The Bachelet Monnot Santenay Blanc 2020 is a meticulously crafted Burgundy wine from one of the region's most innovative, small-scale producers. The brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet have demonstrated their adeptness at delivering distinctive, well-structured, and complex wines since launching their vineyard in 2005. For their Santenay Blanc, the brothers carefully select grapes from limestone-rich terroirs in the village of Santenay, renowned for prestigious Chardonnay.

Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, the wine balances creamy textures with vibrant freshness, offering ripened notes of citron, pear and almond. Its mineral-driven profile reflects the distinctive terroir, showcasing the quintessence of fine white Burgundy. Patient cellaring will further unlock its complexities and nuances within the next decade.

As epitomised by the Bachelet Monnot Santenay Blanc 2020, the mark of Bachelet Monnot on a bottle signifies diligent craftsmanship and a compelling representation of Burgundy's diversity.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88-90)

Bachelet Monnot Santenay Prarons 2022 exemplifies the finest expression of Côte de Beaune terroir. Crafted by the esteemed Bachelet-Monnot family, this Pinot Noir benefits from meticulous vineyard management in the esteemed Santenay Prarons appellation. The 2022 vintage showcases grapes hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring a perfect balance of acidity and fruitfulness. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in carefully selected French oak barrels for 12 months, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The resulting wine presents a deep ruby hue, with aromas of ripe cherries, earthy undertones, and a hint of floral elegance. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious structure with fine tannins and a lingering, refined finish. Ideal for pairing with gourmet dishes, Bachelet Monnot Santenay Prarons 2022 is a testament to the producer’s unwavering dedication to quality and their profound understanding of Burgundy’s heritage.

The Bachelet-Monnot Santenay Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2021 is an exquisite red Burgundy from one of France's most renowned winemaking regions. This vintage year is a product of the tireless efforts of the esteemed Bachelet brothers, who focus on a low-interventionist approach in their family vineyard located in Santenay. The Vieilles Vignes (old vines) yield a wine deeply rooted in its unique terroir. Extraordinary care is taken in the vineyard and the winery, with organic farming methods, rigorous fruit selection and the restrained use of oak. The result is a sophisticated bottle boasting a complex bouquet and an elegant balance of red fruit flavours and minerality. The Bachelet-Monnot Santenay Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2021 underlines the skill and dedication of its creators, and their unwavering commitment to expressing the pure essence of Burgundy's grapes and land. Truly, a must-have addition to the collection of any serious oenophile.

Tim Atkin MW (95)

Indulge your palate with the exquisite Baettig Vino de Vinedo Los Parientes Pinot Noir 2021. This divine Chilean red exhibits complexities of fine Burgundy. Crafted in the revered Casablanca Valley, this gem retains the region's distinct cool-climate characteristics. The skilled baettig family meticulously vinify small batches, using native yeasts and minimal interventionist approach to retain authenticity. Maturation takes place in French oak barrels, imbuing the wine with elegant textural depth.

The result is a luscious expression of Pinot Noir. Delicate undertones of ripe raspberries and strawberries mingle with soft floral notes. Undertones of forest floor and sweet spices further elevate its sophistication. A truly balanced bottle, boasting bright acidity juxtaposed to velvety tannins. This is wine-de-vigneron eloquently portraying the artisanal spirit of Baettig Vino de Vinedo Los Parientes Pinot Noir 2021. A heavenly libation for discerning wine lovers.

An exquisite 2009 Bahezre Lanlay Meursault 1er Cru Charmes Hospices Beaune, meticulously crafted in the renowned terroir of Meursault’s premier Charmes appellation. This exceptional Chardonnay showcases the expertise of Bahezre Lanlay, a producer esteemed for its dedication to quality and tradition. Hand-harvested grapes undergo precise vinification, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and toasted notes while preserving the wine’s vibrant minerality. The 2009 vintage is celebrated for its balance and depth, exhibiting layers of ripe pear, citrus zest, and delicate almond undertones, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Ideal for connoisseurs seeking a distinguished expression of Burgundy’s finest, this Meursault 1er Cru exemplifies sophistication and the enduring legacy of Hospices Beaune vineyards.

An exquisite 2009 Bahezre Lanlay Meursault 1er Cru Charmes Hospices Beaune, meticulously crafted in the renowned terroir of Meursault’s premier Charmes appellation. This exceptional Chardonnay showcases the expertise of Bahezre Lanlay, a producer esteemed for its dedication to quality and tradition. Hand-harvested grapes undergo precise vinification, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and toasted notes while preserving the wine’s vibrant minerality. The 2009 vintage is celebrated for its balance and depth, exhibiting layers of ripe pear, citrus zest, and delicate almond undertones, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Ideal for connoisseurs seeking a distinguished expression of Burgundy’s finest, this Meursault 1er Cru exemplifies sophistication and the enduring legacy of Hospices Beaune vineyards.

