Sustainable

Press Reviews

Wine Anorak

94 points - Jamie Goode

Powerful, lively and spicy with concentrated tangy citrus and pear fruit with some saline notes and tangy apple and lemon on the finish. Lovely intensity here with some crystalline citrus fruit.

Wine Align

93 points - David Lawrason

This is not your everyday chardonnay! In the Jura region of east-central France in the lower foothills of the Alps, there is tradition of oxidative winemaking, some under a layer of flor, as occurs in some Spanish sherry. As a result of the advance maturation this pours medium gold. The nose is dominated by classic hazelnut, honey, barley sugar sourdough and anise, around the ripe tropical fruit. It is medium weight, very smooth, well balanced and focused, with excellent length. More lithe lemon notes enliven the finish. There is a touch of tannin. Tasted December 2022.

91 points - John Szabo, MS

A pure chardonnay made in the traditional, oxidative Jura style under flor, not unlike fino sherry, but here the oxidation is more pronounced. Expect bruised apple and cold Orange Pekoe tea, cold wheat toast with honey, lemon pith and zest, and much more in an unusual but complex expression. The palate is mid-weight, showing more fruit and less oxidative qualities than the nose, succulent acids, and good to very good length. I must say, I like the salinity and savoury aspects, the lingering flavours and authentic but unimpeachable winemaking. There's fantasy here; be sure to decant before serving; best now-2026. Tasted December 2022.

91 points - Michael Godel

Clémentine Baud took over the family estate with her brother six years ago. The first father to daughter transition and with many to follow. The estate dates back to 1742, started by Jean-François. They farm 25 hectares, Clémentine’s father started with five and grew to 19 hectares when he retired. Picking for Sparkling now seems to happen in August, save for the difficult 2021 vintage. In 2017 70 per cent of the harvest was lost to the frosts, 50 in 2019 and 80 in 2021. "We have over 40 old varieties in the Jura, important for diversity, including those not allowed under the rules of the AOC," tells Clém. The fruit for Cuvée Flor is grown at a latitude of 46.73 North and though very much a cool climate place for chardonnay the threats of warmer winters and seasonal frosts has wreaked havoc over the past 10 years. A chardonnay of remarkable lustre, concentration and purity, worked by way of oxidative aging, low alcohol expectation starting at 12 and finishing no higher than 14 to 14.5. A floral chardonnay, not one related to yeast and surely a pretty in Jura wine. From the younger vines, phenolic and hinting towards though remaining clear of emerging boozy. Filled with flavour, hazelnut and praline, peach and yellow plum. A world of its own. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted July 2022.

Press Reviews

WineAlign

92 Points - Michael Godel

This late July, 2025 "Celler" release of Maison Roche de Bellene's 2020 Savigny-Les-Beaune is the first for VINTAGES just a month after we sadly lost proprietor Nicolas Potel. Got to believe Nico is looking down with a wry smile and we do the same in turn after nosing the playful gaminess of this pinot noir. One whiff and we are transported to the clays and mineral underbelly of Bourgogne, but more specifically the area situated along the Rhoin between the Hill of Corton and Beaune. The 2020 is backed by a steadfastness of strong bones and resolve of meaty flesh. Markedly soil driven and terroir determined, equalled by the animal nature of such a wine, finishing with acidity and austerity. This actually feels like a Bourgogne mired in a minor dumb phase with its best moments yet to come. Drink 2026-2031. 

WineAlign

92 Points - John Szabo, MS

Set for LCBO release on August 7th, this is a charming Savigny rouge from Roche de Bellene, produced by the late Nicolas Potel who passed unexpectedly just a month ago. It has all of the signature finesse and delicacy of both the appellation and the house style, a micro-négociant wine selected with care and consistency by Potel from a tiny, 0.025 hectare parcel. Tannins are ultra-fine and polished at this stage of evolution, cradled by ripe-firm acids, impressive in this warm vintage, and the finish echoes on and on, subtly, delicately. Ready to enjoy or hold another 2-3 year - no need for long term ageing here.