Product Information: From a sunny 2023 vintage, the 1489 Rose is a blend of 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. A gastronomic rosé showcasing a delightful aromatic profile mineral and complex wine. Bright, pale eau-de-rose colour with hints of vine peach. The nose reveals intense aromas of wild berries such as raspberry and spring flowers. Notes of vanilla and toast delicately enrich the bouquet. The palate is greedy and fruity. It’s an airy wine, chiselled and full of finesse. The balance between freshness and generosity is the key here. Meticulously hand-picked grapes, some parcels were picked in two times. Manual sorting directly on the bunch and in the winery. Cold pressing and settling. Aged in stainless steel tanks, large format vats and 225l and 500l barrels of which new oak is used. Maker: Château d’Estoublon is one of France’s most remarkable estates, recently launching Roseblood d’Estoublon, the most dynamic luxury rosé on the market. Roseblood reflects a legacy of excellence, a commitment to the enchanting Provençal landscape, and the vision of its exceptional team. Founded in 1489, Château d’Estoublon is already renowned for its award-winning olive oil (Best in the World 2022 and 2023) and is one of just 93 members of the French committee of leading luxury brands alongside Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. In 2020, the estate was acquired by Jean-Guillaume Prats, former CEO of Cos d’Estournel, along with hands-on partners including musician and global influencer Carla Bruni, her husband Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, and entrepreneur Stéphane Courbit, owner of several five-star hotels and the Ladurée macaron company. This dynamic ownership group has expanded the estate to encompass 340 hectares of vineyards, complementing the existing 300 hectares of forest, olive groves, and gardens. Roseblood is a unique rosé that embodies the rich history and cultural significance of its estate, infused with the passion of its surroundings and its owners, epitomising the Art of Living in Provence. Philosophy: The vines are situated on the crater of Provence’s sole volcano, on parcels at altitudes exceeding 1,300 feet. Approximately 50 years old and benefit from the nurturing influence of the Mistral wind. Planted in clay-limestone and clay-limestone-marl soils, the Syrah plots contain fragments of basalt in their soil composition. With well-established roots, the vines express the purest terroir essence, resulting in limited yields and, consequently, a concentration and balance in the grapes. In this blend of four emblematic Provençal grape varietals, each plays a distinctive role: Grenache contributes roundness, delicacy, and subtle aromas, while Syrah adds power and colour. Cinsault, known for finesse and fruity notes, gently balances the strength provided by Grenache and Syrah. Rolle, the iconic white grape of Provence, introduces a touch of tension, freshness, and floral notes to complete this well-balanced blend. Nose - Watermelon, Nectarine, Dried Cranberry Watermelon, mango and nectarine and Spring flowers. Palate - Round, Menthol Lifts, Basil Balsamic Strawberry Raspberry with a sort of basil-balsamic-strawberry combination that seems appropriately summery. No oak scent, but plenty of textural character that makes this about as full-bodied as pink wine gets. Finish - Raspberry, Salty, Sweet Spice A touch of menthol lifts the salty, liquorice-inflected finish.

Product Information: This wonderfully elegant premier cru best articulates the character the village of Puligny—This shows wonderful intensity and generosity with aromas of fresh and ripe fruits, luxurious palate weight and cut with arrow like acidity. From 0.51 ha of vines in 2 separate plots planted 1993 and 1965, one in the steepest stoniest part close to Blagny which contributes excellent acidity and structure, the other part is from lower down where the soil is richer and this part gives greater richness and depth to the wine. Eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. 25-30% new barrels. "Jean-Louis Chavy’s wines are a masterclass in finesse, showcasing the purity of Puligny-Montrachet’s terroir." - Jancis Robinson. Maker: The Chavy family has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet for over 200 years, but it was not until 1986 that Gérard Chavy began to estate-bottle his wines, previously selling them to négociants. Following Gérard's retirement around 2005, the estate was divided into two separate entities managed by his sons, Jean-Louis and Alain Chavy. Jean-Louis Chavy has since developed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, complete with a temperature-controlled cellar situated at the base of the village. This allows him to work comfortably while ensuring the wines are stored in optimal conditions. His son, Paul Chavy, has been part of the estate since before the pandemic and has embarked on creating his own range of wines, sourcing fruit from regions including Saint-Aubin and as far as Gevrey-Chambertin. The Chavy family continues to uphold a legacy of quality and tradition in their winemaking, offering a tantalising glimpse into the heart of Burgundy. For father and son terroir expression is paramount, with wines crafted in a consistent manner allowing the unique soil and exposure to shine through. Jean-Louis and Paul Chavy’s wines are effortless and unforced, showcasing exceptional fruit purity and a clear expression of terroir in each 1er cru. With his son Paul now working full-time at the estate after completing his winemaking studies, the added support in both the vineyard and cellar translates to even greater precision and clarity in every bottle. These wines embody a classic style, aging and developing gracefully over time. Quantities are always limited, and they sell out quickly upon release. So best to grab them while you can. The Philosophy: Vinification is classic with whole bunch pressing and 24 hours of settling with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. Jean-Louis has not used any battonage on any cuvees for some years now. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 30 to 50 years old though some in Folatieres and Clavoillons amongst the oldest planted in 1952. For the elevage of the wines the use of new oak is restrained with the village Puligny seeing only 15% new oak and the 1er cru’s just 25%. Recent years have seen a move towards 350 litre barrels for ageing to have less oak influence. Unfortunately there are no Grand cru vineyards among his holdings, however his 1er cru’s are located very close to some of the best vineyards in the heart of Puligny. Nose - Intense Stone Fruits, White Florals, Smoky Perfume Ripe nose with a smoky perfume, lifted with floral aromatics and zesty fruits. Palate - Concentrated, White Fruits, Mirabelle Plum Touch of vanilla from the oak, peach dusted with baking spice on the palate. Finish - Very Good Persistence, Slate, Yeasty Lees There’s real mineral character to the long finish. Very clean and fresh.

Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet Les Perrieres is a wine of fine mineral nuance. More cerebral, a delight on its own. With its fine and dainty floral aromas, then broad and rich in the mouth with a certain power and lovely length. From 0.146 ha of vines planted in 1986 which were purchased by Jean-Louis. This wine spends eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. 25-30% new barrels. "Jean-Louis Chavy’s wines are a masterclass in finesse, showcasing the purity of Puligny-Montrachet’s terroir." - Jancis Robinson. Maker: The Chavy family has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet for over 200 years, but it was not until 1986 that Gérard Chavy began to estate-bottle his wines, previously selling them to négociants. Following Gérard's retirement around 2005, the estate was divided into two separate entities managed by his sons, Jean-Louis and Alain Chavy. Jean-Louis Chavy has since developed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, complete with a temperature-controlled cellar situated at the base of the village. This allows him to work comfortably while ensuring the wines are stored in optimal conditions. His son, Paul Chavy, has been part of the estate since before the pandemic and has embarked on creating his own range of wines, sourcing fruit from regions including Saint-Aubin and as far as Gevrey-Chambertin. The Chavy family continues to uphold a legacy of quality and tradition in their winemaking, offering a tantalising glimpse into the heart of Burgundy. For father and son terroir expression is paramount, with wines crafted in a consistent manner allowing the unique soil and exposure to shine through. Jean-Louis and Paul Chavy’s wines are effortless and unforced, showcasing exceptional fruit purity and a clear expression of terroir in each 1er cru. With his son Paul now working full-time at the estate after completing his winemaking studies, the added support in both the vineyard and cellar translates to even greater precision and clarity in every bottle. These wines embody a classic style, aging and developing gracefully over time. Quantities are always limited, and they sell out quickly upon release. So best to grab them while you can. The Philosophy: Vinification is classic with whole bunch pressing and 24 hours of settling with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. Jean-Louis has not used any battonage on any cuvees for some years now. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 30 to 50 years old though some in Folatieres and Clavoillons amongst the oldest planted in 1952. For the elevage of the wines the use of new oak is restrained with the village Puligny seeing only 15% new oak and the 1er cru’s just 25%. Recent years have seen a move towards 350 litre barrels for ageing to have less oak influence. Unfortunately there are no Grand cru vineyards among his holdings, however his 1er cru’s are located very close to some of the best vineyards in the heart of Puligny. Nose - Delicate Florals, Struck Match, Cream Fine and delicate floral aromas, accompany the sweet spice of the oak and the tart tangy notes of the citrus. Palate - Broad and Rich, Ripe Orchard Fruits, Powerful Aristocratic, with complexity combining concentration, ripeness, acidity and minerality. Finish - Steely Edge, Minerals, Roasted Nuts Excellent combination of ripe fruit and acidity with a steely edge on the finish. A fine example of premier cru Puligny which won't disappoint.

