Vinous (96-98)

Experience the exquisite opulence of the Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2018, spaciousness embodied in a bottle. Arnaud Tessier, a highly respected, small-scale producer in Meursault, focuses on creating elegant Chardonnays that express the full character of this prestigious region in Burgundy, France. This charm-laden bottling hails specifically from Les Charmes Dessus, where vines over four decades old root deep into marl and limestone soils, absorbing the richly unique terroir.

On the nose, it heralds a refined bouquet of orchard fruits, honeysuckle and subtle oak. The palate echoes this harmonious blend, with balanced acidity and a mineral-laden grandeur that rounds off in a memorable, lingering finish. Adhering to organic viticulture, each grape is meticulously hand-harvested and vinified with minimal intervention, resulting in a wine that characterises the purity and finesse of Meursault. Indulge in the distinctiveness of Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2018 and let it unravel the narrative of its storied terroir, sip by exquisite sip.

The Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2020 is a sophisticated white Burgundy from the reputable French wine producer, Arnaud Tessier. Based in Meursault, a renowned wine-growing village in Burgundy, France, Arnaud Tessier is committed to biodynamic viticulture, and presents an exquisite example of that dedication with this grand Cru. The 2020 Les Charmes Dessus ensures opulence and longevity with its mature Chardonnay grapes from the esteemed Les Charmes Dessus plots, which perfectly exhibit Burgundy’s noteworthy limestone-rich soils. This wine embodies a perfect balance of richness, minerality and elegant nuance, with lovely notes of white flowers, citrus, honey and oak. Arnaud Tessier’s meticulous wine craftsmanship shines through in this Meursault, resulting in an exceptionally classy, full-bodied wine with great aging potential. Indulge in the elegant complexity of the Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2020, a quintessential expression of one of Burgundy’s finest terroirs.

Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2022 epitomises the elegance and complexity of Burgundy's esteemed appellation. Crafted from meticulously hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes grown in the premier Les Charmes Dessus vineyard, this vintage benefits from Arnaud Tessier’s unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and aged in a selection of carefully sourced oak barrels, the wine exhibits a harmonious balance of minerality and rich fruit flavours. The terroir of Meursault imparts nuanced notes of citrus, white peach, and hints of toasted almond, culminating in a persistently refined finish. Arnaud Tessier, renowned for his dedication to quality and expression of terroir, ensures that each bottle of the 2022 Les Charmes Dessus stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the distinguished heritage of Meursault. Ideal for discerning palates seeking a sophisticated and well-structured white wine experience.

Discover the Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzot Dessus 2019, a profound embodiment of meticulous viticulture from the renowned producer Arnaud Tessier. Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, France, Tessier's vineyards produce only small batches of this exceptional Chardonnay. The 2019 expression of Les Poruzot Dessus showcases the art of traditional barrel ageing and meticulous hand-harvesting methods, resulting in a wine with extraordinary elegance and depth.

Arnaud Tessier's dedication to biodynamic principles naturally fosters grapes of exceptional quality from the mineral-rich soils. The inherent complexity shines through in this superb vintage that reveals notes of white fruit, honey, and toasty oak, underscored by a bright, yet lengthy, mineral finish. Unquestionably a first-class representation of the Meursault terroir, the Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzot Dessus 2019 sets a high bar for white Burgundies, making it an essential addition for any serious fine wine collection.

Vinous (89-91)

Discover the elegance of Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzot Dessus 2022, a quintessential expression of Burgundy's finest Chardonnay. Cultivated in the esteemed Les Poruzot vineyard, perched above the village, this 1er Cru benefits from optimal terroir, with limestone-rich soils enhancing its minerality. Arnaud Tessier, renowned for his meticulous vineyard practices, employs sustainable viticulture and hand harvesting to ensure unparalleled quality. Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve purity, the wine undergoes a delicate ageing process in French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity without overshadowing its innate character. The 2022 vintage presents a luminous golden hue, revealing aromas of ripe pear, toasted almond, and a hint of citrus blossom. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of vibrant acidity and creamy texture, culminating in a long, refined finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood or poultry, this Meursault exemplifies Arnaud Tessier’s commitment to craftsmanship and terroir-driven excellence.

Unveiling the prestigious Arnot Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch 2019, a masterpiece of viticulture by celebrated Californian winemakers, Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts. Hailing from the rocky, high-altitude terroir of Santa Cruz Mountains, a region renowned for exceptional wines, they used organically farmed grape varietals, masterfully converted into a Cabernet Sauvignon of unrivalled potency.

The wine is aged for 22 months in used French oak barrels, instilling remarkable balance and complexity. It showcases an array of vibrant fruit flavours interwoven with herbal undertones, a hint of graphite minerality, and a strikingly long finish. The Arnot Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch 2019, is indeed an expression of the noteworthy soil and the skilled winemaking, a testament to the artistry of the famed duo.

