Pre Arrival Offer May 2022
OFFER CLOSED 27 MAY 2022
ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE AUGUST 2022
Pre Arrival Offer May 2022 (View Landed Wines)
Producers included in this offer:
- Champagne Claude Cazals
- Maison Gutowski, Provence
- Domaine Pierre Morey, Meursault
- Domaine Christian Clerget, Vougeot
Introduction
In my opinion, this is probably the best-balanced Pre Arrival Offer of the year - Blanc de Blancs Champagne, White Burgundy, Rosé and Red Burgundy! You can engineer a relatively well priced mixed case of the highest order.
Claude Cazals’ Cuvee Vive is a go to for me. It sits in that realm of Leclaire Thiefaine and Guiborat Prisme where it shows incredible energy and minerality but with accompany layers of complexity and perhaps ‘silkiness’ dialled up a notch. Their Rosé shows lovely fruit sweetness with brilliant approachability.
Pierre Morey of Meursault, our second vintage. Old school White Burgundy and now with Pierre’s daughter Anne at the helm, the reds are truly first rate. More on the wines of Pierre Morey below!
Maison Gutowski is a new addition to the portfolio, a producer of very delicate Provencal Rose. While Chateau des Bormettes has a little more power, Gutowski is much finer, paler in colour and higher in acidity. A wine of drinkability with Provencal character, the emphasis is definitely on refreshment and consumption.
While our first shipment of Christian Clerget including a smattering of back vintages landed last Thursday (orders will dispatched this week), we are straight into the current 2020 release in this Pre Arrival Offer. As of writing this - Sunday the 15th of May - I have enjoyed a 2019 Chambolle Musigny ‘aux Croix’ and a 2018 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru ‘Les Charmes’ and both were truly first rate. Both certainly have the ability to last a lifetime in the cellar but also have that olfactory filling expressive nature we all love so much in great Red Burgundy. Brilliant wines very much worthy of your attention.
Any questions at all, please reach out,
Jono
Champagne Claude Cazals
In 1897 Ernest Cazals, a cooper from the South of France, married a girl from Champagne. That was the creation of what is now known as Claude Cazals.
The domaine has nine hectares of vines spread across four villages in the Cotes de Blancs; Le Mesnil sur Oger, Oger, Vertus and Villeneuve. The pearl of the domaine is a 3.7 hectare clos in the heart of Oger next to the church. The oldest vines which ripen almost a full degree higher than other vines of Oger, go into Le Clos Cazals while the younger vines go into La Chapelle du Clos. Both very serious examples of grand cru Chardonnay in Champagne. The Clos is one of only 21 in the whole of Champagne and it is the largest!
Claude Cazals coinvented the now famous gyropalette that riddles bottle of wine mechanically until the dead yeast settles in the neck of the bottle ready for disgorgement. A huge claim to fame!
These wines are highly sought after, particularly in America where demand far outweighs supply.
NV Champagne Claude Cazals Cuvee Vive Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru RRP $128
NV Champagne Claude Cazals Cuvee Vive Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 1500ml Magnum
RRP $310
High toned, white florals, lemon curd, preserved lemon, saline, iodine and oyster shell, white of almond. The palate is electric and energetic with a suave, silky coating of creamy mousse. Very mineral, very long. - Jono Hersey, FWC
NV Champagne Claude Cazals Cuvee Rosé RRP $136
Lifted rose petals, savoury rhubarb, a copper tone. Quite discreet. The palate is light on its feet, quite 'zippy'. A drizzle of lime acidity. - Jono Hersey, FWC
2016 Champagne Claude Cazals 'Chapelle du Clos' RRP $285
Unfortunately it was the 2014 that we tasted on our visit, not 2016.
2013 Champagne Claude Cazals ‘Clos Cazals’ RRP $396
As above, unfortunately notes were taken for the 2012 release and not 2013. Apologies!
Maison Gutowski
2021 Maison Gutowski Rosé 'La Dépendance', IGP Méditerranée RRP $42
Discreet and subdued, lime pith, pink grapefruit saline and desirably mute. The palate is unapologetically fresh, vibrant and quenching. Grapefruit pith, pink grapefruit juice. Quintessential fresh, dry and lively rose.
Domaine Pierre Morey
Just one shipment of Pierre Morey this year with a third less than last year!
Pierre’s father, Auguste, was one of 31 grandchildren of Alexis Morey. Alexis moved from Chassagne-Montrachet to Meursault after falling in love with a girl. He built a reasonable collection of vineyards but as having 31 grandchildren will do, holdings were divided into minute holdings for each. As a result, Auguste was left to look at other options and began a share-farming agreement with Domaine des Comtes Lafon. Pierre took over this agreement but in 1984 as Dominique Lafon was planning to work at the domaine full time, the Lafon’s began taking back their vineyards. They did so in a very gentlemanly manner over five years in order to give Pierre Morey time to source new agreements and/or vineyards. While the vineyard area from the Lafon family was only 50%, it was almost 90% in value due to the prestige of the vineyards.
