READ OFFER - Pre Arrival E
Pre Arrival E
Offer Closing this Sunday, the 10th of May
The wines are expected to arrive late July
Champagne Bolieu
Bassuet, Coteaux Vitryats, Côte des Blancs
Domaine Sylvain Langoureau
Saint Aubin, Bourgogne
Domaine Dubuet Boillot
Volnay, Bourgogne
Domaine Anne Gros
Vosne-Romanée, Bourgogne
Domaine Tollot-Gros
Minervois, Languedoc
Bassuet, Coteaux Vitryats, Côte des Blancs
As I have mentioned before, Nathalie apologised that their wines had increased in price by 25% between 2021 and 2022. While we all would have loved the earlier pricing, I think it is fair to say they are still offering magnificent value. We received very generous volumes of each wine, so please do not feel like you need to hold back!
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin - $49
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru Sur le Sentier du Clou - $67
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru Champlot - $67 SOLD OUT
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru Bas de Vermarain - $67 SOLD OUT
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly - $75 SOLD OUT
Champagne Bolieu is a grower-producer from the small but distinctive village of Bassuet, tucked away in the Côte de Vitry. Although often spoken of alongside the Côte des Blancs, this subregion actually sits over an hour's drive south of the Côte des Blancs proper.
What sets Bassuet apart is its unique terroir. The chalk here takes on a green-grey hue, and while the wines carry the same mineral intensity as their Côte des Blancs counterparts, they are less angular, with a rounder mouthfeel, all while retaining that signature chalky texture.
This geographical separation means Champagne Bolieu doesn't always get the recognition it deserves, which also helps keep prices relatively reasonable.
These are delicious Champagnes well worthy of your attention.
NV Champagne Bolieu Cuvée Pépin de Vigne Extra Brut - $69
SIX PACK PRICE - $55
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir.
This release has a 2017 base vintage with 61 months on lees, disgorged July 2023. Dosage 4g/L.
The tasting note below is from the previous release, but the style is consistent. Expect a touch more depth and refinement from the extended lees ageing.
The nose is full yet fresh and precise. Ripe green apple, apple skin, lemon rind and lovely florals. A very harmonious and vibrant nose without being aggressive. The palate has drive yet is approachable. Lovely energy and structure in the form of ripe orchard fruit skin and pith.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
NV Champagne Bolieu Cuvée Fleur de Craie Blanc de Blancs Brut - $77
SIX PACK PRICE - $65
100% Bassuet Chardonnay. Base vintage 2016, 93 months on lees, disgorged March 2025. Dosage 6g/L.
93 months on lees for $65 from a quality terroir and artisan producer is genuinely remarkable.
The tasting note below is from the previous release, but Fleur de Craie has a consistent house style.
Preserved lemon, bruised preserved lemon, lemon sherbert, white florals, nuance of croissant and brioche. The palate is very energetic, mineral and vibrant. Lemon, lime acid, lemon pith, chalk, wet stone, slight cut grass and lemon soursob. Very long and pithy.
- Jono Hersey, FWC
NV Champagne Bolieu Cuvée Carnet de Léone Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut - $118
SIX PACK PRICE - $99
Like the Fleur de Craie, the Carnet de Léone is produced from 100% Bassuet Chardonnay, but with two distinctions: oak aging and an impressive 78 months on the lees. The result is a Champagne of extraordinary depth and complexity while retaining exceptional precision. The base vintage is 2017 with a dosage is 4 grams per litre. It was disgorged in December 2024.
2014 Champagne Bolieu Cuvée Instant B Extra Brut - $149
SIX PACK PRICE - $125
Once again, crafted from 100% Chardonnay sourced from the unique terroir of Bassuet, this exceptional Champagne undergoes an extensive 114 months on lees, developing remarkable depth and complexity. Only 2,538 bottles were produced; this is a rare and extraordinary cuvée. Dosage is 3 grams per litre and was disgorged in December 2024.
Domaine Sylvain Langoureau
Saint Aubin, Buourgogne
Our second offer from Domaine Sylvain Langoureau. These are linear, mineral White Burgundies from exceptional terroirs that offer both the intellectual side of drinking terroir and deliver utter satisfaction when consumed simply for quenching one's thirst.