Offering a splendid companion to an indulgent dinner or to be savoured in solitude, this wine invites serious wine connoisseurs to experience a remarkable vinous journey.

The Arnot Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch 2021 is a distinctive work of viticultural art hailing from California's esteemed Santa Cruz Mountains. Handcrafted by the highly respected Arnot Roberts winery, known for their passionate commitment to minimal intervention, this vintage truly speaks to the terroir's excellence. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, and aged in neutral French oak, it offers an elegantly restrained expression of Californian Cabernet. The weight is beautifully balanced with an engaging complexity, demonstrating layers of blackcurrant, crushed mineral, and nuanced earthiness, undergirded with a robust, yet harmonious structure.

Grapes grown at the historic Fellom Ranch, sitting at a 730-metre elevation, endow this wine with concentrated, high-toned fruit with a spine of acidity and minerality. The Arnot Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch 2021 is a testimony to the duo's commitment to articulating a wine's sense of place with precision and grace.

From coastal vineyards in Sonoma County, California, the Arnot-Roberts Clary Ranch Syrah 2022 is an intoxicating marvel. Expert vintners Arnot-Roberts derive this expressive varietal from Clary Ranch, a cool-climate site that endows the Syrah with a distinctive mineral-edged coolness. Exhibiting dense purple colouration, this wine reveals potent aromas of black fruits interlaid with hints of graphite, eucalyptus and peaty smoke.

Made using traditional techniques, native yeasts and minimal intervention, the Arnot-Roberts Clary Ranch Syrah 2022 is a homage to the 'old style' Rhône wines. This refreshingly acidic wine unfolds a textured palate of blackberries, violets, and a wisp of pepper, riding to a lingering earthy finish. It's a harmonious blend of power and elegance, encapsulating the quintessential aspects of Sonoma Syrah.

Arnot-Roberts, recognised for their artisanal wines, continues to impress enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike with their 2022 vintage. This bottle of Arnot-Roberts Clary Ranch Syrah 2022 articulates potency, elegance and complexity. A must for any discerning wine collection.

The Arnot Roberts Gamay Noir 2023 exemplifies the finesse and character inherent to the Gamay varietal. Sourced from meticulously selected vineyards in the renowned Beaujolais region, each grape is handpicked to ensure optimal ripeness. The winemaking process employs gentle maceration and precise fermentation techniques, preserving vibrant fruit flavours and delicate tannins. Arnot Roberts, a distinguished name in fine winemaking with a legacy of excellence, combines traditional methods with modern innovation to craft a wine of exceptional elegance. On the palate, the 2023 vintage reveals bright red berries, subtle spice notes, and a refreshing acidity, culminating in a smooth, lingering finish. This Gamay Noir is the perfect expression of terroir and craftsmanship, ideal for discerning enthusiasts seeking a refined and versatile wine.

As an expert fine wine connoisseur, one can't help appreciating the complexity and nuance of the Arnot Roberts Rose 2022. Hailing from the esteemed Californian winemakers, Arnot-Roberts, this delightful rosé is crafted from an intricate blend of old-vine Grenache and Syrah, known for their distinctive terroir-driven characteristics.

The Barbieri Vineyard, Lake County, first planted in the 1880s is famed for its Grenache grapes, skillfully blended with the Syrah primarily grown in the Sonoma coast. The meticulous hand-harvesting and whole cluster pressing facilitated by native yeast fermentation echo a commitment to traditional vinification techniques.

Arnot Roberts Rose 2022 offers an alluring nose of fresh strawberries and peach, balanced with bright acidity, light minerality and a taut finish. Its versatile profile makes it an ideal companion for a wide range of cuisines, truly supporting the producer's vision of maintaining 'a strong sense of place'. This is a cherished selection beautifully capturing the spirit of Californian winemaking in every sip.

The Arnot Roberts Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 is a stunning and exceptional fine wine from the esteemed Arnot Roberts winery. This variant encompasses the sophisticated craftsmanship of California’s prominent wine region. Made exclusively from 100% hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes from the illustrious Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, the wine exhibits the classic and refined hallmarks of this heralded vineyard. Unique nuances of the wine come from the cool marine climate and the diatomaceous earth soils of the region, imparting earthy undertones. Upon the palate, layered flavours develop an elegant minerality and refreshing acidity, exhibiting citrus zest, green apples, with a hint of creamy vanilla. Arnot Roberts lightly presses the grapes and employs native yeast fermentation in neutral French oak barrels, enhancing the wine's authenticity. Rest assured, each bottle of Arnot Roberts Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 offers an unparalleled experience for the discerning wine connoisseur.

Wine Advocate (93+)