A visit to the Javillier family is always both a pleasure and a great learning experience with great insight from either Patrick himself or his daughter Marion. Marion now takes the lead in running the estate with her husband, 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.
Our visit this year highlighted the importance of harvest date for Chardonnay. Javillier harvested early and it is clear why, as the wines possess a balance with plenty of freshness. The character of each terroir are remarkably clear. 2015 is a great success for the Javillier family.
Domaine Patrick Javillier, Bourgogne Blanc, Cuvée Oligocène 2015
A regular recommendation from Atlas, the Cuvée Oligocène shone once more in 2015. 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. At this price and quality level, the wine offers fantastic value year after year. The 2015 is very elegant and classy; an effortless wine with surprising cut in the context of the vintage. A consistently impressive wine for early to mid-term ageing. In fact, it can be broached from shipment. Drink 2016-2019
£185 per twelve bottles in bond
Domaine Patrick Javillier, Meursault, Les Tillets 2015
Meursault Les Tillets is regularly mistaken for a Premier Cru and in 2015, this quality is once again on show. The family have 1.5 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. The 2015 is surprisingly taut and nervous with plenty of floral character, especially elderflower. This is a well-structured Tillets shaped by a prominent acidity and underpinned by a stony, mineral character. The 2015 fans out on the finish to reveal a layered complexity. There is a strong sense of potential here for those prepared to wait. Drink 2018-2023
£340 per twelve bottles in bond
Domaine Patrick Javillier, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2015
The Javillier family have just 0.17 hectares of vines within this Grand Cru, in a parcel known as Les Pougets, which benefits from a warm, due South aspect. The 2015 is precise and driven yet generous with a touch of lifted spice and persistent length. This is less steely than the 2014 but no less serious; the 2015 is understated and seamless with tremendous harmony. There is more emphasis on the fruit than on savoury nuttiness allied to the stony mineral character that is a hallmark of top Corton Charlemagne. This impressive effort stains the palate and leaves the taster with a strong sense of future potential and pleasure. Drink 2019-2025
£460 per six bottles in bond