Product Information: This ideal site gives a roundness and generosity compared to the more elevated Folatieres which is just above on a slightly steeper slope. This wine offers a lovely fullness with great length in the mouth owing to its old vine (average 71 years), along with aromas of ripe and candied fruit. Premier Cru Clavoilons lies right in the middle of the Puligny Appellation between Perrieres to the north and Les Pucelles bordering on the south side. Only 2 families have ownership in this tiny 5.5855 ha vineyard, Chavy family have 0.7895 ha and the rest belonging to the various branches of the illustrious Leflaive family (replanting their plot in 1970’s). Here Jean-Louis has 0.32 ha of vines planted in 1952 just below Folatieres. Eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. 25-30% new barrels. "Jean-Louis Chavy’s wines are a masterclass in finesse, showcasing the purity of Puligny-Montrachet’s terroir." - Jancis Robinson. Maker: The Chavy family has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet for over 200 years, but it was not until 1986 that Gérard Chavy began to estate-bottle his wines, previously selling them to négociants. Following Gérard's retirement around 2005, the estate was divided into two separate entities managed by his sons, Jean-Louis and Alain Chavy. Jean-Louis Chavy has since developed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, complete with a temperature-controlled cellar situated at the base of the village. This allows him to work comfortably while ensuring the wines are stored in optimal conditions. His son, Paul Chavy, has been part of the estate since before the pandemic and has embarked on creating his own range of wines, sourcing fruit from regions including Saint-Aubin and as far as Gevrey-Chambertin. The Chavy family continues to uphold a legacy of quality and tradition in their winemaking, offering a tantalising glimpse into the heart of Burgundy. For father and son terroir expression is paramount, with wines crafted in a consistent manner allowing the unique soil and exposure to shine through. Jean-Louis and Paul Chavy’s wines are effortless and unforced, showcasing exceptional fruit purity and a clear expression of terroir in each 1er cru. With his son Paul now working full-time at the estate after completing his winemaking studies, the added support in both the vineyard and cellar translates to even greater precision and clarity in every bottle. These wines embody a classic style, aging and developing gracefully over time. Quantities are always limited, and they sell out quickly upon release. So best to grab them while you can. The Philosophy: Vinification is classic with whole bunch pressing and 24 hours of settling with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. Jean-Louis has not used any battonage on any cuvees for some years now. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 30 to 50 years old though some in Folatieres and Clavoillons amongst the oldest planted in 1952. For the elevage of the wines the use of new oak is restrained with the village Puligny seeing only 15% new oak and the 1er cru’s just 25%. Recent years have seen a move towards 350 litre barrels for ageing to have less oak influence. Unfortunately there are no Grand cru vineyards among his holdings, however his 1er cru’s are located very close to some of the best vineyards in the heart of Puligny. Nose - Stone Fruits, Ripe, Candied Fruit There is a lovely density to the aromas and to the core of this wine. Palate - Lively, Yellow Fruits, Thread of Minerals Dense fruits. The palate is lively and the minerality zesty, which lightens the concentrated character. Finish - Bright Citrus, Chalky, Nutty Bright, faintly nutty-savoury, with citrus fruits linger on the finish.

Product Information: From the limestone inflected hillsides of Saint Romain a distinguished Chardonnay that's fresh and lively. Made from a blend of 2 vineyards, Sous la Velle (west facing towards the village) and Le Jarron (south facing) these sites nestled in the small valley of Saint Romain make for fresh styles of wine that offer good protection in warmer vintages like 2022. 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) discernable 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 - Flowers, Honey, Citrus Wild flowers, honey and citrus on the nose. Cedar and stone dust and a touch of lime. Palate - Drive, Apple, Honey This is quite dense on the palate, with apple and honeyed fruits. Finish - Creamy, Linear, Bright Savoury, zippy acidity leads on to the bright finish.

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.

