rich yet intense and powerful and bold with a hint of quinine. Finish - Taut, Muscular Structure, Impressive Length Taut muscularity on the impressively long, very dry and impeccably well-balanced finale. Christian Moreau and his son Fabien describe the 2022 vintage as having generous fruit set as well as good fecundity of the secondary buds, we still brought in good yields... Overall, the style of the 2022s is generous and forward but with reasonably good typicity and balance. They should be attractive young but be capable of repaying short to mid-term cellaring. - Burghound, October 2023
Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
Product Information: From a single 2.9ha plot of vines that goes from the very bottom of the slope to close to the top of the vineyard. This remarkable holding is arguably the most representative Les Clos from the whole vineyard. Vines here are aged mostly from 45-75 years of age. Expect an excellent richness and concentration from Les Clos, balanced with salinity and tension delivered with superb precision towards the finish. At least moderate patience will be required. The wine is aged about 1/3rd in barrel (about 10% new) and 2/3rds in stainless steel tanks. Maker: Domaine Christian Moreau is a historic name in the world of Chablis. The current generation, led by Christian Moreau and his son Fabien, continues to uphold the family's legacy. With their exceptional vineyard holdings, which include nearly 8 hectares of Grand Cru out of Chablis' total 92 hectares, this small yet remarkable estate has quickly established itself as one of the leading producers of Chablis, consistently crafting outstanding wines. Their holdings in Petit, village and 1er cru Chablis are impressive and relatively small, but the true highlights lie in their range of Grand Cru vineyards. They possess a single holding of approximately 3 hectares in Les Clos, along with 41 hectares in Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos, as well as smaller holdings in Valmur, Blanchots and Vaudesir. Christian Moreau are consistent producers of the classic must-try climats of Chablis. Vineyard: These exceptional vineyard sites, combined with old vines, meticulous winemaking and careful attention to every step of production, have resulted in wines that are widely regarded as some of the finest in Chablis. The estate's commitment to organic farming, certified since 2013, has further enhanced the expression of their vineyards. With investments in new tanks and other winemaking techniques, the results are evident in each vintage. The wines of Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are known for their precision, clear typicity and elegance. They have the ability to age gracefully while providing immense pleasure throughout their lives Fabien Moreau, who took over as winemaker in 2002, has already made a significant impact. With previous experience in New Zealand and a deep respect for terroir, Fabien is a visionary winemaker. The wines of Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are authentic, distinctive and of exceptional quality. Nose - White Fruit, Yellow Plum, Wet Stone Smelling of ripe citrus and passion fruit laced with toast, Palate - Intense, Ripe Fruits, Bursting Acidity Lushly ripe fruits are spun by bustling acidity on the palate, keeping everything fresh and bright. Finish - Saline, Mouth Coating, Stony There is excellent richness and concentration to the markedly powerful larger-scaled flavors that coat the palate on the overtly stony, dry and compact finale.
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.
Optimus "The Terraces" Chardonnay
TASTING Apricots and white blossom teeming, with subtle white peach. Integrated oak supporting the poise and class of the fruit. Elegant, pretty and classy, yet substantial. A wonderful core of citrus fruits bringing refreshment and length. Great balance and complexity. WINEMAKING We set out to make the best Chardonnay we could. Fruit sourced from the best parts of our vineyard, and treated with respect. We let the wine speak for itself with wild fermentation and maturation in French oak, and assisted it with regular lees stirring and topping. A reflection of the region.
Charles Heidsieck Blanc De Blanc
Domaine Fabien Coche Meursault Les Chevalieres AOC
Created in 1940 and formerly known as Coche-Bizouard, the Domaine Fabien Coche cultivates all the nobility of the great wines of Burgundy. The Domaine Fabien Coche uses traditional methods for the production of its wines: vineyard work, farming, bottling, every step is done so as to ensure production of exception. Les Chevalieres lies just above the village of Meursault where the slope follows at the same altitude as the premier cru’s just a little further south. Chevalieres adjoins Les Luchets which is positioned against the top part of this lieu-dit. Lovely fine floral lift over what is clearly a very deep and rich wine showing obvious real old vine intensity. This is a real step up in intensity and character with the cooler site adding a little more acidity and lift to the wine. A fabulous village Meursault.
Rockcliffe Nautica Chardonnay
This intensely complex wine is rich in stone fruit, citrus and melon. The creamy texture is perfectly integrated with the sweet oak and natural acidity which leaves a lasting impression on the palate.
Larmandier Bernier Longitude
Like the Latitude, this is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay (the vineyards are in Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Vertus), yet the vineyards from which it was drawn have thinner topsoils and so the vine roots plunge straight into the chalky bedrock. The name here refers to the vertical nature of the geographic locations of the vineyards as well as the style of wine resulting from the very chalky soils of these sites i.e., a more linear, mineral wine. While Larmandiers Latitude is expansive across the palate, the Longitude is all about minerality, line and raciness. William Kelly has called this wine one of the finest non-vintage bottlings to be found in Champagne and, while the are no reviews available for the 2019 base, the high ratio of reserve wines (40%) and the strength of this low-yielding vintage should leave you will little doubt as the quality on offer.