2013 Burgundy En-Primeur Offer Burgundy Offer

Transcription

1 2013 Burgundy En-Primeur Offer 2013 Burgundy Offer

2 2013 is the kind of turbulent vintage which true Burgundy lovers should expect and be very excited about; another typically knife-edge year, which right up until the perilously late harvest could have gone either way. Thankfully a blessed September provided ample sunlight to fully ripen the tiny crop of high-quality fruit, which was harvested swiftly during the first week of October. Indeed, it is a testament to the success of the harvest that many growers were encouraged to use whole Pinot Noir bunches in their fermentation tanks something only permissible when the stems have lost all their greenness. While the headlines were all about a catastrophic hailstorm which hit the Côte de Beaune on 23rd July, decimating crops in Volnay and Pommard, the real cause for a fourth tiny crop in a row was the protracted flowering in cold, damp conditions following a late start to the season. Such naturally low production is the key to the high quality in 2013; had the crop been a bumper one, the sunny but cool conditions which prevailed in September wouldn t have been enough to save the vintage. It was ideal however to ripen just the scant few bunches which had clung on throughout a gloomy Burgundy summer. Simon and I often grumble about our final end of year visit to Burgundy; the days are short and drab, the cellars are cold and Beaune is full of the great and the good (cough cough) of the UK wine trade. In fact this year s trip was terrific fun. First, and most importantly, because the wines on the whole were outrageously delicious and effortless to taste. Secondly, because we took our time, reducing the number of appointments each day to a maximum of four (many merchants and journalists visit as many as eight to ten growers in a single day) so we could really spend some time tasting and chatting to our growers getting to know the wines and fully understanding why 2013 is the great success it is. John Arnold, January 2015 The best wines red and white have a radiance, a site-specific luminosity which is an absolute pleasure to taste. Indeed, on our final visit in November many Pinots were really attractive already thanks to their aromatics, energy and that signature fleshy core of red fruit. The Northern sectors of the Côte de Nuits are especially good; if budget is a factor then my advice is to buy at least one case from Gevrey Chambertin, Morey St Denis or Chambolle, villages where the wines from A&B growers were universally excellent (Feuillet, Groffier, Fourrier, Bachelet).

3 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S Jean-Marie Fourrier, Gevrey-Chambertin How to go from a nightmare to a dream. People come and taste the 2013s without any great expectation and leave with huge smiles on their faces I actually prefer 2013 to J E A N-M A R I E FOU R R I E R Jean-Marie Fourrier no longer qualifies as a young, potential superstar. This year will be his twentieth in charge at the domaine and since 1999 our first vintage of working together I have seen him grow into a class act, a leading Côte de Nuits vigneron who impresses every vintage regardless of the challenges. Despite describing 2013 as the toughest growing season for a decade, Jean-Marie has outperformed once again this year. The last 3 weeks of September were sunny but cold. They provided lots of sunlight which has given us a level of ripeness miles beyond what we expected. I ve rarely seen a harvest in October and, if I do, it normally means the wines are tense and full of acidity. This is not the case in 2013, these are wines of generosity, red fruit and sweetness In 2011, Jean-Marie decided to establish a micro-négociant business, buying grapes from non-domaine appellations. Impressed by the quality, A&B have been backers since day one, committing our cash immediately after each harvest; the 2014s are secured already. However with the 2013 vintage, the fruit prices for certain cuvées became a bit too rich in our (and Jean-Marie s) opinion. Time will tell if our judgement was correct but, as customer and supporter, you expect us to make such portfolio calls. The upside is that we have a wonderful barrel each of Bourgogne Rouge (increased to three barrels in 2014) and Vosne Chaumes (exclusive to us in the UK) and, more significantly in my opinion, have augmented our position with the domaine wines. I expect our long-standing buyers will continue to follow across the board and, if this is the case, can only apologise to those trying to secure an allocation. Domaine 2013 Morey-St Denis AC, Clos Solon 6 BOTTLES Gevrey-Chambertin AC, Vieilles Vignes 6 BOTTLES Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Gruenchers 3 BOTTLES Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Goulots 6 BOTTLES Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques 3 BOTTLES Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 3 BOTTLES Négociant 2013 Bourgogne Rouge Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Chaumes 6 BOTTLES