Sylvain Langoureau is the fifth generation at the roughly 10 hectare domaine based in the hamlet of Gamay, the first set of buildings on the right as you drive in from Puligny-Montrachet (just below/past premier cru 'en Remilly'). Sylvain took the reins in 1988/1989 and immediately pulled the fruit out of the local cooperative to bottle under his own name. He works alongside his wife, Nathalie and children. Plantings run roughly 75% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir and 10% Aligoté,.
As I have mentioned before, Nathalie apologised that their wines had increased in price by 25% between 2021 and 2022. While we all would have loved the earlier pricing, I think it is fair to say they are still offering magnificent value. We received very generous volumes of each wine, so please do not feel like you need to hold back!
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Bourgogne Aligote - $29
From within Saint Aubin
Pure & pretty with high toned glimpses of electric lemon & lime with very pretty white florals.
The palate is open with fine phenolics, pleasant acid but-not overwhelmingly so.
The palate is open with fine phenolics, pleasant acid but-not overwhelmingly so.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin - $49
Note: from 4 different lieux-dits
Pretty floral aromas are laced with hints of apple, spice and discreet wood influence. The succulent, round and fleshy middle weight flavors exude a subtle bead of minerality that adds to the appeal of the lemon-inflected finish. This is attractive in its fashion though not especially complex and given how forward it is, I don't see much development potential. To enjoy young for its fruit.
87 points
Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru Sur le Sentier du Clou - $67
Located higher on the slope between Gamay and the village of Saint-Aubin, on ground that is even stonier than the norm for Saint-Aubin. South to south-east aspect. Within the lieu-dit of Vignes Moingeon.
Taut, white florals, & poached apple but not without a little underlying quince & clove.
The palate is fine & tight with beautiful minerality & razor blade like phenolics. Great persistence for its level.
The palate is fine & tight with beautiful minerality & razor blade like phenolics. Great persistence for its level.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru Champlot - $67 SOLD OUT
Looking up from the Langoureau domaine gates (20 rue de la Fontenotte) you view the steep, west-facing slope, in parts almost north-facing. The soils are strikingly white, without the reddish streaks you see in En Remilly.
Higher toned & more tensile again but not without a dried milk & toasted brioche with lime marmalade spread.
The palate is fine with tighter grained minerality & more delicate persistance.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru Bas de Vermarain - $67 SOLD OUT
Deep in the combe but with a favourable south east exposure, this parcel gives a bony, mineral and skeletal wine that I personally just love.
More restrained, less high toned & more crushed while florals and lemon pith.
Muted for a moment before releasing mouth coating chalk like minerality. No puppy fat here.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly - $75 SOLD OUT
St Aubin's finest vineyard, steep and stony, with a beautiful view across to Montrachet, Chevalier Montrachet and their grand cru neighbours. Well exposed and capturing plenty of sun, but kept in check by stony white soils and cooling winds drifting down from the Hautes Côtes.
Preserved lemon, tidal pool, iodine, bruised lemon, bruised green apple, white florals.
The palate is electric and mineral with a salivating lemon juice that pours over the rocky mineral structure.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
Domaine Dubuet Boillot
Volnay, Bourgogne
One of my favourite producers. I have watched and imported Maxime's wines since his inaugural 2016 vintage. While other nouveau producers get swept away with immediate fame, Maxime is doing things a little quieter. Without undermining others, I have said no to many of the famous 'nouveau' producers with sky high prices because I just have not felt the quality was there. Since 2016 there has been some variation in style. He has now found a consistent rhythm, with the wines showing particular class in the form of ethereal perfume and fruit purity.
A quick, fun, but also slightly pointless story:
I was spending a night with my uncle and aunt in Saint Romain le Haut** in 2023 when a gentleman said to my uncle, while he was gathering kindling for that evening's BBQ, that if the dog was on the balcony, 'the bar is open'. So after a couple of Seize Soixante-quatre, we wandered down the road and sure enough, the beautiful Bernese mountain dog was barking away at us. In we went and joined them for a drink. He was recently retired, having been one of the top dogs at Hillebrand. We had a brilliant discussion covering volumes, what goes where, and the reputations of importers the globe over, all from a freight forwarder's perspective. Most interestingly of all, he was drinking a bottle of Maxime's Aligoté. Without telling him we import Maxime's wines, he continued to tell us that it was one of the best 'surprises' he had come across in the last few years. I had never actually tasted the Aligoté with Maxime at the cuverie, as it was only sold within France. It was nothing short of sensational. Of course, I requested some, et voilà, we have the first few bottles for Australia.