The story of Jean-Louis Chavy winery begins with Jean-Louis Chavy himself, who inherited the winery from his father. Jean-Louis was determined to uphold his family's legacy while also pursuing his passion for winemaking and striving to enhance the winery's reputation. Guided by his deep appreciation for the Burgundy region's terroir and microclimate, Jean-Louis embarked on a journey of innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. He embraced sustainable viticulture practices, carefully nurturing the vineyards with a strong commitment to environmental preservation. The winery's vineyards are home to decades-old vines that embody the essence of Puligny-Montrachet. At Jean-Louis Chavy winery, an unwavering dedication to quality is apparent throughout the winemaking process. Grapes are meticulously hand-picked at their peak ripeness and gently pressed to extract only the purest juice. Fermentation takes place in traditional oak barrels, imparting complexity and depth to the wines. The Chavy family believes in patience, allowing the wines to age gracefully in their cellars for several years, allowing the flavors to harmonize and reach their full potential. Renowned for their exceptional Chardonnay wines, particularly the Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru and Grand Cru offerings, Jean-Louis Chavy winery captivates the palate with a harmonious blend of citrus, stone fruit and subtle mineral notes. These wines are known for their longevity and can evolve in complexity over several decades. Jean-Louis employs classic winemaking techniques, including whole bunch pressing and temperature-controlled settling for 24 hours. He exclusively uses natural yeasts for fermentation and has discontinued the practice of battonage for several years. The estate's vineyards boast an impressive average age, with most vineyards aged between 20 and 40 years, while select vineyards in Folatieres and Clavoillons exceed 60 years. The use of new oak is restrained, with the village Puligny wines aged in 15% new oak and Premier Crus in 25%. In recent years, there has been a transition towards aging the wines in 350-liter barrels to minimize the influence of oak. While Jean-Louis does not own any Grand Cru vineyards, his Premier Crus are situated in proximity to some of Puligny's finest vineyards in the heart of the region. The Burgundy wine region in France is internationally renowned for its exceptional wines. Known for its terroir-driven approach, the region produces both red and white wines, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the predominant grape varieties. The diverse soil types contribute to the distinct characteristics of the wines and the winemaking practices prioritize minimal intervention. Puligny-Montrachet, a renowned wine region in Burgundy, France, is celebrated for its exquisite white wines. Located within the Côte de Beaune subregion, it is one of Burgundy's most esteemed appellations. What distinguishes Puligny-Montrachet is its exclusive focus on Chardonnay, which thrives in the region's limestone and clay-rich soils. The terroir contributes to the exceptional quality and character of the wines, attracting wine enthusiasts worldwide. Admired for their elegance, complexity and finesse, Puligny-Montrachet wines strike a remarkable balance of fruit, acidity and minerality. Each bottle embodies the unique terroir, reflecting the meticulous work of winemakers who prioritize quality and expression. These wines exhibit a pale golden colour and a complex flavour profile. With a refreshing acidity, they offer delicate floral notes, ripe orchard fruits like apples and pears and hints of citrus and minerality. Puligny-Montrachet wines showcase a harmonious balance of fruit and structure, combining ripe fruit flavors with subtle oak influences. Oak aging contributes to a creamy texture and complex notes of toasted nuts, vanilla and spices. The Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 2021 is a remarkable and intricate wine that embodies the essence of this renowned wine region. It displays a captivating bouquet of lemon peel, lemon curd and white grapefruit, accented by delicate hints of butter, yeast and bread dough. On the palate, it offers a velvety and creamy texture, complemented by flavors of hazelnuts, almonds, brioche and apple pie. The wine's impeccable balance and well-controlled acidity truly make it exceptional, with additional notes of lime, citrus, apple, pear, vanilla and peach enhancing its allure. The finish is nothing short of extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression of incredible minerality and vibrant acidity. With its commendable age, this wine showcases a remarkable complexity. A defining characteristic of this "village" Puligny-Montrachet is its enchanting floral and fruity aroma, which exudes both intensity and richness. The fresh acidity flawlessly counterbalances its richness, resulting in a wine that surpasses expectations. A harmonious blend of style and balance highlights the exceptional quality of this wine. Staying true to its Puligny character, it entices with notes of white peach and citrus, accompanied by subtle hints of nuts and baked bread. The distinctive minerality, a hallmark of Puligny-Montrachet, pairs seamlessly with shellfish dishes. It is the perfect companion for seafood, poultry, creamy sauces and subtly spiced dishes. Notably versatile, it can be enjoyed in its youth while also having the potential to age gracefully, allowing the flavors to evolve and develop even greater complexity over time. The 2021 vintage is sourced from ten small parcels, with vines ranging from 20 to 60 years in age. Noteworthy vineyards include Les Tremblot, Les Meix, Les Levrons, Corvée des Vignes and Les Reuchaux. These small vineyard holdings span the diversity of Puligny, from north to south and are situated just below the premier cru vineyards near the village. This wine is aged in only 20% new oak, allowing for excellent balance and early drinking pleasure. The Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet 2021 stands as a symbol of excellence within the Burgundy wine region. The meticulous focus on Chardonnay, combined with the region's unique terroir, results in an outstanding white wine that truly captures the very essence of the land.

Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawke's Bay vineyards. The Estate's ownership varied frequently until John and Wendy Buck acquired it in 1978. John and Wendy instigated a twenty-year development program, which commenced with the restoration of the original winery building and the replanting of all of the original vineyards, as well as the acquisition of new vineyard sites. Elston is named for Elston Hall in Nottinghamshire, the ancestral home of Charles Darwin’s family. Darwin’s ‘theory of natural selection’ forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory, the foundation of biology. The wyvern symbol of Elston Hall appears on the label. The superb quality of the 2021 vintage was immediately apparent in the fully ripe grapes that were hand-harvested from their separate, individual plots within Te Mata Estate’s vineyards. Each parcel was gently whole-cluster pressed, cold settled and racked to new and seasoned French oak barrels for fermentation. The resulting wines remained in contact with their yeast lees, with a number going through malolactic fermentation. The finest lots were selected for further maturation, spending a total of 11 months in barrel. Brilliant white gold in the glass, Elston Chardonnay ’21 has wonderfully intense aromas of golden peach, apricot, and lemon zest. Focused but flowing - this is a wine of precision, power, and poise. On the mouth-watering palate there’s oodles of ripe, white-fleshed fruit, nougat and nutmeg, integrated fine oak tannin, and just a flick of salinity. A long line of sweet citrus acidity, and ripe Hawke’s Bay chardonnay fruit, runs through here. Resplendent in its charms, Elston Chardonnay ’21 would match with the best grilled lobster you can get. Or just sit and watch the wine unfold over several hours with a soft-ripened white cheese.

Nestled in the foothills of the Meehan Ranges, halfway between Hobart and the Coal Valley, lies the picturesque Clarence House Estate vineyard. Planted in 1998, this vineyard boasts an ideal location and soil composition, making it a haven for grape cultivation. Stretching across 16 hectares of land, the vineyard initially began with just 6 hectares of vine plantings. The first vines included chardonnay, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, tempranillo, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. As time went on, the estate expanded, adding more pinot noir, chardonnay and even pinot blanc to its offerings. The decision to plant pinot blanc was made after consulting with former winemaker Andrew Hood, who recognized the similarities between the local conditions and those found in Oregon, where pinot blanc thrives. The vineyard's fruit was initially sold until the vines reached maturity. In 2006, the Clarence House label was established, allowing the estate to showcase its own wines. The vineyard now produces three labels: Clarence Plains, available exclusively in Tasmania, Clarence House Estate and Clarence House Reserve. The Reserve wines are a selection of the best barrels from each vintage, often undergoing extended oak maturation to enhance their complexity and depth. Leading the winemaking at Clarence House Estate are Justin Bubb and Anna Pooley of Pooley Wines in Cambridge. With their vast experience and gentle approach, they bring an old-world philosophy to the winemaking process, focusing on elegance and balance. The Clarence House vineyard benefits from its location on a moderately sloping, rolling hill with a favourable north-eastern aspect. This position allows the vines to bask in the early morning sun while avoiding the harsh impact of late afternoon heat. The vineyard is home to seven grape varieties: pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot blanc, tempranillo, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. Notably, all of these varieties are planted on their original roots, further adding to the unique character of the wines produced. With its stunning location, diverse grape varieties, and meticulous winemaking, Clarence House Estate offers a true expression of Tasmania's viticultural potential. The wines produced here are a testament to the dedication and passion of those involved, resulting in elegant and balanced wines that showcase the best of this remarkable vineyard. Clarence House Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is a wine that showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality winemaking. This reserve bottling is the result of a selection of the finest barrels, where whole bunches were pressed and underwent wild barrel fermentation. After six months of élevage, the wine has matured gracefully. On the nose, this Chardonnay offers a wonderfully complex bouquet. Citrus notes dance alongside peach stone fruit, creating a harmonious blend of aromas. The judicious use of oak is evident, adding depth and character to the wine without overpowering its delicate nuances. Robust and concentrated on the palate, this Chardonnay showcases its full-bodied nature. However, it remains fresh and vibrant, thanks to its impeccable structure. The wine strikes a perfect balance between richness and freshness, demonstrating the winemaker's skill in achieving harmony. Clarence House Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is a wine that possesses great aging potential. Its concentration and structure suggest that it will evolve gracefully over time, allowing its flavors and complexities to further develop. However, this wine is equally enjoyable in its youth, offering a fresh and unbridled expression that pairs wonderfully with appropriate cuisine. This reserve Chardonnay embodies the essence of Clarence House Estate's commitment to producing exceptional wines. Its complexity, balance and judicious use of oak make it a standout wine that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed now or aged, this Chardonnay promises a remarkable tasting experience that showcases the unique character of the vineyard.

Established in 1836, Madame Pommery is credited with creating the first vintage brut style of Champagne in 1874, at a time when most champagnes were excessively sweetened with sugar. This revolutionary dry style set the benchmark for the rest of Champagne and it is in this spirit that the style of Pommery endures; with each cuvée displaying sublime elegance, finesse and freshness. Pommery is one of the few Champagne Houses that produces their large formats in the actual bottle in order to allow for optimal ageing.