4 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S Denis Bachelet, Gevrey-Chambertin The great Pinots of Burgundy are like oysters, they are best in months with an R'. DE N IS BAC H E L E T How s that for a quote? I could talk about 2013 yields Zzz but I thought this far more intriguing. It took me time to fathom, but actually Denis is absolutely right. I have often been disappointed tasting in-situ during the heat of a Burgundian summer and rarely do the smartest Pinots show in the summer sun Gevrey-Chambertin AC, Vieilles Vignes 6 BOTTLES Sourced from several plots of old vines in such vineyards as La Burie (planted 1920), Champerriers (1930s) and La Platière (1950). Supple, juicy and pure, almost satin tannins. Bachelet s village comes at a price but this has great substance for a village Gevrey; premier cru quality? Drink from Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Corbeaux 3 BOTTLES Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 3 BOTTLES POA Denis Bachelet same age as yours truly and also with a very tall son, Nicolas, now working alongside him is in complete control of his vineyards and wines. Every one of his 2013s wowed me with their wonderful purity and elegance. Graceful yet incisive (old-vine) berry fruit across the range, brilliant definition between each. Magical Pinots. The season was complicated. It was a month behind. Those last three weeks were very important to obtain the concentration, even though the days are shorter and the sunlight less strong. The natural alcohol level was between 11.5 and 12.0 degrees. We started the harvest on 5 October with the Charmes-Chambertin and it lasted for one week. We sorted in the vineyard and on a sorting table in the winery. The wines change every day at the moment, they remind me a little of the 2006 vintage but it s a year to wait and see BURGUNDY ALLOCATIONS We shall do our utmost to satisfy everyone, but priority will be given to clients who have consistently followed individual domaines, regardless of vintage or economies. Despite another small crop, it is in our commercial interest to encourage and (try to) accommodate newer customers too. Balanced and across the range orders will be favoured.

5 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S Robert Groffier, Morey-St Denis To many ourselves included this is one of the greatest domaines of the Côte d Or. The affable Nicolas Groffier is an immensely talented and inquisitive winemaker, constantly questioning about the way things are done, constantly searching for the best way to express his enviable collection of vineyards; which includes just over a hectare of Amoureuses and just under a hectare of Bonnes Mares. With every passing year of experience his ability shines and, whilst the wines at Groffier have always been impressive, Nicolas has brought a harmony and depth to the wines of late which surely puts them in the premier league of Côte de Nuits growers. Tasted back to back in November, his 2012s and 2013s are the most impressive wines he has ever produced, 2005 being his first year in charge. Outstanding. Nicolas likens his 2013s to a hypothetical blend between the freshness and energy of the 1996s and the savoury depth of the 2005s. He brought his crop in very quickly using 25 pickers between the 6th and the 9th of October, producing a little more wine in 2013 over the previous vintage Bourgogne Passetoutgrains Bourgogne Rouge The Groffier Bourgogne is from low-yielding old vines in Morey and Vougeot; remarkable complexity, a wine of village quality. Ages beautifully too, the 2006 is simply divine now Gevrey-Chambertin AC, Seuvrees From vines opposite the Mazoyères part of Charmes-Chambertin. In 2013, Nicolas did 70% whole bunch fermentation here and his bold ambition is rewarded; this is absolutely super, real depth and concentration. From Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Hauts Doix 6 BOTTLES % destemmed and no new wood makes this an unadulterated reflection of this smart soil, next to Amoureuses. Incredibly juicy, Chambolle essence, but with a terrific undertow of mineral flavours. Lifted and aromatic. A really lovely wine Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Sentiers 6 BOTTLES Like David Duband, Nico Groffier judges Sentiers to be a 1er Cru A star and thus he uses 70% whole bunch for the fermentation and 50% new wood for the elevage. Hence, this is denser, more macho than the Haut Doix. A towering intricate scaffold of tannin resting on broad shoulders. Really very impressive Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Amoureuses 6 BOTTLES Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES All the above are on allocation only. Startling quality, all three wines.

6 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S François Bertheau, Chambolle-Musigny 2013 Chambolle-Musigny AC For those of you who follow such things, effervescent Bertie Bertheau and I are now the very best of friends. Although comme d habitude he didn t actually taste with me, François was extremely accommodating with details this autumn too. Harvesting began on October 6. Some triage was necessary in the vineyards in the week before harvest. All grapes were destemmed. I expect to bottle in February The crop is about the same size as 2012, which means half a normal crop. Trust me, for François that s highly informative! Chambolle is one of our favourite and most consistent villages of the vintage. Bertheau s 2013s are an absolute delight; full of typical finesse, high-toned aromatics and silky textures. But in 2013, there was maybe a little more density, a charming sweet core of Pinot fruit. Certainly I didn t spit much... but then it was my final tasting of the day! Once more, quantities are not much higher than last year Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 6 BOTTLES A hectare blend of Groseilles, Baudes, Noirots and Gruenchers. Restrained, delicate, mineral flavours. More tension than the sexier Charmes below, a slightly different expression. Regardless, an altogether lovely effort fashioned in an understated style. From Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Charmes 6 BOTTLES In the past, Charmes was considered the equal of Amoureuses, sharing the same contours. A low-lying warmer site, the wine always shows delicious plump and sexy fruit; perhaps with global warming, attention has diverted to higher sites like Cras? Anyway, this is an absolute delight. I tend to drink my Bertheau Charmes on the exuberant youthful fruit young, buxom and sexy... that sells! 2013 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Amoureuses 3 BOTTLES Absolutely no chance of showing drinking restraint here; this was ludicrously charming! The sensual qualities of Amoureuses lean towards early drinking anyhow, in my opinion... or maybe my patience has waned with age Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 3 BOTTLES On allocation only.