Pierre did acquire fantastic new vineyards due to being such a respected person throughout Meursault and the surrounding villages. In 1988, he was hired by Domaine Leflaive as their régisseur (general manager and head vigneron). Domaine Leflaive is regarded as the greatest white winemaker in the world and under Pierre’s management the prestige elevated even more so. He turned Domaine Leflaive into a biodynamic producer a couple of years after beginning the practice with his own vineyards. His tenure at Domaine Leflaive was from 1988 to 2008.
All the while he ran his own domaine in Meursault, with his daughter, Anne, beginning to work there too. When she was studying, Pierre sat Anne down and explained: “I can teach you a thing or two about making white wine but I cannot with red so please pay extra attention in school to Pinot Noir!”. The proof is in the pudding, their red wines are now equally as first rate as their white wines.
The wines of Domaine Pierre Morey are of the highest and most celebrated echelon in Burgundy. They have been farmed organically since 1993 and biodynamically since 1998. They are fine and structured yet ever so flavoursome. As the wines age they require air in the glass and tighten before your eyes.
Very, very special wines
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Bourgogne Aligoté RRP $62
From within the limits of Meursault but on the flatter, richer sites below the D974. A vineyard area of 1.86 hectares and an average vine age of 50 plus years. Raised and matured in mostly stainless steel as well as a few barrels. Can be enjoyed young however this Aligoté will age beautifully and if you are an enjoyer of fine old white Burgundy, then indefinitely.
The 2019 Bourgogne Aligoté reveals aromas of crisp white peach, green apples, flowers and beeswax, followed by a medium to full-bodied, bright and lively palate that's fleshy but incisive. This has turned out nicely and should offer fine aging potential. 88+ points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Bourgogne Blanc RRP $114
From three plots within Meursault, that are mostly on the border of the village status vineyards totalling 1.76 hectares with an average vine age of 35 years.
Notes of pear, white flowers and citrus zest introduce the 2019 Bourgogne Blanc, a medium to full-bodied, bright and precise wine with a fleshy core of fruit and chalky back-end grip. 88 points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2018 Domaine Pierre Morey Bourgogne Blanc RRP $106From three plots within Meursault, that are mostly on the border of the village status vineyards totalling 1.76 hectares with an average vine age of 35 years.
An array of spring orchard fruits, florals and fresh air carrying fine mountain herbs. The palate is so beautifully savoury, structured, mineral and driven. So, so, so good. - Jono Hersey, FWC
“In contrast to the Aligoté, this is quite fresh with a ripe mixture of petrol, white orchard fruit and citrus scents. The attractively vibrant, intense and nicely detailed middle weight flavors also culminate in a clean and dry but notably more persistent finish. This is a quality effort for its level and worth a look.” 86-89 Points Outstanding, Top Value. Allen meadows, The Burghound
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey St Romain 'Sous le Chateau' RRP $189
St Romain is positioned en route to the Hautes Cotes, high in the hills (350-410m). Being quite a cool village, it is an ideal place to source wine from and only more so in recent years. ‘Sous le Chateau’ is regarded as the best vineyard in the village. Quite steep and south, south-east facing on a very hard, stony white soil.
The 2019 St Romain Sous le Chateau had been sulfited the week of my visit. It has a lively floral bouquet featuring touches of mirabelle and honeysuckle. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, plenty of energy and notes of lemon curd and apricot. Fine race and generosity here. This is a delicious Saint Romain from Anne Morey. 90-92 points. - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault RRP $307
All available wine reviews state that this wine was tasted during malolactic fermentation.
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault 'Les Tesson' RRP $387
A small back vintage allocation from their cellar. Not tasted, however please refer to Allen Meadows note below.
Pierre Morey and Domaine Roulot have side-by-side vineyards in undoubtedly the finest section, both within the ‘Clos de Mon Plaisir’. The Morey family leave this title for Roulot as they are peacekeepers and happy for Roulot to champion the name.
The vineyard itself is mid-slope with an easterly aspect on perfectly drained stony soil of clay and limestone substrate. Quite steep. The vineyard has historically been noted as having the same pedigree as the other premier cru vineyards however, due to being slightly more north, with more of an easterly aspect and next to no southerly exposure, it was downgraded when the AOC was put into place. For many growers including Pierre Morey, this so called less-desirable aspect actually produces wines of particular excitement and intrigue. They are wines of incredible energy and tension.
The 2019 Meursault Les Tessons is very promising, mingling notes of pear, peach and mandarin oil with hints of toasted bread and blanched almonds. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it's deep and chiseled, with terrific concentration, racy acids and a long, lively finish. 92-94 points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault 1er Cru 'Les Perrieres' RRP $685
Without question, Les Perrieres is the best vineyard in Meursault. It is the most mineral and high toned and also has a hint of florals akin to a fine Puligny-Montrachet, with a perfect east-south-east aspect. It is divided in two, Perrieres Dessus is the high section and Perrieres Dessous is the lower and more sought-after parcel as it sits in the belly of the slope. The Pierre Morey parcel is 0.52 hectares and it is actually a clos. A marvellous wine that can reach marvellous heights!
The 2019 Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières is brilliant, unwinding with scents of citrus oil, crisp Anjou pear, green apple, white flowers, crushed chalk and toasted wood. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, it's electric and tightly wound, with terrific concentration, appreciable structuring dry extract and a long, mineral finish. As I've written before, Pierre Morey farmed this 0.55-hectare parcel before acquiring it at the end of the 1980s, and the composition of the soils suggests that this was the location where rejected stones from the quarry that lends the climat its name were discarded. 94-96 points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru 'Champ Gain' RRP $685
Champ Gain sits high on the hill at 360 metres above sea level. The land used to be shrub land and has only been claimed as vineyard in the last 60 years. It sits above a small, thin strip of forest/shrub which is above Folatieres. The soil is thin resulting in wine that is less fine but also less fat, while retaining lovely acidity and an attractive mineral edge.
Residual secondary fermentation aromas dominate the nose today. Otherwise there is fine intensity to the sleek and delicious flavors that are not quite as mineral-driven on the refreshing, chiseled and sneaky long finale. This is also quite stylish. 91-93 points. Outstanding. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Batard Montrachet Grand Cru RRP $1431
From a parcel in the celebrated Clos Poirier, which touches le Montrachet, Morey's 2019 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru mingles notes of orange oil and pear with hints of blanched almonds, dried white flowers, beeswax and struck match. Full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's rich and concentrated, with a deep, textural core, lively acids and a bright, saline finish. As usual, readers should note that this wine is identical to the Bâtard-Montrachet released under the Morey-Blanc label. 94-96+ points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Monthelie RRP $156
From six liux-dits throughout Monthelie with varying soils and aspects.
Offering up aromas of sweet berries, cassis and forest floor, the 2019 Monthélie is medium to full-bodied, bright and velvety, its generous core of fruit underpinned by lively acids and framed by beautifully refined tannins. It's another lovely rendition of this under-the-radar cuvée. 90 points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate.
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Pommard 1er Cru Grand Epenots RRP $401
Wafting from the glass with notes of plums, sweet soil tones, peonies and warm spices, Anne Morey's 2019 Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands Epenots is medium to full-bodied, velvety and dynamic, with a concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and a long, sapid finish. 92-94 points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Aloxe Corton 1er Cru 'Clos du Chapiture' RRP $312
Firmer than Anne Morey's wines from Volnay and Pommard, the 2019 Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Clos du Chapitre is nevertheless unusually elegant this year, delivering scents of cherries, plums, spices and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and mineral profile. 90-92 points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Volnay 1er Cru 'Pitures' RRP $329
Notes of peonies, raspberries, plums and spices, complemented by a delicate hint of raw cocoa, introduce the 2019 Volnay 1er Cru Pitures, a medium-bodied, lively wine that's mineral and precise, with a fine-boned, elegant profile. This is another beautiful wine from Anne Morey. 91-93 points. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2019 Domaine Pierre Morey Volnay 1er Cru 'Taille Pieds' RRP $363
Taille Pieds is the most revered vineyard in Volnay alongside Clos des Chenes. A very steep vineyard with light coloured soils. It produces wines that define Volnay’s lift and perfume as well as perfectly ripe tannins and flesh.
Domaine Christian Clerget
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Bourgogne Rouge RRP $126
Three plots located in Vosne Romanée/Gilly-les-Citeaux totalling 0.69 hectares planted between 1981 and 1983.
Ripe and brooding aromas of various dark berries and newly turned earth give way to supple, lilting and delicious lighter weight flavors that conclude in a mildly rustic finish that is sufficiently structured that it could use a few years of cellaring to round out. 86-88 points. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Morey St Denis RRP $208
From a 0.2 hectare parcel that lies north of the village of Morey St Denis.
There is a bit more aromatic complexity to the aromas of plum, dark currant, newly turned earth and a whisper of wood. There is better size, weight and mid-palate density to the punchy medium weight flavors that are supported by slightly firmer tannins on the lingering finale. This should be approachable after 5-ish plus years. 87-90 points. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny RRP $238
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 375ml RRP $147
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 1500ml RRP $535
From seven small plots: Les Athets, Les Babillères, Les Herbues, Les Nazoires, Les Bussières, Les Croix, and Les Condemenes. They are located down from Chambolle-Musigny, with shallow limestone soil totalling two hectares planted between 1975 and 1980.
