Domaine Patrick Javillier En Primeur 2022

Named after the Rue des Forges, where the domaine is based, this comes from a number of parcels on the Volnay side of Meursault, on clay-rich soils which deliver density. Yellow flower perfume, with apricot skin and peach aromas. The palate has similar yellow peach and honey suckle character, with poised acidity and a pleasant fleshiness. Around 20% new oak. This is the largest production wine at the estate – around 30,000 bottles are made of the two Bourgogne cuvées in total. 

This is named after the Oligocène geological epoch, from which these limestone-rich plots date. The vines are on the Puligny-Montrachet (southern) side of the village, below Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessous. This is more white-fruited than Forgets, with white flower aromas. The palate is tense and fresh, fleshing out on the mid-palate. Great salty definition on the finish. 20% new oak was used.

Les Tillets is a large vineyard, high on the slope, southwest of the village. The domaine has almost two hectares, in several small parcels. Rocky limestone soils at the top of the slope make for a very mineral style. A peppery, white flower nose, leading into a focused palate of white peach, pear skin and stony minerality, with a chalky texture to the finish. 30% new oak. 

The name Clousots reflects the blend of Les Clous (0.60 ha with deep clay soils planted mid-slope, which gives the richness to the blend) and Crotots (smaller and more limestone-rich). The latter, south of the village, is just beneath 1er Cru Les Poruzots. The two parcels are always vinified separately and then blended. Tense and mineral-driven, this is a wine of matter, energy and driving acids, stony-mineral and with great purity. 

Tête de Murger is another blend of two sites, vinified separately: Les Murgers de Monthélie and Les Casse-Têtes (literally “broken heads” [of the stones] – a rocky, limestone-rich site). Yellow flowers and crème brulée aromas. The palate is textured and similarly yellow-hued – peach and apricot fruit, orange blossom and chalky minerality, with fresh balancing acidity. Good momentum, lovely wine. 

Located below Roichottes, this faces full south. This site was known as “Les Serpentines”, for its supposed grass snake residents. This was picked at the beginning of September 2022. Dark confit berry aromas. The palate is pure and crunchy on the entry, with blackcurrant and winter berries and a hint of pepper and liquorice. More density than usual this year, impressive. 100% destemmed. This spends ten months in barrel, with 30% new oak.