7 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S Ghislaine Barthod, Chambolle-Musigny Ghislaine had her disco shoes on her feet and a broad smile on her face when we visited a sure sign that she s pleased with her latest crop. She modestly describes 2013 as une belle surprise, c est un millésime très digeste which sounds much better in French than translated! The terroir of each Barthod vineyard is wonderfully transparent in 2013, from the richer Beaux-Bruns to the more serious meaner up-slope Cras. Unfortunately, we once more have very restricted quantities, almost unchanged on 2012 depending on cuvée. And alas there s no Combottes this year; what little was made was blended with the Chambolle village. A classic Barthod vintage. Previous buyers will again have priority, sorry Bourgogne Rouge 6 BOTTLES From Bons Batons below Chambolle itself and just over the main road. This has real class for a Bourgogne: long and pure with a terrific perfume too. Does anyone make a better Bourgogne? 2013 Chambolle-Musigny AC 6 BOTTLES Raised in 25% new wood and assembled from 13 parcels, scattered all around the village. Very pretty blue fruit, lifted and perfumed. There s a sweet edge to the fruit which is countered beautifully by the freshness. Energetic, crunchy and with a really impressive cut of tannin. Super-juicy and very persistent. From Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Beaux Bruns 6 BOTTLES Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Gruenchers 3 BOTTLES Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Cras 3 BOTTLES OLDER VINTAGES Should you wish to sell any of your in-bond Burgundies in the future, please do offer A&B Vintners first refusal. We have a natural client base for all the domaines listed. In establishing our 2013 allocations, we have bought some small amounts of additional 2012 stocks Feuillet, Groffier, Gachot-Monot, Guillemot and Vaudoisey. Please contact for availability.

8 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S UK Exclusivity Gérard Mugneret, Vosne-Romanée Domaine Gérard Mugneret (son of René, nephew of Dr Georges Mugneret) was one of the first estates I ever dealt with professionally in Burgundy. To cajole myself into writing this offer, I drank the inaugural 1997 Nuits Boudots (alongside the 2000) the other evening. Both glorious, both so typically Mugneret; consistent, friendly and totally welcoming. As with many other domaines, we badly need a larger harvest to introduce new faces to the delights of Pascal s wines. It s all very rewarding for Neal Martin and Jancis Robinson to rave but commercially it s a nonsense if we have no wine to offer. Sadly 2013 is another pitiful crop. Such a shame, as the Mugneret quality and interest here (collectors, consumers and critics) is unquestionably at an all-time high. Fingers crossed for Anyway, clearly our old mucker, Pascal, feels at ease in our company. Last meet, he treated us to lunch at the lavishly named Relais des Grand Crus in Morey. 13 euros for four courses and half a bottle of vin ordinaire, with the added extras of Madame s bulging bosom and a routier s generous body odour... what a treat and experience! 2013 Bourgogne Passetoutgrains Ripe, round and utterly delicious! We ll try and ship this in time for the summer, as it ll make an ideal garden swigger. An excellent example of the genre Vosne-Romanée AC A simply ravishing example. Juicy and intensely flavoured without showing any excess weight. Suave, sappy and penetrating, with a deep, energetic core of dark raspberry fruit. Long, mounting finish saturates the palate with red fruits and minerals. I could drink a wine like this seven nights a week. From Nuits St-Georges 1er Cru Boudots 6 BOTTLES Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Charmes 6 BOTTLES Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Suchots 6 BOTTLES Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Brulees 6 BOTTLES Echezeaux, Grand Cru 3 BOTTLES All these Mugneret jewels will be on allocation only I m afraid. I found a lot to admire in these (Mugneret) 2013s: He (Pascal) just makes the Pinot Noir sing in this challenging vintage: not an easy thing to do. Bravo! N E A L M A RT I N