Side note: Saint-Romain is magnificent, particularly le haut. If you are looking for a seriously good AirBnB base for an extended stay, this is where I would point you. It sits a little further from Beaune than some alternatives, so it suits those who prefer cooking at home in the evenings rather than heading out for dinner.
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Aligote 'Dore' - $45 SOLDOUT
White wine - Aligote
From the first parcel Maxime’s grandfather purchased in the 1950s. The 0.8 ha parcel, named Les Lameroses, is produced in wood, of which 20% is new. Aligoté Doré, in comparison to Aligoté Vert, gives a more structured, fuller wine that ages magnificently.
2024 Domaine Dubuet Boillot IGP Les Granges de Verbaut - $36
Red wine - Pinot Noir
From vines in Sainte-Marie-la-Blanche.
IGP Pinot Noir located 10 km from Volnay. All work in the vineyard is treated the same as the vineyards on the Côte, with everything done manually.
In the winery, the fruit is 100% destemmed before fermentation takes place in concrete fermenters. 90% is matured in inert vessels and just 10% in new wood.
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Beaune 1er Cru Blanche Fleurs - $104 SOLD OUT
Red wine - Pinot Noir
A plot just by the A6, on the left as you drive to Savigny-les-Beaune. Not often seen, so a definite curio. A 0.2 ha plot of 55-year-old vines. 15% whole cluster.
Ripe plum, black cherry, concentrated griotte with beautiful violet lift. Round & welcoming while also being intricate and intriguing.
The palate has a strong tannin structure with vibrant fruit in an approachable but firm style. Equally enjoyable for immediate consumption or longterm cellaring.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Monthelie 1er cru sur la Velle - $128
Red wine - Pinot Noir
Sits alongside Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes. A 0.25 ha plot of 70-year-old vines. 30% new wood.
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Volnay Vieilles Vignes - $83
Red wine - Pinot Noir
60-year-old vines in Grands Champs and Les Combes, just by Premier Cru vineyards on the Pommard side of Volnay. 40% whole cluster gives freshness and lift. 30% new wood.
A richer nose with deeper, more entwined fruit with a slight confected, medicinal character which remains in check and utterly captivating.
The palate is sumptuous, fruitful & a little rounder but retains a firm limestone line of structure.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Volnay 1er Cru Carelle Sous la Chapelle - $146
Red wine - Pinot Noir
Varying vine age back to plantings in 1920. Classically pure and feminine, particularly this example. 20% whole cluster, 30% new wood.
Griotte, black cherry, pure yet full & powerful. Jaw clenching limestone tension.
The palate is ever so concentrated with mouth filling and coating, ripe fine tannins. Cassis, rich fruit that coats the mouth and seemingly lasts forever. Very long.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Volnay 1er Cru Pitures - $146 SOLD OUT
Red wine - Pinot Noir
A very steep 0.35 ha plot that runs alongside Marquis d’Angerville’s Clos des Ducs. 20% whole cluster with 25% new wood.
Higher toned, more pure, ripe fruit but with underlying limestone tension. Ripe black plum, ripe black cherry & nuances of spice. Magnificent perfume.
The palate is finer with a nice limestone core, akin to sucking a limestone rock covered in Cassis. Very long.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Nuits Saint Georges - $119 SOLD OUT
Red wine - Pinot Noir
From two parcels, Les Brûlées in the south of the village and La Petite Charmotte in the north. Both parcels total 0.35 ha, with an average vine age of 45 years. 10% whole cluster with 25% new wood.
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Chambolle Musigny - $169
Red wine - Pinot Noir
Restrained, delicate & ever so fine. Laced florals and dried strawberry & raspberry reveals itself with coaxing. Intriguing & pleasing without being too obvious in nature.
The palate is subdued, fine, silky & suave. Ever so fine. Fine over power. No weight, effortless.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
MAGNUMS
2022 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Aloxe Corton Rouge 1500ml - $176 SOLD OUT
Red wine - Pinot Noir
Made up of three terroirs: Les Bruyères, Les Boutières, and Les Combes.