From the esteemed Italian region of Piedmont, the Baldin Bramaterra 2015 is a delightful expression of the vineyard's commitment to excellence. This complex red wine captures the essence of Nebbiolo (80%), Croatina (10%), Vespolina, and Uva Rara grapes, all meticulously harvested from the mineral-rich soils of northern Italy. The Baldin Bramaterra 2015 is aged for 36 months in large oak casks; a process that builds its splendid, elegant structure and impeccable balance. Tasting notes describe a nose of wild berries and spices, rounded off with distinct hints of dry rose. On the palate, it's smooth yet firm, with finely integrated tannins—a testament to its astute artisanal craftsmanship. Baldin, the producer, is renowned for their commitment to sustainable practices and assiduous attention to detail, providing a sublime quality that consistently meets the expectation of discerning wine enthusiasts. Experience the Baldin Bramaterra 2015, a wine that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant intensity of traditional Italian viticulture.

Introducing Balia Zola Balitore Sangiovese Romagna 2015, a unique embodiment of Italian viticulture at its finest. Produced in the heart of the picturesque Romagna region, this hearty red combines tradition and innovation seamlessly, imparting an exclusive tasting experience. Each bottle captures the sun-soaked, rolling hills of this prolific winegrowing region.

Balia Zola, the prestigious vineyard behind this vintage, has perfected their craft over many generations. This 2015 Sangiovese Romagna is the fruit of meticulous harvesting, fermenting in steel at a controlled temperature, maintaining the grape’s integrity. The wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation before refinement in tonneaux barrels, granting it a sophisticated finish.

Adorned with bold cherry and prune undertones, Balia Zola Balitore Sangiovese Romagna 2015 enthralls the palate with a delightful balance of acidity and tannin. Its aromatic intensity and persistent finish make it a stellar partner to robust regional dishes, revealing the true Italian enogastronomy.

Distinguished for its eminent finesse, the Balia Zola Isola Ravenna Chardonnay 2019 is an articulate expression of Italian winemaking tradition. Produced in the heartland of Italy's famed Romagna region, Ravenna, this vibrant and sophisticated white wine bears the hallmark of meticulous viticulture and innovative winery practices. Modern and classic techniques blend seamlessly at Balia Zola, where each grape is hand-picked at the peak of ripeness.

Under the skilled hand of the producer, a focused fermentation process ensues, yielding a balanced, elegant Chardonnay. The palate presents a bouquet of floral and fruity notes with a hint of crisp apple. A refined minerality traces the wine's origins back to the fertile, calcareous soils along the Adriatic Sea. With a medium body and bright acidity, the Balia Zola Isola Ravenna Chardonnay 2019 is an exceptional choice for any discerning oenophile, a testament to the winery's unwavering commitment to stellar craftsmanship.

From the prestigious Italian vineyards of Balia Zola comes the impeccable Redinoce Sangiovese Romagna 2012. This distinguished vintage is a testament to the sublime artistry of winemaking in Romagna, a region celebrated for its viticultural heritage. Meticulously cultivated in nutrient-rich soil and nurtured under the Mediterranean sun, Balia Zola Redinoce Sangiovese Romagna 2012 reveals a truly harmonious expression of terroir.

The wine encapsulates the meticulous care that Balia Zola invests in crafting each bottle. Possessing a rich, ruby hue, its bouquet sings with aromatic notes of ripe cherries, plum, and savoury spices. A crescendo of bold, full-bodied flavours envelops the palate, harmoniously balanced by supple tannins. Completing this sensory experience is a long, smooth finish that exudes sophistication.

Whether to complement gourmet cuisine or sipped in quiet contemplation, Balia Zola Redinoce Sangiovese Romagna 2012 encapsulates the epitome of fine Italian winemaking, catering to the most discerning palates.

Emanating from the exquisite vineyards of Romagna, the Balia Zola Redinoce Sangiovese Romagna 2017 is a truly exceptional selection. Cultivated by the esteemed Balia Zola, a vineyard renowned for its attention to detail and dedication to the tradition of winemaking, this splendid vintage sings with the heart of Italy. A classic expression of Sangiovese, it embraces the character of its terroir.

The wine is fermented and aged meticulously, respecting the unique characteristics of the Sangiovese grape. With a deep ruby hue, the wine exhibits an alluring composition of bright cherry and red berry aromas, coupled with captivating earthy undertones and delicate tannins. On the palate, it bursts with an intricate layering of flavours, from energising fruit undertones to an elegant, lingering finish.

The Balia Zola Redinoce Sangiovese Romagna 2017 is an unmissable treasure for collectors and oenophiles, a testament to the superior quality and craft of traditional Romagna winemaking.