9 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S UK Exclusivity François Feuillet, Chevannes What a partnership! François Feuillet, cigar-chomping, sixty-something-year-old businessman and David Duband, just forty, highly-talented winemaker. An affiliation that has just been promoted to three stars in the latest 2015 La Revue des Vins de France guide; a tiny elite group which includes the likes of DRC, Leroy, Roumier, and Rousseau. Understanding the scarcity of great terroir, Feuillet has acquired incredibly smart vineyards only, including the feted Truchot estate and parcels of Latricières and Chambertin from Rémy. His partnership with Duband works on 50:50 basis, with David farming the land and making the wine both labels are identical, although Duband produces some additional négoce cuvées. David resisted racking the 2013s, preferring to let this remarkable collection remain on the fine lees for as long as possible similar to the way his great friend Pierre-Yves Colin raises his wines. With coaxing it was clear that this was unquestionably one of the most exciting 2013 collections we tasted anywhere on the Côte. Ignore at your peril Gevrey-Chambertin AC Morey St-Denis 1er Cru Morey St-Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbé Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey Feuillet owns the largest chunk of Clos Sorbé; old Truchot vines. A wonderfully stylish example, aromatic and juicy, with a real sense of harmony. Thorey lies on the Vosne-side of NSG; superbly exposed. The first vineyard that François purchased back in 1991, the foundation on which the estate was built. Cathiard owns vines here too, but I ve not tasted better than either Duband s 2012 or The latter is simply brimming with fruit and energy! 2013 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Sentiers 6 BOTTLES David and François speak about Sentiers as others do their Amoureuses; a 1er Cru with a decent shout of Grand Cru status. Nestled beneath Bonnes Mares, one can see why. This is very fine boned, elegant and there s a sweet edge to the fruit which is incredibly appealing Clos de la Roche, Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES Echézeaux, Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES Charmes Chambertin, Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES Latricières Chambertin, Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES Le Chambertin, Grand Cru 3 BOTTLES All of these Grand Crus are models of multi-layered intensity, transcendent wines that seem to detonate in the mouth, flavours that only Burgundy s greatest sites and vines can deliver. Among the supernovas are the exquisite and very Vosne Echézeaux and a lithe and utterly serious Clos de la Roche. And then two lustrous beauties, Charmes and a quite dazzling Latricières. Le Chambertin? Regal and painful to spit out. All on allocation only.

10 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S Marchand-Tawse, Nuits St-Georges Pascal Marchand strikes me as a loveable rogue, and we all like those. 25 years of top winemaking experience at renowned Burgundy domaines Bruno Clair, Comte Armand and Vougeraie, and as a consultant in Chile, California, Canada and Australia. Yes, Pascal s been around the block, he owns the scars, knows his beans and, most importantly, where to source the finest Pinot Noir at the smartest prices. However, unless fruit prices start to ease, I cannot really see the long-term future for such micro-négociants. I sense Pascal feels the same, hence the purchase of Maume and other selected parcels when opportunity and money allows including the Musigny below. Of course, Pierre-Yves Colin has already seen the light and switched his attention to buying domaine vineyards and see my earlier note re Fourrier. From a vast array of wines, we have made our own individual selections... our the pick of the Marchand crop. Four terrific cuvées, where we think Pascal has totally outperformed. When he gets it right, Pascal s wines have a softer edge these days and are beautifully crafted. You have to question how he sources such grapes and terroirs at these prices? Will this be a long-term loving business relationship? I ve decided not to worry nor analyse, and think we should just enjoy such guilty pleasures; I get the feeling rogue-ish Pascal would do likewise Pommard 1er Cru Epenots 6 BOTTLES This is what Pascal Marchand is known for; he made the splendid Armand Clos-des- Epeneaux for many years but I honestly don t remember Pommard of such style and grace. And the wood influence is subtle enough that it doesn t detract from the sense of purity either. Gorgeous clarity and super length. Interestingly, Bill Nanson believes Pommard is a sweet spot village in 2013 sadly we don t taste enough from the appellation to make this particular call but this was certainly very impressive. From Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers 6 BOTTLES For the second year running, we have taken a barrel of Pascal s Cazetiers. After Clos St Jacques, this is the most interesting vineyard of the Côte. This has the dark fruit and slight sauvage character that is so typical (and adorable) of the vineyard. Great structure with plenty of 2013 energy, supple dark berry fruit and great harmony. Be fun to do a Cazetiers v Clos St Jacques dinner? 2013 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Feusselottes 6 BOTTLES I ve never sold Feusselottes before, although I ve drunk many good bottles from Mugneret- Gibourg and Tremblay. There s a background touch of wood here that highlights gorgeously pure and layered aromas of red berry fruits. The palate is sweet and round that lovely 2013 core again! with flavours that are the epitome of Chambolle grace, all wrapped in a fresh and velvety finish. A very stylish effort by Pascal, well-priced and highly recommended Le Musigny Grand Cru 2 BOTTLES On allocation only.

