From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste and Critical Acclaim: This 2021 Bourgogne Côte d’Or is made from older vines (around 40-70+ years old) planted in and around Meursault—the region with a reputation for producing some the softest and most rounded white wines in Burgundy. It displays a stunning array of vibrant golden apple, fresh white flower, and hints of hazelnut aromas, concentrated yet balanced with opulence and fine acidity.
“Firm reduction masks the nuances of white orchard fruit and soft floral scents. Here too there is a lovely sense of vibrancy to the nicely detailed yet rich and voluminous flavors that also conclude in a dry, sneaky long and slightly firmer finale. Also worth a look. Drink 2025+” —Burghound, Outstanding (June 2023, tasted from a barrel sample)
“Tank sample. Intense and tense on the nose – really rather lovely wine! Fattens out a bit on the palate but that’s no bad thing. I’m tasting fruit not oak and it’s perfectly ripe. Drink 2023-2027.” —Jancis Robinson, 16/20 points
Pairing: We have so many options with this wine! It would be wonderful with rich
cheeses, chicken and/or mushrooms in a creamy, buttery sauce (fettuccini alfredo,
anyone?), escargots, or a range of fresh seafood options like scallops or baked white fish. If you’re vegetarian, you could go the route of a potato gratin or veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers.
Chicken with Mushrooms and Wine by Mark Bittman
About: Jean-Philippe embodies a rich legacy, representing his family's third generation in winemaking. This remarkable journey began in 1981 when a young Jean-Philippe, fueled by his father's trust and the benevolence of the property owners, embarked on a journey to carve out his very own vineyard. Using the resources provided by the owners, he nurtured his first vintage at the young age of 20, marking the beginning of an era characterized by respect for the vine and the soil it grows in.
By 1984, his aspirations found a home in the acquired buildings at "Vieux Saint Christophe," paving the way to bottle his wines in his own cellars. Despite facing setbacks in 1991, Jean-Philippe’s unwavering resolve and a decade of diligent work helped him secure the trust of two new owners, setting the stage for an exciting chapter centered on the picturesque terrain of Burgundy.
In the new millennium, Jean-Philippe continued to push boundaries. The year 2000 saw him expanding by acquiring an old coaching inn at "le Creux du Coche." Following in 2001 was a series of milestones that saw the restoration of buildings and the grand organization of Saint Vincent Tournante’s festivities, where Jean-Philippe took charge of the cellars, heralding a new era in his winemaking.
He formalized his operations by founding the SARL Jean-Philippe Fichet in 2002, which allowed him to purchase a share of the grapes from the owners. By 2006, his vision had grown to encompass a holistic approach to viticulture, establishing his compost-making facility to maintain the health and quality of his soil. Jean-Philippe’s modernization is characterized by a relentless pursuit of precision, with an unwavering belief that each wine can genuinely reflect its terroir through extreme thoroughness.
