Macon/Côte Chalonnaise 2021: New Releases

After many years, premiers crus were finally recognised in Pouilly-Fuissé from the 2020 vintage. Château de Fuissé are delighted and proud that their superb monopole vineyard that sits just next to the historic château has been recognised with this classification. It is a 2.7 hectare vineyard, home to many old vines, some of which were planted as far back as 1929. The youngest vines you’ll find here are actually from 1984. There is real intensity in this wine, with toasty, candied lemon peel notes and a subtle anise lift on the nose. The palate is powerful in its concentration and textural complexity, packed full of peach, nectarine and a smattering of fresh ginger. The finish is mineral, saline and persistent, this wine is built to last! It is no surprise it has been upgraded.

Les Epenotes was the first site to be awarded premier cru status in Beaune. This parcel of between 65 and 80 years old, was planted by Claudie’s grandfather. Claudie comments that this parcel is the first to be harvested, which they always do themselves before their team arrives! The 2021 is packed full of spicy, red and even black fruit aromas. This wine has fantastic energy, the purity and depth of the fruit leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Very fine.

This is found in the south-east of the appellation, near Mercurey. In 2021, it is pleasantly aromatic with plenty of honeysuckle and green orchard fruit notes coming through. The abundance of pure fruit on the palate is matched with a delicious, mineral freshness that makes you want to reach for another sip!

This south-east facing stony site, not far from the town of Chagny in the northeast of the appellation, is a brilliant example of what Claudie Jobard is up to. The wine is so bright and citrusy, with a fine saline thread of acidity running through the fruit. Great energy.

This old vine parcel that once belonged to her grandfather, sits above the premier cru site Les Rugiens, with the vines having an average age of between 70 and 90 years old. Lots of complexity here, with aromas of red cherry, blood orange, wild rose and very nice reduction. The palate has great purity and depth of fruit, fine-grained slightly chalky tannins and a long, fine saline finish. Delicious.

This is the pinnacle of the Lafon wines in the Mâconnais, or as Dominique would put it, the ‘Porusots’ of the Mâcon domaine. That is to say: crystalline and pure, with a power, presence and precision you might expect from a much grander appellation in the Côte d'Or. In the brilliant 2021 vintage, it’s not to be missed.

Many parcels are blended into this brilliant wine, all from the Viré side of the appellation. The old vines thrive in the village’s clay-rich topsoil over limestone subsoil. The wines from this side of the appellation tend to be straighter and tighter than the more generous and rounded Clessé side. This is a brilliant 2021, but will need a little time to come together.