11 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S Robert Chevillon, Nuits-St-Georges 2013 Bourgogne Rouge Our 2013 tasting with Bertrand Chevillon was as revealing as our visit to Ghislaine Barthod in Chambolle; eight stunning 1er Crus in one cellar. A marvellous display of the diversity of Nuits-St-Georges, as the Chevillon vineyards stretch the whole appellation. Each 2013 cuvée had its own clear profile and identity, wines of harmony and wonderful energy. This may sound predictably bullish but, at this stage, these 2013s were even more impressive than the 12s! The track record of the Chevillon brothers is remarkable. We regularly have the good fortune to taste older bottles and, regardless of vintage, the wines are always more than convincing. Although prices have crept up over the last few vintages, the quality of the incredible old vine fruit and terroir is too thrilling to ignore; unquestionably, Chevillon is one of Nuits-St-Georges, indeed Burgundy s, finest domaines Nuits-St-Georges AC, Vieilles Vignes Originates from Charmotte and Chouillet, both at the south end of the Vosne sector. This is a terrific 2013 villages! A typical roar of Nuits fruit sweet and generous but with added 2013 finesse. Lithe and pure and deceptively long; frankly, I cannot remember this cuvée performing so well. Glorious. From Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Chaignots 6 BOTTLES Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Cailles 6 BOTTLES Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Vaucrains 6 BOTTLES Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les St Georges 6 BOTTLES NSG does not officially have any Grand Cru vineyards, but we are convinced that Cailles, Vaucrains and Les Saint-Georges are all of Grand Cru quality. Price-wise, we are happy for the status quo not to change. Three outstanding wines, yardstick examples, and as good as Nuits gets. Sadly my old vines suffered more than the younger and in the worst affected parcels we lost around 40% of the crop due to poor flowering. We started picking on 3 October and finished on the 11th. BE RT R A N D C H E V I L LON

12 C Ô T E - D E - N U I T S Gachot-Monot, Corgoloin Although from the wrong side of the tracks in Corgoloin, the very talented Damien Gachot makes beautifully crafted Burgundy. We have been buying his wines for nearly ten vintages now and these fragrant, velvety Pinots never fail to satisfy. We want to make pleasurable and delicious wines that people will enjoy; finish the bottle and want another one. Damien started in 1990 and over the years has expanded the domaine to 15 hectares in total; 10 hectares in Corgoloin and Comblanchien (with a not inconsiderable 7 hectares in one block), vines in three different Nuits vineyards and, since the 2012 vintage, a 25 year lease on new holdings in Chambolle-Musigny. Grand Cru attention is afforded to everything. These charming and highly affordable Pinots are most certainly worthy of inclusion here and, for those not seeking labels or starry names, are highly recommended... or as Bill Nanson describes them... so damn tasty! 2013 Côte de Nuits-Villages, Chaillots Côte de Nuits-Villages is a small, complicated appellation with two distinct origins. First, the communes of Brochon and Fixin, from where I have personally bought Denis Bachelet s first-class example. The second sector (where this wine originates) lies at the southern end of the Côte-de-Nuits. In the hierarchy, a step up from Bourgogne but not as elevated as a Nuits St-Georges village. To the point you get a lot of Burgundian style, class, depth, and complexity for a great price Nuits-St-Georges AC, Crots Nuits-St-Georges AC, Crots 6 MAGNUMS The 2013 Crots has a vivacious red fruit bouquet, quite floral, even a hint of exoticism. The palate is fleshy and smooth, a generous, perhaps early-drinking Nuits to be popped and poured. Wonderfully long? No, not really, just unsurprisingly Gachot delicious! Drink from Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Poulettes Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Poulettes 6 MAGNUMS This rare premier cru only five acres in size, almost all of it in the hands of another domaine sits high, close to Vaucrains. Enjoy the beautiful Pinot Noir colour, possibly as much as the price. Loaded with pretty fruit, this is juicy and luscious. Cellar worthy too, if you so desire (Gachot s 1996 Poulettes, consumed over the holidays, was just wonderful), but it gives me that desired Pinot buzz young. So friendly at the table. From Chambolle-Musigny AC The second vintage of Damien s Chambolle, which originates from four plots. Packed with sappy concentrated fruit flavours, supple and very fresh. Finishes with ripe, fine tannins and excellent persistence. This probably merits four years of ageing, although I bet it will be delicious from day one!

