Benoît Moreau L'Arlésienne Chiroubles 'Chatenay' 2022

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.

From old vines in Morgon at 520m. Crunchy, with dark cherries and bitter orange. 88 Points, Vinous