Marion Javillier was justifiably upbeat about her 2020s. Like so many, she was warmer and more welcoming than ever, overjoyed to be seeing clients again and being able to taste the 2020s after the hardships of the more recently harvested 2021s. She has produced a glorious range of white wines in the 2020 vintage which seem to capture all the fruit ripeness allied to glorious citrus freshness that the vintage allowed. There is that sense of terroir evident in all the wines that seems to characterise so many wines in 2020, while the typical Javillier joie de vivre also shines through.
2020 Bourgogne Côte d’Or, Cuvée des Forgets, Domaine Patrick Javillier
£105 per 6 bottle case in bond
Clean, fresh, gently expressed fruit cocktail style to the nose with a citrus slant. The citrus flavours come through more strongly on the palate, but it is the overriding sense of ease and balance that dominates here in an all too drinkable glass of well-made Bourgogne Blanc. Drink 2022-2024
2020 Bourgogne Côte d’Or, Cuvée Oligocène, Domaine Patrick Javillier
£125 per 6 bottle case in bond
Initially closed but opens slowly to pure, clean, elegant and ripe citrus aromas with a white stone mineral touch. A supple, subtle sweetness on the attack gives way to a clean, fresh lime fruit length and a gentle stony grip. A really fine Oligocène. Drink 2022-2026
2020 Meursault, Les Tillets, Domaine Patrick Javillier
£240 per 6 bottle case in bond
Tension and purity are the dominant themes here. The palate opens with a notable sweetness of fruit which is then cut by a mineral drive and crystalline clarity on the mid-palate. There is a wonderful harmony through to the finish and excellent persistence and tension. Drink 2023-2028
2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Domaine Patrick Javillier SOLD OUT
£660 per 6 bottle case in bond
A touch of fennel on the nose with lemon and greengage notes. The palate is long and powerful but with precision and energy. Really lip-smacking, mouth-watering and saline. The core of fruit is ripe, pure and balanced. The finish is long and mineral with a subtle almond note at the very end. Another beautifully made and very fine Corton-Charlemagne from Javillier. Drink 2025-2035