Benoît Moreau (2021)

24 November 2023

Hailed as one of Burgundy’s most exciting new winemakers off the back of a sensational debut in 2020, Benoît Moreau has delivered a triumph with the first vintage from his own vineyards.

Since dividing the family holdings at Domaine Bernard Moreau with his brother Alex, Benoît farms 4ha of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Chassagne-Montrachet – including distinguished 1er Crus ‘Les Fairendes’ and ‘La Maltroie’ inherited from his father – as well as 1.5ha of Gamay in Beaujolais Villages, Chiroubles, and Morgon.

A proponent of biodynamics and cutting-edge farming methods such as tressage – the laborious and highly skilled practice of braiding the vine canopy – Benoît is increasingly recognised as one of the Côte de Beaune’s most talented growers.

Pressed slowly and fermented using indigenous yeasts, the domaine’s whites spend 18 months in barrel, their seductive aromatics and supple textures underscored by incredible energy and mineral tension, while Benoît uses light infusions to produce delicately perfumed reds with slender cheekbones in touch with contemporary tastes.

2021 was an exceptionally challenging vintage for Burgundy and the domaine saw losses of up to 70% across some vineyards. Although quantities are miniscule, the quality and ageing potential of these wines makes Benoît’s achievements all the more remarkable.

With Chassagne-Montrachet as the village increasingly on wino’s lips and Benoît among those leading the next generation, this has rapidly become one of Burgundy’s most sought-after allocations. We can offer just one bottle of each cuvée per customer.

Bourgogne Blanc 2021 (£55) Sold out
From vines in Chassagne-Montrachet. Perfumed with yellow fruit, lively, and bright.

Chassagne-Montrachet 2021 (£105/£240) Sold out
From 8 different parcels. Seductive and spicy, its waxy texture cut by electrifying acids.
92-94 Points, Vinous

Chassagne-Montrachet ‘Les Charrières’ 2021 (£130) Sold out
From old vines under Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet. Sappy and saline with killer acidity.
93-95 Points, Vinous

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru ‘Les Fairendes’ 2021 (£160) Sold out
From limestone soils. Mineral-rich, chamomile, orange pith. “Heart-stoppingly wondrous.”
94-96 Points, Vinous

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru ‘La Maltroie’ 2021 (£160) Sold out
From two parcels on clay soils. Powerful with crushed chalk, orange rind, and frangipane.
94-96 Points, Vinous

Corton-Charlemagne 2021 (£350) Sold out
From négociant fruit. Yellow plum, white tea, grilled almonds. Long and languorous.
94-96 Points, Vinous

Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2021 (£70) Sold out
Open with brambly red fruit and damp earth. Taut and fresh.
90-92 Points, Vinous

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Rouge ‘La Cardeuse’ 2021 (£110) Sold out
From clay soils. A red berry and rose petal bouquet. Poised and energetic.
91-93 Points, Vinous

Beaujolais

L’Arlesienne Beaujolais Village Rouge ‘Aux Gauthiers’ 2022 (£36) Sold out
From old vines in Morgon at 520m. Crunchy, with dark cherries and bitter orange.
88 Points, Vinous

L’Arlesienne Chiroubles ‘Chatenay’ 2021 (£48) Sold out
Rounded, but brisk and fresh – touches of cassis filtering through tart red fruit.
87-89 Points, Vinous

L’Arlesienne Morgon Corcelettes ‘Janins’ 2021 (£48) Sold out
Pretty and lifted with spicy dark berries and black pepper. Fine tannins.
89-91 Points, Vinous

L’Arlesienne Morgon Corcelettes ‘Truges’ 2021 (£48) Sold out
From south-facing vines. Juicy fruit and spices – Benoît’s richest, fullest red.
90-92 Points, Vinous