$100 and over
Domaine Jean Dauvissat Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Product Description: The distinctive feature of Montmains is its terroir, which is very stony, giving a wine with pronounced mineral aromas and a full, rounded mouthfeel. Maker: The domaine was started by Fabien Dauvissat's great grandfather, Alphonse, in La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, and developed by his son Jean who married a girl from Milly and who began to develop domaine bottling. Their son Philippe preferred selling in bulk to bottle, but Fabien Dauvissat has reversed that trend since his arrival at the domaine in 2009. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils are known to produce Chablis that are rich, with the perfect balance between minerality and fruit. Using no oak, the wines are aged for a considerable time in modern stainless steel tanks before being bottled, so they have time to develop. Apart from two cuvees which see oak, the wines are fermented in stainless steel for preserve the integrity of site, then it's bottled after 18 months for village Chablis or two years for the crus. Vineyard: The estate covers just over 23 hectares, spread over seven communes in the Chablis region (La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, Milly, Chablis, Beines, Lignorelles, Villy and Maligny). The origins of the estate date back to the union of Christiane and Jean, who both owned Family vineyards in the communes of Milly and La Chapelle Vaupelteigne respectively in the 1950s. The estate then expanded in the 80s with the arrival of Christiane and Jean's son Philippe, and today includes 55 parcels, comprising 1 Ha 40 of Petit Chablis, 18 Ha of Chablis and 4 Ha 30 of Chablis Premiers Crus. No shortcuts from vineyard to bottle. Fabien began to plough the vineyards from 2012 (all of them by 2014), trials with natural yeasts started from 2015 (all the cellar from 2017), stopped using enzymes in 2016. He starting organic farming from 2014 (with a hiatus during the difficult 2016 vintage), with certification from 2022 and many vineyards also being managed along biodynamic principles. All the vineyards are now hand harvested. Every decision made in the vineyard pays homage to the distinctive terroir of the site. With this legacy in their hands, Fabien owns the responsibility to nurture it, to ensure it thrives for generations to come. Tasting Note: Nose - Vibrant, Well-defined, Dry Stone Struck flint and salty mineral tones accent this ripe yet gorgeously smoky. Palate - Direct, Vibrant, Chalky Juicy, succulent, with smooth and lightly rounded body, undercut with firm, fresh acidity. Finish - Oyster Shell, Light Grip, Fennel Savoury oyster-shell minerality and some grip to finish.
Robert Weil Monte Vacano Riesling Trocken
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.
Domaine Jean Dauvissat Chablis 1er Cru Côtes de Léchet
Domaine Jean Dauvissat Père & Fils works 22 hectares of vineyard in Chablis across 7 communes with 53 separate parcels across Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru. Fabien took over from his father in 2009, following training in Beaune and Dijon concluding with a Masters on Bordeaux. The Domaine began with Fabien’s grandfather in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, but it was Fabien who took up where his grandfather left off in terms of bottling and labelling rather than selling off in bulk. Fabien’s approach is one of respect for the terroir, working each vineyard and parcel individually to express the differences from one site to another; and one of respect for the environment by restricting interventions wherever possible. Vinification is in temperature controlled stainless steel with the total maturation for the premier crus around two years. A young new Chablis producer to watch. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils are known to produce Chablis that are rich, with the perfect balance between minerality and fruit. Using no oak, the wines are aged for a considerable time in modern stainless steel tanks before being bottled, so they have time to develop. A classic Cote de Lechet, about as mineral as Chablis can be. This premier cru Cote de Lechet is a model of Left Bank precision, razor sharp, with juicy, mouth-watering acidity. A characteristic floral attack and gun-flint smokiness fill the mid-palate, and the finish is bright berry fruit and long, long minerality.
