Nicholas Pearce presents the wines of Nicholas Potel, available now…

Maison Roche de Bellene is the négociant of Nicolas Potel, a well-known and highly regarded winemaker in Burgundy.

Founded in 2009, the emphasis at Roche de Bellene is on individual terroirs from vieilles vignes (old vines — 40 years or older) that are farmed responsibly. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either BIO certified or farming according to the principles of lutte raisonnée (“sustainable viticulture”). This enables Nicolas to consistently produce the expressive, terroir-driven style that is his vision.

Maçon La Roche Vineuse AOC 2015
$24.95 12x750mL

Rich and bloody juicy La Roche Vineuse, just a kiss of caramel barrel, bite of green apple and dangerous schisty-savoury streak. Even a touch of flint. Great value without ever falling into fat or cream. Drink 2018-2021. Tasted May 2018. (Michael Godel, Winealign.com)

Viré Clessé AOC 2016
$27.95 12x750mL

Combining two of the best northern hillside slopes of the Macon region of Southern Burgundy, previously two separate Macon “Cru”: Macon-Viré and Macon-Clésse. Combined to make one single individual Cru as they share a single valley with the same limestone soils and distinct style.

This wine is elegant and floral with peach and pear aromas and light acacia honey notes accompany a refreshing finish.

Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2016
$26.95 12x750mL (Client Favourite)

The entry-level red Burgundy comes from vineyards in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. The vines range in age from 30 to 80 years and are farmed sustainably. The major part of this wine is matured in barriques and the remainder is done in stainless steel. This maintains a pure style with bright fruit and a fine texture. 100% Delicious.

Côtes de Nuits Village Vieilles Vignes 2014
$45.95 6x750mL

This is no ordinary Cote de Nuits-Villages. Organically farmed, 74-year-old vines in the limestone-rich soils of the village of Comblanchien, which is just south of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Jancis Robinson captures the wine’s personality well: “liqueur-like aromas of blue Pinot fruit, plum and game. Otherwise the medium weight flavours possess a beguiling texture as the dense extract both coats the palate and pushes the moderately firm tannins to the background on the remarkably persistent finish where traces of rusticity and warmth arrive.” Superb value for lovers of earthy Burgundies.

Gevrey-Chambertin Villages 2000
$72.95 6x750mL (91 pts – Wine Align)

The 2000s in Gevrey Chambertin were always going to take a while to come around and this is an excellent example of a wine that is in the midst of its maturity but with plenty of time left. Ripe red fruit, earthy forest floor and a hint of spice make for a delicious overall effect.

Eighteen years seems just about right for this Gevrey and though I’m trying to talk myself into saying nothing, at this price it’s the steal of the century. The fruit remains beautifully alive, buoyant and expressive, The acidity is wrapped tight and pulsing. Tannins are resolved but still in play. Great tonic engines whirl and spin, keeping everything in centrifuge rotation. Spice is right on the tip of the tongue. Amazing, drying out with grilled herbs but with some smoky food it will remain very much alive. Drink 2018-2021. Tasted May 2018. (Michael Godel, Winealign.com)

Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Hauts Jarrons 1er Cru 2014
$70.00 6x750mL (6 cases remaining – 93pts Wine Enthusiast)

This Premier Cru is situated in the southern half of Savigny, close to Beaune proper. Here it has produced a ripe generous wine full of spicy smoky red fruits and balanced acidity. The wine is still showing its baby fruit and needs time. Drink from 2019. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2016)

Volnay Vieilles Vignes 2014
$59.00 6x750mL (Limited Availability – 93pts Wine Spectator)

A bright, sleek style, displaying violet, cherry and black currant aromas and flavours. Well-structured and balanced, this lingers with smoke and mineral accents. Terrific length. Best from 2019 through 2032. Score – 93. (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, April 30, 2017)

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