2022 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Beaune 1er Cru Blanche Fleurs 1500ml - $199 SOLD OUT
Red wine - Pinot Noir
A plot just by the A6, on the left as you drive to Savigny-les-Beaune. Not often seen, so a definite curio.
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Volnay Vieilles Vignes 1500ml - $163 SOLD OUT
Red wine - Pinot Noir
60-year-old vines in Grands Champs and Les Combes, just by Premier Cru vineyards on the Pommard side of Volnay. 40% whole cluster gives freshness and lift. 30% new wood.
A richer nose with deeper, more entwined fruit with a slight confected, medicinal character which remains in check and utterly captivating.
The palate is sumptuous, fruitful & a little rounder but retains a firm limestone line of structure.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
The palate is sumptuous, fruitful & a little rounder but retains a firm limestone line of structure.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2023 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Volnay 1er Cru Carelle Sous la Chapelle 1500ml - $289
Red wine - Pinot Noir
Varying vine age back to plantings in 1920. Classically pure and feminine, particularly this example. 20% whole cluster, 30% new wood.
Griotte, black cherry, pure yet full & powerful. Jaw clenching limestone tension.
The palate is ever so concentrated with mouth filling and coating, super ripe fine tannins. Cassis, rich fruit that coats the mouth and seemingly lasts forever. Very long.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
The palate is ever so concentrated with mouth filling and coating, super ripe fine tannins. Cassis, rich fruit that coats the mouth and seemingly lasts forever. Very long.
-Jono Hersey, FWC
2022 Domaine Dubuet Boillot Volnay 1er Cru Pitures 1500ml - $284
Red wine - Pinot Noir
A very steep 0.35 ha plot that runs alongside Marquis d’Angerville’s Clos des Ducs. 20% whole cluster with 25% new wood.
DOMAINE ANNE GROS
Vosne-Romanée, Bourgogne
Our second offer of Domaine Anne Gros. We receive tiny allocations of these wines and we expect them to sell out quickly, just like the 2022s. They are pure and delicate Red burgundy's that have a cult following for those that prefer this, more transparent style of Pinot Noir.
2023 Domaine Anne Gros Hautes Cotes de Nuits Blanc 'Cuvee Marine' - $83
The 2023 Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc Cuvée Marine comes from a parcel of younger vines planted by Anne Gros in the 1990s. Light almond and green apple scents open the nose. The palate has a soft texture, with hints of coconut and white pepper toward the finish that should be very approachable. Fine.
85-87 points
Neal Martin, Vinous.com
2023 Domaine Anne Gros Hautes Cotes de Nuits Rouge - $83
A lively ruby purple, with a floral take on raspberry on the nose. All on the fruit, gourmand, just enough acidity, minimal tannin, just a lovely juicy glass of pinot which persists nicely.
87-88 points
Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
2023 Domaine Anne Gros Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge 'Vieilles Vignes' - $83
The same wine from 2022, here declassified to Coteaux Bourguignons by the authorities from 2023, though Anne’s rendition remains of the estate’s standards. The vines are 50+ years old and from within Vosne Romanee.
A Cuvée name may very well be added to the Coteaux Bourguignons designation. Little grapes from degenerate vines, making low yields which barely cover their costs. Almost a heady raspberry on the nose, fruit at the front and then a little more tannic behind.
86-87 points
Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
2023 Domaine Anne Gros Échézeaux 'Les Loachausses' Grand Cru - $435
Adjacent to Grands-Echezeaux. Planted between 1959 and 1988.
A fresh mid ruby with glycerol legs. Very elegant with a welcome crispness too. Fluid in a very good way. Liquid raspberries and alpine strawberries which flow across the palate. A few refined tannins to finish.
94-96 points
Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
2023 Domaine Anne Gros Clos Vougeot 'Le Grand Maupertui' Grand Cru - $499
Planted in 1905 and then some replanting carried out in 1920, 1953 and 1980.
The original planting has reached 120-year-old in 2024. A gorgeous full bright purple colour. A solid plump right of dark fruit, black and red cherries, the tannins are really refined, and the acidity keeps a fresh feel at the finish. Really successful this year.
95-97 points
Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
2023 Domaine Anne Gros Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru - $899
Planted in 1980 and a recent addition to Anne's portfolio of vineyards.
The canicules had more of an effect here. The Grands Echezeaux shot through to 14.7% while the other vineyards did not accelerate so fast. A deep purple with no black. The nose however does have a touch of 2020 about it, sun-dried cherries, sucrosity in the mouth then a tighter sterner finish. In another cellar this would be unremarkable but it stands out more here in view of the elegance of the usual Anne Gros style.
92-94 points
Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
2023 Domaine Anne Gros Richebourg Grand Cru - $1329
Located in the Verroilles section (the upper part of Richebourg, immediately above Romanee Conti and bordering La Romanee and Romanee Saint Vivant). Vines planted in 1959. One of the great wines of the world.
A lovely bright deep ruby, purple in the middle. The 2023 Richebourg starts exuberantly then refines with a greater sense of detail. The fruit swarms across the palate but not in an obstreperous way, with a sensuality to the raspberry that is hard to imagine. There is tannin present, and enough acidity but the fruit covers them both and extends to a remarkable finish. Super sensual and really finely balanced at the same time.
95-98 points
Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
DOMAINE TOLLOT-GROS
Minervois, Languedoc
The Domaine Tollot Gros wines are a project that Anne has with her husband, Jean-Paul Tollot of Domaine Tollot-Beaut in Chorey les Beaune. They are based in Minervois in the Languedoc and the wines truly do have a similar deft, light touch that Anne has on her wines, this combined with the sturdier grape varieties and terroir make for excellent drinking.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros La V/R Vermentino-Roussanne Côtes du Brian Blanc IGP - $36
Blend of Vermentino (Rolle) and Roussanne, equal parts. Bright citrus, green apple and white florals with a saline, mineral finish. Fresh but with a slight textural weight from the Roussanne.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros La 50/50 2023 - Côtes du Brian rouge IGP - $30
Blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan from across the estate. Medium-bodied, fresh and fruit-driven with dark cherry, plum and garrigue notes. Made for immediate drinking. The name reference an equal contribution in winemaking from two winemakers.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros La CinsO 2023 - Côtes du Brian rouge IGP - $33
100% Cinsault (old vine). Light, fresh and lifted with red berries, florals and soft tannins. Stainless steel élevage keeps it bright and approachable.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros La Grenache8 2023 - Côtes du Brian rouge IGP - $33
100% Grenache. Old-vine fruit with a focus on purity and freshness. Red and dark fruit with spice and a supple, rounded palate.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros L’O de La Vie 2023 - Minervois rouge Cazelles - $36
Minervois blend (Grenache, Syrah, Carignan). Structured but balanced, showing dark fruit, herbs and mineral tension. A step up in depth from the IGP range.
Fresh and gourmand, the 2023 Minervois L'O de la Vie Cazelles evokes aromas of mulberries, dark wild berries, flowers and Provence herbs, followed by a moderately juicy and lively mid-palate framed by sweet, delicate tannins that lead to a mouthwatering, ethereal finish.
90 points
Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros Les Fontanilles 2023 - Minervois rouge - $36
Single-site Minervois cuvée. Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault in fairly equal portions. Medium-bodied with black fruit, spice and earthy, stony notes. Shows the domaine’s focus on finesse over weight.
Notes of Mediterranean herbs, spices, dark berries, mulberries and flowers preface the 2023 Minervois Les Fontanilles, a medium to full-bodied, dense and layered wine framed by elegant, sweet tannins, culminating in a long, spicy and mineral finish. This is a classic in the making.
92 points
Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros L’EnclOs 2023 - Pinot Noir Côtes du Brian rouge IGP - $38
100% Pinot Noir grown in Minervois. Burgundian approach with southern ripeness. Red fruit, fine tannins and fresh acidity.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros Les Combettes 2023 - Marselan Côtes du Brian IGP - $38
100% Marselan (a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon × Grenache). Deep colour, concentrated dark fruit, spice and soft tannins. Rich but balanced, good length.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros La Ciaude 2023 - Minervois rouge Cazelles -$45
Single vineyard cuvée. Syrah (35%), Carignan (35%), and Grenache (30%). Greater structure and ageing potential. Dark fruit, herbs and mineral backbone with more grip and depth.
2023 Domaine Tollot-Gros Les Carrétals 2023 - Minervois rouge Cazelles -$59
Top cuvée from very old vines (including Grenache and Carignan dating back to 1909) planted on pure limestone with high iron and clay content. Concentrated, structured and built to age with dark fruit, spice and strong mineral character.