Pre Arrival Offer November 2024
OFFER CLOSES 1 DECEMBER 2024
ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE LATE FEBRUARY 2025
ORDER ONLINE HERE
Producers included in this offer:
- Champagne Jean Vesselle
- Domaine JP Fichet, Meursault
- Domaine Pierre Morey, Meursault
In this offer we see longstanding FWC staple Champagne Jean Vesselle in all of its Bouzy glory. Particular note here is the availability of well-priced half bottles and magnums. Oh, and we have been offered a good volume of the Oeil de Perdrix!
Jean-Philippe Fichet and his ultra tight, mineral Meursault’s that have quickly gained a strong following here in Australia. Slightly tighter than Roulot, but not as tight as Arnaud Ente, these wines are tier 1 Meursault’s and when beside their comparable piers offer great value.
Domaine Pierre Morey needs no introduction, these are some of the best white wines available. Unapologetically Meursault and true old school white Burgundy. What does need to be shouted from the roof is the fact that the red wines made by Anne are bloody beautiful and more than worthy of your attention.
Cheers!
Champagne Jean Vesselle
Located between Épernay and Châlons-en-Champagne, Bouzy is a small village famous for its Pinot Noir. Bouzy not only produces the greatest Blanc de Noirs but it also produces beautiful still Champagne called Bouzy Rouge, or more technically correct, Coteaux Champenois.
Delphine Vesselle’s family have been grape growers in Bouzy for more than three centuries. The domaine consists of 16 hectares of prime real estate with 90% planted to Pinot Noir and 10% planted to Chardonnay where the soil is particularly limestone rich.
NV Champagne Jean Vesselle Extra Brut
RRP $124 | Pre Arrival $76
NV Champagne Jean Vesselle Extra Brut HALF BOTTLE
RRP $73 | Pre Arrival $44
NV Champagne Jean Vesselle Extra Brut MAGNUM
RRP $245 ! Pre Arrival: $152
In 1975 the domaine decided to introduce a natural cuvée and didn't add the usual dosage. This resulted in a clear, lively Champagne that was ideal as an aperitif. At this time there were only three producers making this kind of Champagne, each had their own name for the wine: Brut 0, Brut Savage and in the case of Jean Vesselle, Brut 100%. Today this wine is named ‘Extra Brut’. It's very interesting considering the popularity of 'Extra Bruts' and zero dosage wines today.
It has the power and roundness of Pinot Noir with the drive and minerality of Chardonnay.
80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.
Lovely clarity and freshness. Custard apple, lemon juice, lemon and lime pith. White florals, honeysuckle. Really quite harmonious. The palate comes into its own with energy and clarity. - Jono Hersey, FWC
NV Champagne Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix Brut
RRP $132 | Pre Arrival $82
NV Champagne Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix Brut HALF BOTTLE
RRP $76 | Pre Arrival $48
RRP $264 | Pre Arrival $159
The English translation is eye of the partridge and produced from grapes with fantastic phenolic maturity and richness. They spend a few hours on skins resulting in a must that has a touch of pink. The pink turns to amber colouring with age. The amber colour is maintained throughout the vinification process as it is a sign of an unfiltered wine with a little more fruit and structure.
The concept is to honour the Pinot Noir based Champagnes of the 19th century which naturally had a blush to them.
Domaine Jean-Philippe Fichet
"(This is) real Meursault, if so unlike the buttery cliché that I and my contemporaries were brought up to expect." Jancis Robinson
"As I have said repeatedly, the Fichet wines are among the very best and purest in Burgundy." A. Meadows, Burghound
“…they are lovely wines that burst with energy and linearity.” Eric Asimov, The New York Times
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Bourgogne Aligote
RRP $89 | Pre Arrival $71.20
Bright and fresh aromas of citrus and green apple lead to spicy middleweight flavors that are at once rich and succulent while delivering good if not special length on the bitter lemon-inflected finish. Note that this delicious effort has enough material to repay a few years of aging.
