Last week, we had the pleasure of having Yann Durieux in London with us, a rare opportunity to taste and explore this enigmatic range of Burgundy wines.
This maverick of the natural wine movement is clearly at the height of his winemaking career - His latest top-tier range from 2021 is nothing short of impressive, confirming Yann's deft hand even in the most challenging growing seasons.
Having vinified his first solo vintage at 13, and after a decade under the watchful eye of Henry-Frédéric Roch, Yann Durieux has perfected a unique recipe which sees minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process. Focusing on extremely low yields, old vines genetics, and lengthy 24 months elevage on lees, Durieux captures a side of Burgundy which resonates with many wine lovers seeking different perspectives.
As the official UK importer, we are pleased to share with you the latest range of these singular Burgundy wines. In the low-yielding 2021 vintage where Durieux lost almost 80% of production, he managed to craft some true stunners, alas quantities are extremely limited and offered subject to prior sale.
JEANNOT 2021 £ 1,860 IB per 6x75cl £ 1,890 IB per 3x150cl (Mags) £ 1,270 IB per 1x300cl (Dbl Mag)
The Jeannot comes from the finest selection from the Les Dames Huguettes vineyard. Made with only the best grapes harvested only from the oldest vines, this in-vineyard selection of millerandage grapes results in a wine boasting heady perfume and stunning complexity. This is the quintessence of his family’s Domaine, made in honour of Yann’s grandfather who pioneered the original plantings in this terroir. A rare Cuvee of the utmost beauty and purity.
** NEW ** NSG 2021 £ 1,380 IB per 6x75cl £ 1,410 IB per 3x150cl (Mags)
NSG is a brand-new cuvee from a small vineyard in Nuits-St-Georges, facing the village of Vosne. One can see the influence of Durieux’s time at Prieure Roch – a solid, linear wine with layers upon layers of fruit slowly blossoming from the glass. Tight and angular at this early stage, this new addition is clearly made with a view for long-term ageing. A future classic.
LES GRANDS PONTS ROUGE 2021 £ 1,200 IB per 6x75cl £ 1,230 IB per 3x150cl (Mags) £ 830 IB per 1x300cl (Dbl Mag)
Les Grands Ponts originates from a tiny parcel located on a gentle hillside, parallel to the Côte, producing just two barrels a year. This rich and deep Pinot Noir earns its title “Grand”, and it is one of Yann’s Durieux's first "babies". An iconic wine with plenty of muscle and ageing potential.
LES 1er PONTS ROUGE 2021 £ 435 IB per 6x75cl £ 465 IB per 3x150cl (Mags)
Les 1er Ponts is aromatically one of Yann's most immediately rewarding wines. From old vines planted on the hillside of l’Abbaye de la Saint Vivant, right in the core of Durieux's holdings. A meaty Pinot sporting high-toned aromatics and beautiful acidity, making it a killer at the dining table. One for gourmands.
DH BLANC "DAME HUGUETTE" 2021 £ 900 IB per 6x75cl £ 930 IB per 3x150cl (Mags) £ 625 IB per 1x300cl (Dbl Mag)
Dame Huguette "DH" Blanc Chardonnay vines situated at 500 metres, from Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru vines, on a limestone plateau. The soil is just 10-20 cm deep – in some places there is no topsoil at all – and the vines’ roots burrow deep into the bedrock. It was Yann’s grandfather who delineated this vineyard and Yann grew up here. Yann harvests this wine only when the all other wines are in barrel. This late harvest gives such small yields that the resulting concentration is impressive – an immense wine that many call the “Montrachet” of natural wine.
Also available at the cellar, the new 2022 vintage of..
Love & Piff Aligote' 2022 - £ 171 IB per 6x75cl Les Grands Ponts Blanc Maceration - £ 555 IB per 6x75cl Les Beurots Blanc Maceration - £ 735 IB per 6x75cl La Gouzotte Rouge 2022 - £309 IB per 6x75cl Night Cost Rouge 2022 - £ 435 IB per 6x75cl Les Ponts Rouge 2022 - £ 360 IB per 6x75cl
And some back vintage from wines not produced in 2021