13 C Ô T E - D E - B E A U N E Follin-Arbelet, Aloxe-Corton Sleepily lying at the base of the of Corton hill, the wines from Aloxe sold for the same price as Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin thirty years ago. Today, this village is often overlooked, Burgundy consumers drawn by seemingly more supple and sensual wines elsewhere. Amongst the small number of vignerons in the village is the mild-mannered Franck Follin. Franck studied geology and geophysics before coming to wine through his wife s family. His father-in-law, André Masson, was a descendant of the Arbelet family, who had been landowners in Aloxe since the 19th century. Initially, Franck worked as a mere employee, learning his trade. Now he runs the entire estate, organically farming around six and a half hectares, some of the most prestigious vineyards of the appellation. There is absolutely no compromise on quality here, all cellar work being based around minimum intervention, allowing these famous and varied terroirs to show themselves in the glass. Franck Follin is the new locomotive for Aloxe, the only outstanding vigneron within the village. With such wines of wonderful quality, he is beginning to change the perception of this underestimated and undervalued appellation. I cannot recommend his 2013s highly enough Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Vercots 6 BOTTLES Dark and brooding, rich and complex, but energetic and vivid too. Most certainly, a vin de garde. But note, it is not at all aggressive; lovely sumptuous tannins buried in creamy sloe fruit. With its very old vines and resultant structure, Vercots always needs to be cellared before being broached. A very impressive showing. Enjoy from Le Corton Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES If this was planted with Chardonnay it would be Corton-Charlemagne; the soil here is quite frankly more appropriate for white, which helps Franck produce such a harmonious wine. I have personally been buying his Corton over several vintages; the 2001 Corton is sublime, if anyone fancies sharing a bottle over dinner Beautifully elegant nose, vivid wild Pinot fruit and a touch of spice. The palate is remarkably fine; delicate flavours, but lovely concentration too. Smooth and articulate. This is not classically styled Corton; less robust, too graceful. Simply marvellous. Such is the balance it will age stylishly; drink from Follin-Arbelet s 2013s will be worth looking out for. My pick was the Aloxe-Corton Vercots or the Corton Grand Cru that both showed the finesse and purity of a fine Burgundy. N E A L M A RT I N

14 C Ô T E - D E - B E A U N E Pierre Guillemot, Savigny-lès-Beaune The Guillemots have worked Savigny-lès-Beaune vines for eight generations, they do not seek fame or fortune, and the family are true to their roots, old-school Burgundians. Old oak is favoured in order to underline the terroir, purity and finesse of these silky, stealthy reds; Cote d Or sophistication at far from pretentious money, the Guillemot family refuse to manipulate their prices. Historically, there s never been any en-primeur frenzy here either, but we wanted to highlight our two favourite reds from an impeccable range. We challenge anyone to find a better 2013 Burgundy deal, on wines that exceed expectation and will cellar effortlessly Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Serpentières Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Serpentières 6 MAGNUMS There are twenty-two premier crus in Savigny, the Guillemots own just three; Jarrons, Narbantons and this south-facing, old-vine Serpentières. Pretty fruit aromas of earthy currants, even soil tones, deliciously and honestly sauvage. The wine is structured but graceful and satisfying. I love the fragrant mid-weight flavours, its attractive wildness. Guillemot wines are certainly made to last and this will continue to uncoil over time (and in your glass), like the serpents within the vineyard itself. When I look at the potential of this wine, it just sings out as a complete bargain plus Corton Grand Cru Rognet Thankfully the Rognet vineyard, on the east-facing slope of the Corton hill, escaped the hail in The wine is more imposing, as one would expect, than the Savigny. Beautiful, ripe, dark fruit with a floral twist. There is excellent freshness and energy to the flavours, with very fine tannin and a mouth-watering finish. If you can sit tight for 8-10 years, this will be really super! 2013 COLIN-MOREY & VINCENT DANCER UK EXCLUSIVITIES Regular clients will be aware that we offered the 2013s from both Pierre-Yves Colin and Vincent Dancer last year. Demand was predictably and understandably fierce. Please contact for current availability and if you would like to be added to the 2014 mailing list for both estates.

15 C Ô T E - D E - B E A U N E Michel et Frédéric Lafarge, Volnay Michel and Frédéric Lafarge run one of the most iconic domaines in the whole of Burgundy. The family and their ancestors have been making wine in the village since at least the French Revolution, almost certainly earlier. There is a sense of family tradition and communal responsibility here. Year after year, they produce some of the most elegant and exquisite expressions of Pinot Noir, wines that stand the test of time. And the 2013s here are simply divine, benefiting from the long growing season. We picked from 3 until 9 October, Frédéric explained. The last time that we had picked in October was in It is difficult to compare with other vintages. There is big purity and it is easy to see the terroir of each of the vineyards Meursault AC 6 BOTTLES Due to crop size, just one Meursault cuvée in This is noticeably steelier and more mineral than the the It has real backbone. Spiced pear, hazelnut and white peach aromas introduce mouth coating medium-bodied flavours that culminate in that long racy finish. Really delicious. Drink 2017 onwards 2013 Volnay AC, Vendanges Sélectionnées 6 BOTTLES An almost Margaux nose! Concentrated, yes, but beautifully fine and detailed with lovely silky mouth-coating tannins, which melt into the long sappy finish. Very fine. Drink from However, before you get excited, there s barely any wine for sale! We had only 35% of a normal crop in 2013 and only 20% in 2012 sighed Frédéric. Consequently the wines will be rationed out to those with a Lafarge buying history from us. Still, the family has just acquired 2.5-hectares in Fleurie, which we shall look forward to tasting next year Volnay 1er Cru Clos du Château des Ducs 6 BOTTLES Volnay 1er Cru Mitans 6 BOTTLES Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets 6 BOTTLES Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes 6 BOTTLES Availability of the acclaimed and sought-after Lafarge Volnay 1er Crus are once more extremely limited. FORMATS A number of the wines in this offer are available in magnums upon request, at a small supplement. Please ask at the time of ordering and we shall advise accordingly.