86-89 points, Outstanding, Top Value - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Hautes Cote de Beaune Blanc
RRP $124 | Pre Arrival $99.20
A subtle dollop of wood is present on the cooler nose of citrus, floral and wet stone nuances. The racier, if not quite as concentrated, flavors exude an evident bead of minerality on the chiseled, inviting and notably dry finale. This is also very good with a noticeably different texture and not quite the same depth.
86-89 points, Outstanding - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Bourgogne Blanc Cote d'Or
RRP $116 | Pre Arrival $92.80
From within the limits of Meursault; three parcels: Les Dressoles (planted 1963), Les Grands Clous Perrons (Planted: 1948-1972-1982) and Les Grandes Coutures (Planted 1960).
A discreet but not invisible application of wood sets off cool and relatively high-toned aromas of lemongrass and pear nuances. The delicious and vibrant flavors possess a lovely texture while exhibiting solid length on the balanced, dry and refreshing finish that is supported by citrus-tinged acidity. Good stuff for its level and worth a look.
86-89 points, Outstanding - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Bourgogne Blanc Cote d'Or VV
RRP $142 | Pre Arrival $113.60
Produced from two parcels of vines; one across a narrow road from Meursault-Charmes (Les Pellands, planted: 1945-1950-1970-1986) and another below the village of Meursault (Les Millerands: planted 1973).
A spicier and more layered nose is otherwise similar to that of the regular cuvée. On the palate though the sleeker and more refined medium weight flavors possess impressive density while delivering better depth and persistence on the clean, dry, compact and balanced finish where a touch of austerity emerges. This is excellent, indeed examples of Bourgogne are rarely better - one to buy, especially for value.
87-89 points, Outstanding, Top Value - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Meursault
RRP $287 | Pre Arrival $229.60
From 7 different lieux-dits: Generous wood treatment stops just short of fighting with the ripe and fresh aromas of hazelnut, poached pear, acacia blossom and a whiff of spice. The supple and wonderfully seductively textured medium weight flavors possess a sappy mouthfeel along with a suggestion of minerality that adds a sense of lift to the lingering, balanced and sneaky long finish. This could also use better depth so a few years of keeping should prove beneficial. Worth a look provided you're willing to cellar if for a few years first.
89-91 points, Outstanding - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Meursault Meix sous le Chateau
RRP $302 | Pre Arrival $241.60
The vines in this lieu-dit were planted in 1953. This tiny, steep, west facing site in the middle of the village is classically Meursault in character: Once again generous wood is present on the ripe and fresh aromas of white orchard fruit, carnation and brown butter nuances. The succulent, round, even opulent, medium-bodied flavors possess excellent volume thanks to the abundant sappy dry extract that imparts a seductive mouthfeel to the lightly stony, clean, dry and citrusy finale. This is also quite good if a bit oaky for my taste.
89-91 points, Outstanding - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Meursault 'Les Gruyaches'
RRP $353 | Pre Arrival $282.40
From vines planted in 1918 that are directly above Charmes and are the domaine's oldest: A more floral array of white orchard fruit, including a whiff of passion fruit, just sliced fennel and an interesting hint of exotic tea is trimmed in moderate oak. The dense, delicious and caressing medium-bodied flavors possess a gorgeous texture, all wrapped in a bone-dry, tightly wound and striking long finale marked by prominent citrus elements. This is an excellent Meursault villages and worth considering.
90-92 points, Outstanding, Top Value - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Meursault 'Les Chevalieres'
RRP $376 | Pre Arrival $300.80
One of Meursault’s finest lieux-dits: a superb plot of 30 to 77 year old vines on the same slope as the premiers crus—with soil like that of Perrières: This is aromatically quite similar to the Gruyaches but with noticeably more mineral reduction character. The racy and beautifully detailed middleweight flavors display an almost aggressive stoniness on the chiseled, youthfully austere and equally dry finale where the citrus character, while present, is a bit less prominent. This is also a very good wine for its level and recommended.
90-92 points, Outstanding, Top Value - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Meursault 'Le Tessons'
RRP $408 | Pre Arrival $326.40
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, this so called less-desirable aspect actually produces wines of particular excitement and intrigue. They are wines of incredible energy and tension.
