Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

Crafted with utmost precision, the Bachelet-Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2022 is indeed a wonder in white. Weaved in Burgundy's prestigious Puligny-Montrachet region by Bachelet-Monnot, a forward-thinking, meticulous duo of brothers, renowned for their precision, purity and elegance. This wine embodies the absolute essence of Les Referts terroir.

Using hand-picked Chardonnay grapes, the wine is delicately aged in French oak barrels. Every step meticulously conducted to preserve the fruit’s natural nuances. The result is a profound balance of refinement and intensity. It unfolds beautifully, revealing layers of stone fruit, crisp green apple, and nuanced minerality, underscored by a brilliant, racy acidity.

With a truly superb structure and graceful ageing potential, the Bachelet-Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2022 will captivate the discerning palate, marking an exquisite epitome of Burgundian finesse.

Vinous (90-92)

Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)

The Bachelet Monnot Santenay Blanc 2020 is a meticulously crafted Burgundy wine from one of the region's most innovative, small-scale producers. The brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet have demonstrated their adeptness at delivering distinctive, well-structured, and complex wines since launching their vineyard in 2005. For their Santenay Blanc, the brothers carefully select grapes from limestone-rich terroirs in the village of Santenay, renowned for prestigious Chardonnay.

Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, the wine balances creamy textures with vibrant freshness, offering ripened notes of citron, pear and almond. Its mineral-driven profile reflects the distinctive terroir, showcasing the quintessence of fine white Burgundy. Patient cellaring will further unlock its complexities and nuances within the next decade.

As epitomised by the Bachelet Monnot Santenay Blanc 2020, the mark of Bachelet Monnot on a bottle signifies diligent craftsmanship and a compelling representation of Burgundy's diversity.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88-90)

Bachelet Monnot Santenay Prarons 2022 exemplifies the finest expression of Côte de Beaune terroir. Crafted by the esteemed Bachelet-Monnot family, this Pinot Noir benefits from meticulous vineyard management in the esteemed Santenay Prarons appellation. The 2022 vintage showcases grapes hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring a perfect balance of acidity and fruitfulness. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in carefully selected French oak barrels for 12 months, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The resulting wine presents a deep ruby hue, with aromas of ripe cherries, earthy undertones, and a hint of floral elegance. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious structure with fine tannins and a lingering, refined finish. Ideal for pairing with gourmet dishes, Bachelet Monnot Santenay Prarons 2022 is a testament to the producer’s unwavering dedication to quality and their profound understanding of Burgundy’s heritage.

The Bachelet-Monnot Santenay Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2021 is an exquisite red Burgundy from one of France's most renowned winemaking regions. This vintage year is a product of the tireless efforts of the esteemed Bachelet brothers, who focus on a low-interventionist approach in their family vineyard located in Santenay. The Vieilles Vignes (old vines) yield a wine deeply rooted in its unique terroir. Extraordinary care is taken in the vineyard and the winery, with organic farming methods, rigorous fruit selection and the restrained use of oak. The result is a sophisticated bottle boasting a complex bouquet and an elegant balance of red fruit flavours and minerality. The Bachelet-Monnot Santenay Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2021 underlines the skill and dedication of its creators, and their unwavering commitment to expressing the pure essence of Burgundy's grapes and land. Truly, a must-have addition to the collection of any serious oenophile.

An exquisite 2009 Bahezre Lanlay Meursault 1er Cru Charmes Hospices Beaune, meticulously crafted in the renowned terroir of Meursault’s premier Charmes appellation. This exceptional Chardonnay showcases the expertise of Bahezre Lanlay, a producer esteemed for its dedication to quality and tradition. Hand-harvested grapes undergo precise vinification, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and toasted notes while preserving the wine’s vibrant minerality. The 2009 vintage is celebrated for its balance and depth, exhibiting layers of ripe pear, citrus zest, and delicate almond undertones, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Ideal for connoisseurs seeking a distinguished expression of Burgundy’s finest, this Meursault 1er Cru exemplifies sophistication and the enduring legacy of Hospices Beaune vineyards.

An exquisite 2009 Bahezre Lanlay Meursault 1er Cru Charmes Hospices Beaune, meticulously crafted in the renowned terroir of Meursault’s premier Charmes appellation. This exceptional Chardonnay showcases the expertise of Bahezre Lanlay, a producer esteemed for its dedication to quality and tradition. Hand-harvested grapes undergo precise vinification, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and toasted notes while preserving the wine’s vibrant minerality. The 2009 vintage is celebrated for its balance and depth, exhibiting layers of ripe pear, citrus zest, and delicate almond undertones, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Ideal for connoisseurs seeking a distinguished expression of Burgundy’s finest, this Meursault 1er Cru exemplifies sophistication and the enduring legacy of Hospices Beaune vineyards.

Step into the exquisite world of Bordeaux wines with the Balestard La Tonnelle 2013. Crafted in the Saint-Émilion region by the prestigious Capdemourlin family, this celebrated vintage captures the unique terroir with elegance and complexity. Using a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Balestard La Tonnelle 2013 has been meticulously aged for 18 months in oak barrels—60% new and 40% one-year-old. This specific ageing process has allowed the wine to develop a robust structure, harmoniously balanced by velvety tannins. The wine boasts notes of ripe red fruits, hints of spice, and a persistent, minerally finish. Acclaimed wine critics have praised the Balestard La Tonnelle 2013 for its integrity, finesse, and exceptional ageing potential. Decant before serving to fully appreciate its depth and nuance. A magnificent embodiment of the capricious yet rewarding 2013 Bordeaux vintage.

Immerse yourself in the truly exquisite taste of Ballade Pointe 2019, crafted in the renowned Californian vineyards, amongst the bountiful, rolling hills of Howell Mountain, Napa Valley. Produced by the esteemed Ballade Pointe winery, this vintage is celebrated for its profound depth of character. Sublime techniques have been employed, allowing an exquisite encounter with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, wholly organically cultivated, ensuring minimal intervention in growing and vinification practices. On the palate, the perfection of Ballade Pointe 2019 unfolds with complex layers of dark fruit, plush tannins and deftly integrated oak. Having undergone a 26-month maturation process in new French oak barrels, this wine subtly interlaces power with elegance, evocative of the winery's signature style. For those seeking to journey into the dimensions of fine wine, make no mistake, Ballade Pointe 2019 is an undeniable epiphany of grandeur, assured to tantalise the discerning palate with its robust, yet refined orchestra of flavours.