2013 Vincent Dancer Offer U K E X C L U S I V E

Transcription

1 2013 Vincent Dancer Offer U K E X C L U S I V E

2 I like and admire Vincent Dancer. Initially, he comes across as rather shy, even reclusive, but, give him a couple of glasses and some time spent together, there s real drive, determination, fun and honesty. His current passion is rock climbing with his son; I reckon you need all those attributes, plus more! Once his confidence is gained, Vincent is one of those growers who cannot help telling you his work issues and what he would like to improve on going forward. He never sells his wines to you, to the contrary. Even when we discuss his split with his previous Royal-warranted UK importer (normally around our second bottle!), he reflects on his own errors but also the real hurt too. There's absolutely no bravado or bullshit with Vincent; he's my kind of guy. However it's not just his honesty which sets him apart. In a village where half the growers seem to have the same surname, Vincent Dancer is an outsider an Alsatian not that he is a complete foreigner. Most of the vines he tends once those of the prestigious Domaine Lochardet have come to him through his father s family (his father being the son-in-law of Armand Lochardet). With a whopping new hectare of Bourgogne blanc, Vincent now has around 6ha in Chassagne, Meursault, Pommard and Beaune, small even by Burgundy standards. Whilst he would like additional vines, Vincent recognises that expansion is extremely difficult now, beyond the generic level just purchased; only the über wealthy ( ou as I teased Monsieur Pierre-Yves Colin?! ) have the disposable money to buy into prime Burgundy today. Commercially, the pathetic size of the past two Dancer vintages has made life very difficult, yet another confession; I have potential to produce 130 barrels of wine per year but there was only 65 in 2013 and a disastrous 35 in Vincent Dancer was the first producer in Chassagne to become certified organic (now biodynamic), and there remains less than a handful of others. These days, his cellar practices are as minimal as possible and, with zero chaptilisation, each cuvée is a clear reflection of the terroir and vintage. Vincent willingly admits he has come a long way since his first harvest in Experience and experimentation have allowed him to hone his winemaking skills and he undoubtedly benefits from his friendships with other Côte de Beaune growers of his age, such as Pierre-Yves himself and Benoit Riffault at Sauzet. However, admirably, he remains quietly individualistic, with his own artistic, bright style of winemaking, trusting his instincts to make the best possible wine. Since the 2010 vintage, the Dancer results have unquestionably been exceptional. As I hinted when we originally offered the 2011 vintage, we are in the process of rebuilding Vincent's UK market; such stimulating white Burgundies are tailor-made for you, A&B clientele. And, as our trading rapport builds together, we have larger quantities in 2013 including a chunk of his thrilling new Bourgogne cuvée. What is so fascinating for us and you is the contrast to the PYCM style; both premier-division Chardonnays, both with that vital backbone of minerality, both equally exciting. However, to me, Vincent s wines are more rock n roll; his lower yields produce more immediate luxuriant fruit, less precise perhaps than PY but outrageously delicious too! There is most certainly space for both styles in your cellar and I urge you to be involved with Vincent Dancer s fabulous 2013s... John Arnold September 2014

3 Price in-bond 2013 Bourgogne Blanc (SHIPMENT NOV 2014) 12 BOTTLES Bourgogne Blanc SIX MAGNUMS Vincent describes his 2013 Bourgogne as fresh, lemony and sappy mineral wine of finesse. A typical example of the questing Dancer approach; no, Vincent... this is simply outstanding, both in quality and value! Pliant and juicy, stylish and extremely tasty. It has personality too, which I like. A new 'generic' star in the A&B portfolio is born, whose citric/floral refinement makes it one of my all-time personal favourites, alongside PYCM, bien sur 2013 Meursault AC, Corbins 6 BOTTLES Meursault AC, Grand Charrons 6 BOTTLES Meursault 1er Cru Perrières 6 BOTTLES Located just north of the village of Meursault, near to the red territory of Santenots, Corbins was planted in It combines delicious fresh lime flavours with a round, fleshy texture. Quiet intensity is what my note said. Nicely integrated acidity gives freshness and energy to this shapely wine, nothing outrageous just nicely curved, classic weight of Meursault. Grands Charrons sits just underneath another excellent Meursault lieu-dit, Les Tessons, and alongside the Goutte d Or premier cru. This is brilliantly poised, incisive and palate-searching. Full of mineral tension and finesse, the bracing stony finish shows sneaky length. Drink both the above from 2016 onwards. The Perrières is deep and vibrant, with an almost painful intensity to its pure yet youthful stone and mineral flavours. A real essence of Perrières for the purist, from vines planted in 1963 and the late 1970s, right next to the Roulot patch. I'd start drinking from say The highly gifted perfectionist, Vincent Dancer, incarnates the new generation of young, dynamic wine growers. L A R E V U E DU V I N DE F R A NC E

4 Price in-bond 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée 6 BOTTLES Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée 3 MAGNUMS Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Tête du Clos 6 BOTTLES La Romanée is part of La Grand Montagne but sold under its own name and very much has its own identity. Set sheltered by trees and high on the slopes, Vincent suggests there are many similarities with his Meursault Perrières, especially in its intensity. Certainly on the evidence of his glorious 2013, who am I to argue? These vines are made for a cooler year like 2013 says VD (unfortunate initials). This is a dense, energetic wine which finishes long and juicy, with superb lift from its crushed stone character. An outstanding Chassagne. Drink from If you own the 2011 or 2012, pour into a carafe and enjoy anytime soon; both are quite sublime right now! From vines planted in 1954 and yields of 28 hl/ha, the 2013 Tête du Clos (a small walled parcel within Morgeots) shows outstanding concentration and impressive potential. Yet, it is wonderfully light on its feet, more nerveux and mineral-driven than the La Romanée, almost Riesling-like. It will need time to find complete harmony but, when it does, you re in for an absolute treat. From Before anyone asks, we do have some of Dancer s 2013 Chevalier-Montrachet; precisely six bottles from one tiny barrel. I intend to share them at dinner with those who buy Vincent Dancer with abandon! On the edge of Vincent s plot of Chevalier, roots firmly planted in that hallowed terroir, stands a wild cherry tree. This year it was absolutely festooned with perfectly ripe, ruby red cherries. Vincent does nothing with them at all, so Simon suggested we make eau de vie from them, Kirsch de Chevalier-Montrachet. He's full of bright, alas foolish, ideas. "If you pick them, you can do whatever you want with them just make sure you give me a bottle. For sharing too. I have noted the impressive upward trajectory of Dancer s wines The purity is impressive and they are well worth your attention A L L E N M E A DOWS

5 To order or for more information, please contact A&B Vintners Terms and Conditions Unless specified, the prices quoted are in-bond per case (6 x 75cl) excluding duty (currently 12.30) and vat. The wines will be shipped Spring Our delivery and storage terms are below. Delivery Terms to UK Addresses excluding Scotland and offshore Islands: 1 4 cases (ex vat). For 5cs or more there is no charge. For delivery charges to Scotland and offshore islands please enquire for current rates. In-bond transfers: 8.00 (ex vat) per transfer to Vinotheque or other LCB warehouses. Transfers to other bonded warehouses will be at the delivery rates above. We are happy to hold onto the stock whilst a consignment is built up, for a maximum of 3 months only. For longer periods, we offer a storage facility in our private client reserves, currently at 8.50 per case per annum ex vat (inclusive of 'all risks' insurance). Design and photography