2014 Bright, Pure and Driven A producer s dream Ask any ien what is so special about and they will reply freshness, purity of fruit, drive, minerality, and of course terroir integrity. The style may be very different to the great white wines of the Côte de Beaune, but it is most certainly as exciting and charismatic in every way. In the simple words of Laurent Pinson, 2014 is a completely classic vintage ; a year which has all these ien characteristics in absolute spades. It is a total and utter delight. What makes the 2014 vintage so special? It was not the easiest of growing seasons, producing yet another small crop; this time not the result of cold weather, but because of an unusually hot period at flowering. This influenced the potential fruit set and reduced the number of bunches and berries per vine. The hot early June was followed by a relatively cool and uninspiring summer until the last week of August, when warm sunny days accompanied by cool nights arrived and remained right through to the end of harvest in the third week of September. This really benefitted the style of. It is a naturally cool viticultural region and thrives on later, longer ripening seasons, which allow the vines to produce wines with great drive and regional identity. We have worked with our four growers, Domaines Pommier, Billaud-Simon, Pinson and Droin, for a number of years. They each have their own distinct character and style, but all are totally respectful of vineyard origins, and have completely nailed this wonderful vintage. At a time when there has been considerable concern about the ageability of White Burgundy, growers throughout the Bourgogne region have invested considerable time and money into resolving the issues of the past. I really feel that they are back on track in making wines that, whilst often forward in style for early drinking, really do have the ability to age without risk for the longer term. If ever there was a vintage and region for longer term ageing which will produce wines with extraordinarily complex secondary flavours typical of mature Chardonnay, 2014 is it. These have a drive and bite which will allow the best 1ers and Grands Crus to become wonderful aged wines. In short, the 2014 are very high class indeed. This is definitely a year to restore our faith in great White Burgundy. David Roberts MW
DOMAINE POMMIER A visit to the tiny cellar of Isabelle and Denis Pommier is one of the most rewarding experiences in our wine-buying year. It is so exciting to see a young domaine, in Burgundian terms, of only 25 years move up the quality tree. Today they are rightly considered amongst the very finest in the region. In addition it couldn t happen to two nicer people; brimming with smiles, they are hugely dedicated. In 2014 they started harvesting on 16 th September, slightly later than some of their neighbours. This gives rise to a more generous style, forward in drinking, whilst still very representative of their wines origins. 110.40 per 12 Bottles In Bond 162 per 12 Bottles inc VAT (Available now) The later picking date clearly benefitted this wonderfully forward and easy drinking style of. A very balanced wine, between soft lime fruits and hints of honeyed ripeness. Irresistible and ready for immediate drinking. Drink 2015 2017 1er Cru Côte de Troesmes 155.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond Slightly confusing and even new to us! Troesmes is a climat within 1er Cru Beauroy, and in 2014 Denis and Isabelle have decided to rename what they used to sell as their Beauroy under its more specific name. South facing, it has appealing buttery aromas, with a lovely creamy volume. Bright, giving, and very moreish in style. Drink 2016 2019 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 155.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond Facing south east, Côte de Léchet possesses a lovely balance between broad creamy flavours and lively mineral freshness. Weighted without being excessive, and with the lovely zest of grapefruit on the finish that uplifts the flavours to create a wine of balance and charm. Drink 2016 2020
DOMAINE PINSON FRERES Father and daughter team, Laurent and Charlène Pinson, make a formidable partnership. Laurent has been at the estate since 1983 and his daughter joined in 2008 bringing new ideas that an oenology degree from Beaune provides. The Pinson style is to make wines that will develop beautifully, maturing to highlight the wonderful secondary fruit flavours that great gains following a few years in bottle. Elevage does take place in oak, but never in new oak casks. They are particularly pleased with their 2014s, which, in Laurent s view, is one of the most classical years he has ever seen. 1er Cru Montmain 175.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond From an enviable parcel of 60 year old vines situated to the south of the town of, the additional clay content here creates a very structured 1er Cru. Light lemon in colour, there is a nice balance between buttery fruit and hints of acacia honey. A rounded and full wine, with a subtle steely edge on the finish. This is high class in every way. Drink 2017 2021 1er Cru Fourchaume 195.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond Adjoining the line of Grands Crus to the north of the town of, this is recognised as a warmer vineyard location and therefore hugely popular amongst the growers in the appellation. This had particular benefits in 2014, producing a wine golden yellow in colour, with hints of fresh Jersey cream. It has a broad palate, with a steely substructure. It is full and concentrated with hints of freshly squeezed limes on the finish. A very complete style indeed. Drink 2017 2021 Grand Cru Les Clos 325.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond Les Clos is s most prestigious Grand Cru and records show that vines have been planted on this famous site since before 1260. With a shining lime green tinge in the glass, this is initially slightly reserved. It then explodes in the mouth, focusing on a tremendous weight and structure of fruit, with hints of cream and citrus. With a very long finish, this will benefit from a minimum of 6 years ageing before reaching its pomp Drink 2019 2025
DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON In 2014 Bernard Billaud sold his family estate to the famous Nuits St Georges house of Domaine Faiveley. Whilst already making wines of the highest quality and considered a huge ambassador for the appellation, additional investment will certainly ensure Billaud-Simon s long-term reputation for making wines with true definition of their origins. The 2014s reflect this beautifully, with a fine balance of purity and refinement. 62.70 per 6 Bottles In Bond 90 per 6 Bottles inc VAT (Available now) Shining lime green tinge in the glass, this is a beautifully aromatic, with hints of sherbet lemons and freshly squeezed oranges. An open, pleasing, unoaked which is already beautifully approachable as an early drinking style. Drink 2016 2018 1er Cru Les Vaillons 89.00 per 6 Bottles In Bond This is one of my favourite 1er Cru vineyards. Whilst not necessarily famed for making the most complex of wines, if finesse and elegance are what you are looking for, this is most definitely the vineyard to go for. Beautifully floral, with hints of white fruits, Vaillons expresses itself immediately and its charm is already showing in youthful primary fruits. Not necessarily the Cru for long term ageing, but spectacular in youth. Drink 2016 2019 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 115.00 per 6 Bottles In Bond This south-westerly facing vineyard with stony white clay soil produces wines with robust, full fruit flavours for the long term. The wine s power and depth is additionally enhanced by the fact that these vines are 80 years old, having been planted in 1935! A wine with real substance, it enters the mouth with a feeling of elegance and then explodes with flavours of Cornish ice cream and brioche. A wine with huge potential. Drink 2017 2021 Grand Cru Vaudésir 195.00 per 6 Bottles In Bond A star Grand Cru in the Billaud-Simon line-up, with lovely honeyed and Jersey cream aromas. In the mouth this is a broad rounded style, with a hint of clementine fruit sweetness preceding the drive of minerality and freshness on the finish. Full and classy. Drink 2017 2023 Grand Cru Les Preuses 215.00 per 6 Bottles In Bond A particular favourite of mine, a fresh and full style. This wine is vinified 50% in oak and 50% in stainless steel, and balances clean white peach flavours with hints of hazelnuts and Guernsey cream. Beautifully concentrated with a soft harmonious freshness and driven zest which lifts the palate at the end. Drink 2017 2024
DOMAINE JEAN-PAUL & BENOIT DROIN Benoit Droin is a 14 th generation winemaker running this 25 hectare estate. This huge wealth of experience and breadth of vineyard locations allows him to make classical. He seeks to make wines totally representative of the grapes origins. To that end he has a preference for early bottling which, in his words, encapsulate the true flavours of and preserve the energy in his wines. Such a philosophy perfectly accords with the style of the vintage and highlights the bright fruit characteristics of 2014. 130.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond Surprisingly generous and honeyed in fruit character, with hints of white peaches and wild spring flowers. This is an instantly appealing style, whilst still possessing the ever-needed race of freshness that lovers seek in their wines. Forward drinking and very appealing. Drink 2016 2018 1er Cru Montmains 200.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond The clay based soils of Montmains, in Benoit Droin s words, make for a more Côte de Beaune, generous styled. Very expressive on the nose with hints of honey and fresh apricots. In the palate it has a fleshier mouth feel with hints of white peaches and hazelnuts and a tinge of citrus freshness which drives the palate at the end. A lovely, fine glass. Drink 2017 2021 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 225.00 per 12 Bottles In Bond A wonderful contrast to the deliciously forward and giving Montmains, this wine is much more focused on minerality, drive and intensity. Possibly the most classical of the 1er Cru wines, this is vibrant and lively. The powerfully intense nature of this wine gives a feeling of tannic structure at the end. A high class wine in every way. Drink 2017 2022 Grand Cru Grenouille 210.00 per 6 Bottles In Bond A much more giving and flamboyant style than his Les Clos, this is truly characteristic of the Grenouille Grand Cru. A larger, more generously fruit-flavoured wine and slightly more Côte de Beaune in style with its body and richness, nevertheless a bright line of acidity provides complexity and that classic touch of at the end of the palate. Drink 2017 2023 Grand Cru Les Clos 210.00 per 6 Bottles In Bond Another fine example of the quality of the Les Clos vineyard from Benoit Droin. The reserved nature of this wine when young is typical of this great Grand Cru. A wine with real intensity, deep and weighted, with a central core of driven fruit. Amazingly concentrated; the presently subdued nature of flavours is purely a reflection of the great ageing potential this wine has. This will be very fine indeed in 5 years time and more Drink 2019 2025 EN PRIMEUR TERMS & CONDITIONS This wine is offered In Bond UK and subject to confirmation. We will arrange shipment in Autumn 2016. On arrival, wine can either be delivered directly to you or stored Under Bond by our independent storage company, Private Reserves, at a current cost of 10.50 ex-vat per case or 5.25 ex-vat per 6 pack per annum. If and when you decide to take delivery, Duty and VAT at the prevailing rate will become payable. These charges are at present 24.60 per dozen and 20% respectively. All En Primeur deliveries will be charged at cost. Payment must be made within 30 days of invoice date.