On January 18th we hosted our annual Burgundy En Primeur tasting at the Royal Society of Chemistry, showcasing the 2022 Vintage. We weren’t the only ones excited about the 2022 Vintage seeing as we had around 250 wine enthusiasts attend this year’s tasting. Attendees were kept busy all afternoon, with over 90 wine samples to taste from as well as several Burgundy growers to chat with.
Fourteen of our thirty Domaines were presented in person either by growers, such as William Fevre, Jerome Castagnier, Alain Chavy, and Jean Guiton, or by representatives of the Domaines. Collectively, the wines were an absolute pleasure, and we can expect big things from them as they age.
Here are some of the highlights and personal favourites from Sebastian and the rest of the Howard Ripley Team:
Domaine Ventoura, 2022 Chablis 1er cru Fourchaume – £120 | Case of 6 – 75cl
The ripeness of 2022 is perfectly balanced by energy and brightness from the limestone soils. There is impressive precision and a delicious saline mineral edge on the long finish.
Domaine de l’Arlot, 2022 Nuits Saint Georges Blanc 1er cru Clos de L’Arlot – £522 | Case of 6 – 75cl
2022 is a brilliant year for white Côte de Nuits, showcased by this drop-dead gorgeous wine, showing clearly delineated ripe fruit, floral notes and a long smooth finish.
Domaine des Croix, Beaune 1er cru Les Cents Vignes – £372 | Case of 6 – 75cl
I was excited to try these, as Sebastian raved about David Croix’s work at Camille Giroud. This is our first vintage working with his own project, Domaine des Croix. A high proportion of whole bunch lends a floral note and lifted ripe raspberry to the dark fruit and rich spice. From parcels in both the upper part of the vineyard (gravelly-clay soil) and the lower part (well-draining alluvial soils). The tannins are silky, making this a pleasure to drink now, but will certainly reward cellaring. Beaune has sometimes had a reputation for mediocrity, but this wine is something special.
-Emily Jackson-Kenyon
Domaine Fevre, Chablis 1er cru Vaillons – £254 | Case of 6 – 75cl
This was my white highlight of the day, without a doubt. There was beautiful orchard fruit on the nose, displaying cooling notes of fresh green apple and pear. This is a wine which overflows with zippy energy – with serious minerality and a juicy lemony acidity on the palate to tie it all together. It’s a shame we had limited samples, as I would have liked to have barged straight in for more.
-Nancy Green
Domaine Hudelot-Baillet, Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Charmes – £378 | Case of 6 – 75cl
Juicy dark red cherry, blueberry, and violet are blended beautifully in combination with rounded tannins. Limestone and stony soils add a punch of minerality to an already stunning finish. Sixty year old vines from two separate parcels come together in harmony to create this exceptional wine. Expect great things from this Pinot, she’ll only get better with age.
-Anuschka Sambel
Domaine Fontaine Gagnard, Chassagne Montrachet 1er cru Les Vergers – £312 | Case of 6 – 75cl
Beautiful pale yellow, offers gourmet aromas of exotic fruits, vanilla, and toasted almonds. On the palate, it’s round and aromatic with slightly spiced apple notes and brioche. A nice tension and minerality on the finish.
-Ziggy Grinbergs