Planted: 1949-1965-1976: Moderately generous wood is again present on the markedly more floral-suffused aromas of mineral reduction, acacia blossom, carnation, pear, white peach and less evident citrus influence. There is a beguiling purity to the medium weight flavors that possess a sleek, even silky, mouthfeel while delivering outstanding persistence on the lightly stony, balanced and noticeably more complex finale. This is very classy and a wine that should age gracefully.
91-93 points, Outstanding, Top Value - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
2022 Domaine JP Fichet Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts
RRP $524 | Pre Arrival $419.20
Just across the border and adjacent to Meursault-Charmes. Many growers (except for Jacques Carillon) believe this is more Meursault than Puligny and Meursault Les Perrieres is more Puligny than Meursault!
Much like the Tessons, an exuberantly floral-inflected nose is comprised by hints of mineral reduction and spicy white fleshed fruit, and in particular white peach. There is excellent volume to the concentrated, opulent and highly seductive medium-bodied flavors that deliver quite simply outstanding length on the balanced if youthfully austere finale. This beauty should easily repay a decade plus of keeping yet it's not so tightly wound that it couldn't be reasonably approached after only 4 to 5 years. This too is worth considering.
92-94 points, Outstanding, Sweet Spot - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
Domaine Pierre Morey
Pierre’s father, Auguste, was one of 31 grandchildren of Alexis Morey. Alexis branched from Chassagne-Montrachet to Meursault after falling in love with a girl from Meursault. 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. He 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 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 practices in 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
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Bourgogne Aligote
RRP $86 | Pre Arrival $68.80
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.
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Bourgogne Cote d'Or Blanc
RRP $142 | Pre Arrival $113.60
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.
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault
RRP $355 | Pre Arrival $284
From three plots covering 0.86 hectares; the first above 1er Cru Perrieres (Les Chaumes de Narvaux), the second below 1er Cru Les Charmes (Les Pellans) and the third further north, on the limits just before Monthelie.
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault 'Les Tessons'
RRP $465 | Pre Arrival $372
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.
2021Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault 1er Cru 'Les Perrieres'
RRP $839 | Pre Arrival $671.20
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, the high section and Perrieres Dessous, the lower and more sought after parcel as it sits more in the belly of the slope.
The Pierre Morey Parcel is 0.52 hectare and is actually a clos. A marvellous wine that can reach marvellous heights!
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
RRP $2254 | Pre Arrival $1803.20
From a 0.49 hectare plot, a reasonable size in Batard-Montrachet however it is incredibly low yielding, resulting in an even more dense wine than normal Bâtard Montrachet and with tension to match. Bâtard is the longest lived of the Montrachet Grand Crus through pure density and bolstering power. What they can lack is tension and drive. Each example of Pierre Morey Bâtard seems to have what others can lack, exactly tension and drive. For what this wine is and will be, the price tag is a lot more approachable than first glance.
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Monthelie
RRP $145 | Pre Arrival $116
From six liux-dits throughout Monthelie with varying soils and aspects.
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Pommard 1er Cru Grand Epenots
RRP $388 | Pre Arrival $310.40
Epenots in both petit and grand, produces wines that mature with a much finer mouthfeel and tannin structure than other vineyards throughout Pommard. This is due to varying soils from the Avant Dhuene and the perfect gradient and aspect. The soils are very red and high in limestone. The Pierre Morey plot is over 55 years old and covers 0.43 hectares.
2021 Domaine Pierre Morey Volnay 1er Cru 'Taille Pieds'
RRP $345 | Pre Arrival $276
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.
2020 Domaine Pierre Morey Bourgogne Cote d'Or Blanc
RRP $145 | Pre Arrival $116
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.
Scents of pear, almond paste, white flowers and green apple introduce the 2020 Bourgogne Blanc, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise wine with tangy acids and chalky grip. This is a promising rendition of this reliable bottling. 89 points - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
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 in the more and more frequent 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 2020 Saint-Romain Sous le Château bursts with aromas of pear, citrus oil, vanilla pod and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and precise, with fine depth at the core and a long, chalky finish, it's well worth seeking out. 90-92 points - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2020 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault
RRP $355 | Pre Arrival $284
From three plots covering 0.86 hectares; the first above 1er Cru Perrieres (Les Chaumes de Narvaux), the second below 1er Cru Les Charmes (Les Pellans) and the third further north, on the limits just before Monthelie.
