Vinous (91-93)

Experience the elegance of Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru A Vigne Rouge 2020, a distinguished expression from the heart of Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise. Crafted by the esteemed Domaine Francois Lumpp, this Premier Cru red is predominantly Pinot Noir, meticulously harvested from the renowned A Vigne Rouge vineyard. The 2020 vintage benefited from a favourable climate, allowing for optimal ripeness and balanced acidity. Hand-selected grapes undergo gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine's delicate aromas and complex structure. Ageing for 12 months in French oak barrels imparts subtle tertiary notes without overshadowing the fruit's purity. The resulting wine presents a vibrant ruby hue, with enticing aromas of red berries, underpinned by hints of earthy minerality and spice. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of finesse and depth, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru A Vigne Rouge 2020 is a quintessential fine wine, perfect for discerning connoisseurs seeking authenticity and sophistication.

The Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru A Vigne Rouge 2021 is an exquisite embodiment of the Burgundy vineyard's exceptional terroir. As an acclaimed Premier Cru from the esteemed Francois Lumpp domain, it showcases a sophisticated blend of Pinot Noir sourced from 30-year-old vines, radiating finesse in its ruby-red allure. This spectacular 2021 vintage wine delivers rich, harmonious flavours - a delightful mélange of dark berries and earthy undertones, underpinned by subtle spiciness and an enduring, mineral finish. Produced in the heart of Givry, it carries Lumpp's distinct viticultural signature – a balance of tradition, meticulous cultivation, and innovative vinification. Lumpp's dedication to low yield harvests and hand-picking ensures each bottle of Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru A Vigne Rouge 2021 is perfection personified for fine wine connoisseurs.

The Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru Clos du Cras Long 2020 is an exquisite expression of Burgundy Pinot Noir by the well-regarded vintner Francois Lumpp. Sourced entirely from the Premier Cru vineyard, 'Clos du Cras Long,' located in the heart of Givry, a terroir known for its unique geological characteristics. The meticulously selected grapes are vinified using traditional winemaking techniques, with a focus on expressing the exceptional terroir. Grown on limestone-clay soil, the grape variety produces a wine recognisable for its complex bouquet and elegant tannic structure.

Aged in oak barrels for a period of 12 to 15 months, the wine is a harmonious blend of rich black fruit aromas, an alluring hint of spice, and savoury undertones. On the palate, it is well-balanced and surprisingly fresh. The Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru Clos du Cras Long 2020 exemplifies Lumpp’s commitment to superior quality and authenticity.

Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru Le Pied du Clou 2020 exemplifies the finesse and elegance of the Côte Chalonnaise terroir. Sourced from the esteemed Le Pied du Clou vineyard, this Pinot Noir is cultivated in meticulously maintained vineyards, reflecting Lumpp’s commitment to sustainable viticulture. Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle destemming and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s nuanced aromas. The wine is then aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes without overshadowing the fruit’s purity. On the palate, Francois Lumpp Givry 1er Cru Le Pied du Clou 2020 presents a harmonious balance of red berry flavours, fine tannins, and a lingering, elegant finish. Ideal for discerning connoisseurs, this wine offers a true expression of its origin and the producer’s expertise.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

The 2019 Francois Parent Beaune 1er Cru Les Epenotes exemplifies the pinnacle of Burgundy’s esteemed viticulture. Nestled in the heart of Beaune, the Les Epenotes vineyard benefits from optimal terroir, producing Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality. Francois Parent, a distinguished producer with a heritage of meticulous craftsmanship, employs sustainable farming practices to nurture the vines. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a precise fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, ensuring the preservation of pure fruit characteristics. The wine is then aged gracefully in French oak barrels, introducing subtle layers of vanilla and spice that complement its inherent elegance. This 1er Cru varietal reveals a captivating bouquet of citrus and white floral notes, leading to a refined palate marked by vibrant acidity and a mineral-driven finish. The 2019 Francois Parent Beaune 1er Cru Les Epenotes is a testament to superior winemaking, offering a harmonious balance and enduring sophistication, perfect for connoisseurs seeking excellence in every sip.

An exquisite expression of Burgundian finesse, Francois Parent Beaune 1er Cru Les Epenotes 2020 epitomises the terroir of the Côte de Beaune. Grown in the prestigious Les Epenotes vineyard, renowned for its limestone-rich soils and optimal sun exposure, this Chardonnay undergoes meticulous hand harvesting to preserve its purity. Under Francois Parent’s expert stewardship, the grapes undergo gentle pressing, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks to maintain their vibrant acidity and minerality. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity without overshadowing the varietal character. The 2020 vintage benefits from a favourable climate, resulting in grapes of exceptional ripeness and balance. On the palate, it reveals layers of citrus, white peach, and a hint of toasted almond, underpinned by a refined, lingering finish. Ideal for pairing with seafood or creamy poultry dishes, this Les Epenotes showcases the unparalleled craftsmanship of Francois Parent.

Direct from the heart of Burgundy comes Francois Parent Pommard 1er Cru Epenots 2016, a beautiful embodiment of the esteemed Pinot Noir grape. Francois Parent, a renowned winemaker in Burgundy, expertly crafts this wine, ensuring each sip reflects the terroir's distinctive complexity. Harvested from the remarkable Pommard 1er Cru vineyards, the grapes benefit from the unique microclimate and limestone-rich soil, intensifying their depth and balance.

This exquisite 2016 offering showcases the quality of the vintage, presenting an intense, rich bouquet steeped in subtle earthy undertones that harmoniously marry with woodland berries. With its sophisticated undertones of oak, the Francois Parent Pommard 1er Cru Epenots 2016 encapsulates luxury in a bottle. This wine truly stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Francois Parent winemaking lineage and Burgundy's unparalleled vintages. A must-have addition to any discerning wine collector's cellar.

Regarded as the epitome of eponymous exquisiteness is the Francois Raquillet Mercurey 1er Cru Les Vasees 2018. This exquisite red wine is carefully crafted by Francois Raquillet, an 11th generation winemaker, in Burgundy's esteemed Côte Chalonnaise region. Dating back to sixteenth-century, the estate’s commitment to tradition and detail is evident in each bottle.

Les Vasees 2018 is synonymous for its distinct finesse, expressing a harmony of ripe black fruits, complemented by svelte tannins and an invigorating mineral backbone. The wine is made from hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes, grown in calcareous-clay soil and matured in French oak barrels. This gentle approach ensures preservation of the elegant fruit character alongside development of a mesmerising complexity.

A wine deserving its Premier Cru status, the Francois Raquillet Mercurey 1er Cru Les Vasees 2018 offers a refined drinking experience and typifies the irrefutable cachet of fine French wines.

Francois Villard Cornas Jouvet 2017 epitomises the quintessential Cornas expression, meticulously crafted in the heart of Northern Rhône. Sourced from the Jouvet vineyard, renowned for its granite-rich soils, this Syrah-based masterpiece benefits from optimal terroir that imparts remarkable depth and structure. The 2017 vintage, characterised by a warm growing season, yielded intensely ripe grapes with concentrated flavours. Francois Villard, a distinguished producer with a legacy of excellence, employs traditional vinification techniques, including whole-cluster fermentation and prolonged maceration, to extract maximum complexity. Aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, the wine develops elegant tannins and a sophisticated aromatic profile, featuring dark berries, pepper, and subtle mineral undertones. The Francois Villard Cornas Jouvet 2017 promises a harmonious balance, reflecting both the finesse and power inherent to the Cornas appellation, making it a coveted selection for discerning connoisseurs.

The 2021 Francois Villard Cornas Jouvet exemplifies the distinguished heritage of the Cornas appellation in the Northern Rhône. Crafted exclusively from 100% Syrah grapes sourced from meticulously managed granite vineyards, this vintage benefits from the optimal terroir that Francois Villard cultivates with expertise. Fermentation is conducted in traditional stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for 18 months, which imparts subtle vanilla and spice notes without overshadowing the wine's natural character. Under the guidance of François Villard, whose family has stewarded these vineyards for generations, the Cornas Jouvet 2021 reveals a deep ruby colour with intense aromas of blackberry, plum, and hints of black pepper. On the palate, it offers a robust structure, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish. This exquisite expression of Cornas showcases Villard’s commitment to quality and the unique expression of the region’s terroir, making it a prized selection for fine wine enthusiasts.

Francois Villard Cote Rotie Gallet Blanc 2021 is a distinguished expression from the esteemed Cote Rotie appellation in the Northern Rhône. Crafted by the renowned François Villard, this exquisite white is meticulously made from carefully selected Viognier grapes sourced from the premier vineyards of Gallet. The winemaking process involves gentle pressing and fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant freshness and aromatic intensity. Maturation takes place in neutral oak barrels, allowing subtle complexity to develop without overpowering the pure varietal character. The 2021 vintage unveils a harmonious bouquet of white flowers, ripe peach, and mineral undertones, complemented by a precise, lingering finish. This exceptional Francois Villard Cote Rotie Gallet Blanc 2021 exemplifies the finesse and elegance characteristic of fine Rhône whites, making it a superb choice for discerning connoisseurs seeking elegance and depth in every sip.

Francois Villard Saint-Joseph Reflets 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of Rhône Valley elegance. Crafted meticulously in the esteemed Saint-Joseph appellation, this wine is born from carefully selected Syrah grapes grown on granite-rich terroirs that impart distinctive mineral nuances. François Villard, a revered producer with decades of heritage, employs traditional vinification techniques combined with modern precision to enhance the wine's depth and character. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, the Reflets 2020 undergoes a delicate ageing process in French oak barrels, allowing subtle integration of oak flavours without overshadowing the varietal's intrinsic qualities. The result is a harmonious balance of ripe dark fruits, peppery spice, and refined tannins, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Ideal for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated and expressive wine, Francois Villard Saint-Joseph Reflets 2020 stands as a testament to expert craftsmanship and the unique terroir of its origin.