Domaine Patrick Javillier
It is always a pleasure to visit the Javillier family, but our November trip was particularly encouraging, as the 2014s showed exceptionally well, highlighting the success of this vintage for whites in this area. Although, as we have noted before, Patrick remains the driving force at his domaine, the estate is now run by his daughter, Marion and his son-in-law, Pierre Emmanuel. The vineyards originally comprised just three hectares, of which two were Village Meursault and the third of which was given over to the Aligoté variety. There are now ten hectares which extend over 14 separate appellations. The heart of Domaine Javillier will always be in Meursault, as the Domaine has six different plots of Village-level vineyard. Each parcel is vinified separately and then aged in barrel as appropriate before assembling the final blend or cuvée. The result is impeccable quality with modest pricing given that his vineyards and wines are rated so highly.
Domaine Patrick Javillier, Bourgogne Blanc, Cuvée Oligocène 2014
A regular recommendation for Atlas, the 2014, Cuvée Oligocène shone in 2014. It is named after the distinctive limestone soil from which it derives. But do not be fooled by the humble Bourgogne Blanc status of this wine, as much fruit is actually from the communes of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, where the vineyards are not classified not as Villages. At this price and quality level, the wine offers fantastic value year after year. The 2014 has lovely lemon and mineral aromas on the nose. The palate always shows good weight and density of flavour, but this year there is an extra dimension of depth and interest with plenty of citrus fruit, a touch of spice, and the firm structure that seems to stem particularly from chalk vineyards. A consistently impressive wine for early to) mid-term ageing. In fact there is no necessity to wait. Drink 2016-2019
£150 per twelve bottles in bond
Domaine Patrick Javillier, Meursault, Les Tillets 2014
The 2014 vintage of Meursault Les Tillets shows considerable weight and fine texture. This is perhaps no surprise considering the very successful year for the Javillier family – not to mention that the wine is consistently mistaken for Premier Cru. The family have 1.5 hectares of the total 12 hectares of vines which sit at the top of the Meursault slope. Here, temperatures are cooler than the slopes below, thereby imparting good structure and acidity which results in greater longevity. Along with stone fruit and citrus aromas, the 2014 has a hint of jasmine about its fragrance, coupled with spice. The palate is well-structured with succulent lemon, peach and tangerine, and a markedly refreshing note on the finely-woven finish. A fuller bodied vintage, there is terrific depth of flavour and persistence. A great white Burgundy at a relatively humble price tag. Drink 2017-2022
£275 per twelve bottles in bond
Domaine Patrick Javillier, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014
The Javillier family have just 0.17 hectares of vines within the Grand Cru, in a parcel known as Pougets, which benefits from a warm, due South aspect. The 2014 is full-bodied and will provide mid-term ageing given its powerful, well-constructed palate and steely structure. The fresh, youthful aromas of lemon and lime mix with acacia honey and hazelnut from French oak barrels on the nose, pre-empting a complex array of flavours on the palate. There is a stunning texture to the impressive 2014. This has the typically satisfying, fruit-driven nature of Corton-Charlemagne allied to the taut structure of great white Burgundy. Drink 2019-2025
£370 per six bottles in bond