16 C Ô T E - D E - B E A U N E Christophe Vaudoisey, Volnay I have a fondness for Volnay and yet I have never really sold the wine en-primeur in volume. We have had a long-time annual allocation from Lafarge (above) but the quantities are minuscule and frankly commercially uninteresting. Naturally, I ve admired aristocratic de Montille and Marquis d Angerville bottles over the years, yet somehow I ve never really got my Pinot-stained commercial teeth stuck into this famous but small commune. That was until 2012 Grands Jours de Bourgogne, when I met Christophe Vaudoisey. The Grands Jours takes place every two years, bringing together journalists and the trade from all over the world; not really my kind of thing, but hey-ho... Bouley, Rossignol, Pousse d Or and the names above yes, all the Volnay gang were present. Vaudoisey is most certainly not Lafarge. The wines don t pretend or want to be that serious. What I can verify, however, is these are beauties that typify the synthesis of grace and power that is Volnay. We have the pick of the bunch at prices ridiculously low for such class. Feel free to select as you wish Volnay AC I discovered that, since 2009, this cuvee has been consistently praised by la Revue des Vins de France, Guide Hachette and Bourgogne Aujourd hui. Why the sudden praise and attention? Was it the new winery completed in time for the 2009 vintage? Or the arrival of his twenty-something son, Pierre, on the scene? Non, pas changé was Christophe s nonchalant Gallic reply. Yet, we tasted back to 2002 vintage and clearly there has been a huge jump in quality here; I suspect a combination of new cuverie and young dynamism. This is a classic Volnay village of harmony and purity, a combination of charm and deliciousness. Yes, it smells good too. Drink from 2018 to Volnay 1er Cru Mitans 6 BOTTLES Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets 6 BOTTLES Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes 6 BOTTLES All three crus present us with three distinct personalities. Don t fret, it s not a marriage, you ll love the diversity. Mitans can be quite sturdy but thanks to very old vines, careful extraction and handling, Vaudoisey s example is ample yet silky and nuanced too. A Caillerets of real lace and complexity, all the petits fruits rouge you can imagine. But, I m afraid Christophe and Pierre own just 0.15 hectare of this glorious terroir, so quantities available are extremely tight; the lucky sharpshooters will be limited to six bottles only. Clos des Chênes is generally considered to the finest expression of Volnay, located at the prestigious southern end of the appellation. From 75 year old vines, the Vaudoisey example is fuller than the Caillerets above; I d say velvet rather than silk, a suave expression of both the vintage and vineyard. Drink all from I didn t know the domaine, but these (Vaudoisey) wines are stars! BI L L N A NSON

17 C Ô T E - D E - B E A U N E Antoine Jobard, Meursault Antoine Jobard is indisputably one of Burgundy s shining young stars. If you enjoy top-class Chardonnay, you will adore his wines. With his own name on the label, he is completely his own man, his confidence oozing. Antoine has even started making a few changes to Papa s very traditional practices and undoubtedly the wines have benefited; he is picking a bit earlier to reduce alcohol levels, does two to three hours of debourbage to eliminate reduction and bitterness, and has slightly shortened the élevage (bottling earlier) to maintain fruit and freshness. However the winemaking remains very much along the same trusty lines, with no batonnage and very little new wood. His 2013 Bourgogne the first to be picked on 26th September is of Meursault village quality, and the rest of the cellar follows the same wonderful quality path. If I had a grumble (which my wife says is normal for me), then it would be that Jobard is starting to look expensive; but then maybe the likes of PYCM and Vincent Dancer are just incredibly fairly priced and brilliantly negotiated!?! Regardless, this is one of the finest addresses in Meursault and one should never begrudge paying for such class Bourgogne Blanc 6 BOTTLES The sheer perfection of this wine vaults it over most more expensive bottlings of Meursault itself. Don t miss it, a stunning 2013 generic. Drink from Sadly very limited quantities Meursault AC, en la Barre 6 BOTTLES Meursault AC, Tillets 6 BOTTLES Barre is as round and opulent as always, sumptuous yet beautifully detailed. Classic Meursault from the heart of the village. Tillets is from high on the slope next to Narvaux, cooler air and very little topsoil. A contrasting zesty and nervy style, lime (tilleul) notes perhaps. Yum. Anyway, it always needs a little longer in bottle. Two exceptional village wines from Antoine Meursault 1er Cru Poruzots 6 BOTTLES From old vines planted in 1961 on the Genevrières side of the vineyard. A much more overt, voluptuous wine than the Tillets, the 2013 Meursault Poruzots is rich and textured, a hint of exotic fruit. The flavours are simply delicious; ripe and succulent but in a vibrant style. This shows beautifully now, but also has the potential to age. Drink Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières 6 BOTTLES Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 6 BOTTLES The quality of raw material in each 1er Cru is simply exceptional. We are at the very top of the Meursault quality tree here. Please note, however, that quantities are very restricted. I am beginning to think that Antoine may be even more gifted than his father François, which is a huge compliment. If he is, the wines will rival those of anyone in Meursault. A L L E N M E A DOWS