Note: from a range of vineyards all over the commune that include Nazoires, Les Condemennes, Les Athets, Les Babillières, Les Herbues and Les Bussières.
A markedly more elegant blend features notes of admirably pure red and dark pinot fruit, violet and subtle spice nuances. The sleek, intense and precise middle weight flavors exude noticeable salinity on the lingering, balanced and nicely harmonious finish. Lovely and very Chambollesque. 89-91 points, outstanding. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 'aux Croix' RRP $253
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 'aux Croix' 375ml RRP $164
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 'aux Croix' 1500ml RRP $565
Located in the centre of the vineyard area in Chambolle that lies beneath the main run of premier cru vineyards. Aux Croix abuts premier cru vineyards ‘aux Combottes’ and ‘aux Echanges’.
Slightly more deeply pitched aromas are comprised by notes of violet, plum and dark raspberry. The texture of the sweet, delicious and caressing medium-bodied flavors contrast markedly with that of the firm and slightly chewy finish that offers excellent depth and persistence. This isn't especially refined but it works anyway plus it's a wine that should repay 7 to 10 years of cellaring. 89-91 points, outstanding. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Vosne Romanee les Violettes RRP $327
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Vosne Romanee les Violettes 375ml RRP $199
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Vosne Romanee les Violettes 1500ml RRP $715
Abuts Grand Cru Clos Vougeot mid slope. Planted in 1945/1946.
Note: from .50 ha parcel planted in 1946; Les Violettes abuts Clos de Vougeot.
This is the first wine to display any appreciable reduction and it's enough to blur the nuance of what are clearly ripe dark berry aromas. Otherwise, there is very good vibrancy and cut to the delicious medium weight flavors that possess solid mid-palate density before culminating in a rustic, powerful and impressively long and complex finish. Like the Aux Croix, this isn't refined but it is balanced all the same. This is one to look for if you have the patience. 89-92 points, outstanding, top value. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Vougeot 1er Cru Petits Vougeot RRP $3632020 Domaine Christian Clerget Vougeot 1er Cru Petits Vougeot 375ml RRP $215
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Vougeot 1er Cru Petits Vougeot 1500ml RRP $789
Irregular in form, planted in an amphitheatre with a drop of almost 20m. 0.46 ha planted in 1978/1979. Produces the finest pinot Noir in its category in Vougeot.
An elegant, pure and airy nose freely expresses the blend of red and dark berries, violet, lavender and rose petal. A touch of earth can be found on the delicious and bright middle weight flavors that exude an appealing minerality on the sappy finish that tightens up noticeably. This understated effort is lovely. 90-92 points. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes RRP $363
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes 375ml RRP $215
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes 1500ml RRP $789
Planted in 1970 totalling one hectare out of the overall 9.31 hectares. Historically the most famous and most important premier cru vineyard in Chambolle if not the entire Cote. It was one of the most important vineyards in elevating the status of Chambolle Musigny along with concreting the villages famous feminine, delicate renown.
Note: from 4 parcels of 30+ year old vines aggregating 1 ha.
Ripe and layered aromas speak of cassis, spice and black cherry liqueur. The rich and caressing, even seductive, medium-bodied flavors possess excellent punch that carries over to the lightly mineral-inflected, youthfully austere and firm finish. This is quite powerful compared to a typical Charmes and should age well over a 10-to-12-year horizon. 91-93 points, outstanding. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Echezeaux Grand Cru RRP $6562020 Domaine Christian Clerget Echezeaux Grand Cru 375ml RRP $349
2020 Domaine Christian Clerget Echezeaux Grand Cru 1500ml RRP $1355
1.09 hecatre plot planted in 1945/1946 and located in the high lieu-dits of en Orveaux. En Orveaux is renowned for producing fine boned mineral wine due to its thin topsoil.
Planted in 1947 and still with most of the original vines. 13.5%. Not quite as deep a purple, and the bouquet displays elegance. This is very pure in the mouth with a peppery smoky sandalwood finish. Glossy. 50% whole bunches and very small berries too, which perhaps enhances the stem effect. A lovely wine. 93-96 points. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
Note: from a 1.1 ha parcel planted in 1947
An exuberantly spicy nose combines notes of red and dark raspberry with those of a variety of floral and exotic tea nuances. The rich, delicious and solidly concentrated larger-scaled flavors possess good focus on the very firm, youthfully austere and powerful finish. Patience suggested. 91-93 points. - Allen Meadows, The Burghound