Penfolds Reserve Bin 23A Chardonnay
Domaine Xavier Monnot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre La Grande Cote
The Cotat estate has a fascinating history that began in 1947 when brothers Francis and Paul started cultivating Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir on the slopes of the renowned "Monts Damnés" in Chavignol. They produced a single cuvée, each bottling under their own labels. Upon their retirement, the estate was divided between their sons, François and Pascal. François continues the family tradition, crafting exceptional Sancerre wines in an organic, old-school style. These wines are known for their distinctive, full-flavored character and are sometimes considered "atypical" to the Sancerre appellation. Pascal Cotat, despite being one of the smallest producers in France with only 2 hectares of vineyards, has earned a remarkable reputation in the Fine Wine world. He is renowned for creating Sauvignon Blancs that possess exceptional aging potential. Pascal's vineyards in Chavignol, specifically the Grande Côte and the Monts Damnés, are home to vines that are over 40 years old, adding to the quality and character of his wines. With a unique approach to harvesting, Pascal waits two weeks longer than other producers in Sancerre, resulting in wines with outstanding ripeness. The winemaking process at Cotat is meticulous, with both wines being fermented in old barrels and aged for 6 to 8 months before being bottled in the spring without any fining or filtration, preserving their natural essence. In a meeting with Pascal in September 2022, he expressed relief regarding the small volumes of the 2020 and 2021 vintages. He was content with the "classic Sancerre" quality of the fruit, which was scheduled to be harvested the day after the meeting. The dry season created optimal conditions for healthy ripening and enhanced aromatics. Moreover, there was some beneficial rain in September that contributed to a 30% increase in yields compared to the low-yielding 2021 vintage, approaching average yields. Cotat wines have gained a reputation for being old-style Sancerre, distinct from the norm found today. They are rich, full-flavored and sometimes not bone-dry. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker has praised Cotat wines, describing them as some of the finest Sauvignon Blancs he has ever tasted. This vineyard is home to François' oldest vines, with an average age of around 40 years. Over time, François has had to replant many of the very old vines due to the susceptibility of Sauvignon to viruses as it ages. Beyond 60 years, the vines become unproductive. Despite this, the vineyard consistently produces the most exuberant wines in the collection. Expect to find enticing notes of tropical fruit accompanied by a fuller texture. However, don't be deceived by these characteristics, as they are harmoniously balanced with incredible finesse, refreshing acidity, and a distinct tactile minerality. Prepare to be delighted by the vibrant and expressive Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre La Grande Cote 2022. As you raise the glass, you are greeted with enticing aromas of lime zest, fresh pear and delicate herbs. On the palate, this wine reveals its true character. It is juicy and penetrating, with a remarkable mineral expression that adds depth and complexity. The texture is beautifully textured, striking a perfect balance between richness and dryness. Flavours of stone fruits, crushed stones and a hint of light pepper dance on the palate, creating a captivating symphony of taste. Each sip is an exploration of flavors that harmonize effortlessly. The wine's bouquet is further adorned with notes of pear, green apple, honeysuckle, mineral and delicate white flowers. These nuances add another layer of intrigue and elegance to this already exceptional wine. Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre La Grande Cote 2022 is an exquisite expression of the terroir and craftsmanship that defines the Sancerre region. Indulge in this wine and allow yourself to be transported to a world of refined flavors and sensory delights.
Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes
The Cotat estate has a fascinating history that began in 1947 when brothers Francis and Paul started cultivating Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir on the slopes of the renowned "Monts Damnés" in Chavignol. They produced a single cuvée, each bottling under their own labels. Upon their retirement, the estate was divided between their sons, François and Pascal. François continues the family tradition, crafting exceptional Sancerre wines in an organic, old-school style. These wines are known for their distinctive, full-flavored character and are sometimes considered "atypical" to the Sancerre appellation. Pascal Cotat, despite being one of the smallest producers in France with only 2 hectares of vineyards, has earned a remarkable reputation in the Fine Wine world. He is renowned for creating Sauvignon Blancs that possess exceptional aging potential. Pascal's vineyards in Chavignol, specifically the Grande Côte and the Monts Damnés, are home to vines that are over 40 years old, adding to the quality and character of his wines. With a unique approach to harvesting, Pascal waits two weeks longer than other producers in Sancerre, resulting in wines with outstanding ripeness. The winemaking process at Cotat is meticulous, with both wines being fermented in old barrels and aged for 6 to 8 months before being bottled in the spring without any fining or filtration, preserving their natural essence. In a meeting with Pascal in September 2022, he expressed relief regarding the small volumes of the 2020 and 2021 vintages. He was content with the "classic Sancerre" quality of the fruit, which was scheduled to be harvested the day after the meeting. The dry season created optimal conditions for healthy ripening and enhanced aromatics. Moreover, there was some beneficial rain in September that contributed to a 30% increase in yields compared to the low-yielding 2021 vintage, approaching average yields. Cotat wines have gained a reputation for being old-style Sancerre, distinct from the norm found today. They are rich, full-flavored and sometimes not bone-dry. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker has praised Cotat wines, describing them as some of the finest Sauvignon Blancs he has ever tasted. Prepare to be captivated by the power and allure of Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes 2022. This wine exudes a commanding presence, with a remarkable fusion of white fruit and white truffle notes. Its solar essence shines through, delivering a sharp and mineral profile that is truly captivating. The overall experience is one of cohesion and precision. Every sip reveals a wine that is masterfully crafted, with a chiseled elegance that demands attention. However, be warned that this wine possesses an irresistible allure that may lead you to consume it all too quickly. This immense Sauvignon Blanc, harvested at perfect ripeness, hails from a legendary plot characterized by limestone and marl soils. The grapes from this plot are the first to be harvested, even before the esteemed Grande Côte. During the five-day harvest period on the 2.3-hectare estate, the bunches reach an impressive alcohol volume of up to 14.6%. Pascal Cotat adheres to a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the wine to express its true character. There is no gluing or filtration involved in the winemaking process, ensuring that the wine retains its natural integrity. With an annual production of 18,000 bottles, Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes is a sought-after wine that finds its way to 24 countries. However, it is worth noting that this extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc would benefit from a stay in your cellar for a period of 5 to 10 years, allowing it to reach its full potential.