18 C Ô T E - D E - B E A U N E Marc Colin, St Aubin Knockout range of wines in 2013 from this address... Marc Colin is one of the best growers in the Côte de Beaune you can quote me on that. N E A L M A RT I N The quality here, chez Colin, has unquestionably jumped in the past few vintages; the wines are fresher and more expressive, there is way more tension and minerality. As Damien explained we want to return to the style that was being made in Burgundy 15 to 20 years ago, which is a steelier, more precise and more terroir-driven style is a very fine vintage for us to achieve this, fresh and with excellent ripeness. Or perhaps they have just been motivated by the staggering success of their brother. This is a terrific set of 2013s; don t dally St Aubin AC, la Fontenotte A wonderful white Burgundy value. Real crunchy green apple bite tempered with honeysuckle. Vibrant flavours that possess good punch. Drink over next 5 years plus St Aubin 1er Cru Charmois St Aubin 1er Cru Remilly St Aubin 1er Cru Montceau Charmois borders Chassagne 1er Cru Chaumées has a lovely touch of Mirabelle to the fruit and excellent tension with some limey citrus towards the finish. The impeccable balance suggests this will be a beauty with a couple of years in bottle to develop. Part of the Remilly cuvée was raised in Damien s new 30hl foudres, which allows Damien to retain more CO2 in the wine and reduce the amount of sulphur at bottling. This is terribly serious: firm and tightly wound with loads of citrus blossom on the nose. Montceau is from a cooler, later ripening climat with a westerly exposition. 60 year old vines. Even racier than the Remilly, the fruit zesty and dynamic. Brilliant. Drink Puligny-Montrachet AC, Enseignières Bright citrus, it blossoms with air to reveal explosive fruit despite being incredibly youthful. This will benefit from two years in bottle, but will be a very impressive Puligny. From Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 6 BOTTLES A wonderfully suave and harmonious wine, even at this very infant stage. Chewy and tactile yet almost magically round and smooth. Shows classic Montrachet mineral extract, as well as superb inner-palate energy. From Le Montrachet Grand Cru 1 BOTTLE White Burgundy of compelling class and intensity.

19 C H A B L I S Roland Lavantureux, Lignorelles This is the first time we have included Lavantureux's Chablis within our January en primeur offer but the young and hugely talented Arnaud Lavantureux fully deserves a spot among the big boys ; unquestionably as any of you who have been swigging his Petit Chablis will testify he has knocked the 2013 vintage for six! The long, cool, even growing season slowed ripening and preserved acids which means the wines dance with the grace of a prima ballerina. From simple Chablis AC up to the grandest of the Grand Crus made exclusively for A&B this is a range you could choose from by simply closing your eyes and sticking a pin in Chablis AC, Vauprin From the oldest vines on the property, Vauprin has a richness, balance and energy normally associated with 1er cru or better. At the domaine this is served after the Fourchaume 2013 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume A balletic hop skip and a jump with terrific bed-rock saline mineral. A beautiful, featherlight and transparent Premier Cru, a totally Zen Fourchaume. Drink 2015 onwards Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir 6 BOTTLES The warmest of the Grand Crus is a stunner in 2013: arrestingly pure, both piercingly intense and charming at the same time. Rich citrus fruit, which fans out on the very satisfying vibrant finish. This really opens in the glass too, as if it just wants to remind you of its status. Drink from Chablis Grand Cru Clos 6 BOTTLES Produced and bottled exclusively for A&B Vintners. As one would expect, the apogee of Chablis from its most famous vineyard. A regal, half-hidden bouquet. Still incredibly youthful and profoundly mineral, it displays wonderful definition and balance, precise and dense yet totally harmonious. This magnificent and statuesque Grand Cru will handsomely repay 5+ years of cellaring.

20 To order or more information, please contact us Terms and Conditions The prices quoted are in-bond per case (12 x 75cl) excluding duty (currently 24.60) and vat. We shall be shipping the wines at various times during Please enquire. 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 9.75 per case per annum ex vat (inclusive of 'all risks' insurance). Photography and design