Pretty, ripe and fresh aromas of hazelnut, acacia blossom and various white orchard fruit scents give way to racy, delicious and tension-filled middle weight flavors that conclude in a bone-dry if slightly attenuated finish that should flesh out with a few years of bottle aging. 88-91 points - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
The 2020 Meursault is excellent, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, hazelnuts, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and lively, with fine depth at the core, bright acids and a chalky finish, it's the usual blend of lieux-dits Les Forges, Les Pellans and Les Chaumes de Narvaux. 90-92 points - William Kelley
2020 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault 'Les Tessons'
RRP $465 | Pre Arrival $372
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.
A more elegant and more complex nose features layered aromas of white flowers, jasmine tea, apple, poached pear and a pretty array of spice nuances. The sleek, delicious and beautifully textured medium-bodied flavors display notably better depth and persistence on the balanced finale. This is an excellent Meursault villages that should age effortlessly. One to strongly consider. 90-92 points, Outstanding - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
The 2020 Meursault Les Tessons reveals aromas of crisp orchard fruit and orange oil mingled with hints of freshly baked bread and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with tangy acids and chalky structuring extract, it's layered and seamless, standing out as the most complete of Morey's communal bottlings from Meursault. 92-94 points - William Kelley, The Burghound
2020 Domaine Pierre Morey Meursault 1er Cru 'Les Perrieres'
RRP $838 | Pre Arrival $670.40
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, the high section and Perrieres Dessous, the lower and more sought after parcel as it sits more in the belly of the slope.
Cool, restrained and airy aromas grudgingly reveals notes of mineral reduction, Granny Smith apples and citrus confit, all of which is trimmed in just enough wood to notice. There is both a highly sophisticated texture and almost painful intensity to the overtly mineral-driven medium weight flavors that culminate in a chiseled and hugely long finale. This is quite tightly wound and will need at least 10 years to arrive at its peak and 12 to 15 would not surprise me. Provided you have the patience, this beauty is strongly recommended. 92-94 points. Sweet Spot, Outstanding - Allen Meadows, The Burghound
Almost a pale primrose colour. There is depth and tanginess here at the same time. White fruit, chiselled, very classy, good acidity, this is going to turn if not into a blockbuster then at least into a wine of exceptional intensity, and persistence. A wonderful example. 95-97 points (5 star/red) - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
2020 Domaine Pierre Morey Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
RRP $2254 | Pre Arrival $1803.20
From a 0.49 hectare plot, a reasonable size in Batard-Montrachet however it is incredibly low yielding, resulting in an even more dense wine than normal Bâtard Montrachet and with tension to match. Bâtard is the longest lived of the Montrachet Grand Crus through pure density and bolstering power. What they can lack is tension and drive. Each example of Pierre Morey Bâtard seems to have what others can lack, exactly tension and drive. For what this wine is and will be, the price tag is a lot more approachable than first glance.
Unwinding in the glass with aromas of pear, orange oil, beeswax, hazelnuts, white flowers and bread dough, the 2020 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is full-bodied, rich and multidimensional, with a textural attack that segues into a layered and impressively taut, chiseled mid-palate. Built to age, this will reward patience. As usual, readers should note that this wine is identical to the Bâtard-Montrachet released under the Morey-Blanc label. 95-97 points - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
Pale lemon yellow. There is quite a weight of fruit here on the nose, but it is tight, and backward. This is a massive Bâtard-Montrachet and it will be wonderful but the detail is very much hidden. The power and the balance are both there, with a little bit of astringency which is only a sign of extreme youth. 95-98 points - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
2020 Domaine Pierre Morey Monthelie
RRP $145 | Pre Arrival $113.60
From six liux-dits throughout Monthelie with varying soils and aspects.
The 2020 Monthélie bursts with aromas of ripe cherries and berries mingled with hints of woodsmoke and toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's a rich, powerful wine underpinned by impressively vibrant acidity. Its 14.8% alcohol is hard to discern. 89-91 points - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate