Biodynamic. Together with its sister-in-arms Cuvée Edmond, Dix-Neuf is the antithesis of modern, ‘textbook’ Sancerre. This jaw-dropping Sancerre is drawn from the oldest vines in the Moussière vineyard (approximately 100 years of age), cropped at Grand Cru Burgundy-level yields (in fact the lower end of this range). The wine was fermented and raised in 2,000-litre, tronconique wooden tanks for 12 months before a spell in steel on lees. Only 500 cases per year get to see the light of day.

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.

Within Kiedrich’s Gräfenberg Grand Cru lies a small 0.5-hectare parcel once known as the Gräfenberg-Lay. Sitting in one of the steepest portions of the vineyard, the Lay is located at the transition between Gräfenberg and Turmberg and is known for having the highest concentration of phyllite slate on the hill. The vines here are now between 40 and 60 years old. This site was originally purchased by Dr Robert Weil in the 19th century, using the dowry from his marriage to Emilie von Vacano (a descendant of the Vacano family in Lombardy). The wine from this parcel, called Monte Vacano (the Hill of Vacano) was always produced and bottled alone. It was used only for celebratory occasions and never released for sale. Following Weil's death in 1921, the tradition of Monte Vacano fell dormant, and the fruit was incorporated into a regular Gräfenberg bottling. Compared to the Gräfenberg GG, Monte Vacano trades power and richness for exceptional purity, elegance and detail. Resurrecting the old custom, 2021 marks the fourth Riesling in a century made solely from this special lieu-dit. It was harvested in October, and the grapes were whole bunch-pressed into two ancient refurbished Stückfässer (1,200-litre casks) where the wine fermented wild and spent almost two years on lees before bottling.

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.