2015 Burgundy Vintage

Why Buy 'En Primeur'?

Buying En Primeur is a method of purchasing wine before it becomes more widely available on the open market, particularly from the more sought after regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Wines can generally be bought En Primeur during the year following the grape harvest, often whilst the wine is still being made - which can be as much as two or three years - before the wine is finished and ready for delivery. Buying En primeur allows you to purchase at the 'opening price' - usually the cheapest price at which a particular wine will ever be available. It's often also the only way of securing parcels of wine which may never make it onto the open market. Fully mature examples of the most sought-after Bordeaux and Burgundy on the market are very scarce indeed and often appreciably more expensive.

En Primeur prices do not include duty or VAT, both of which are payable when the wine is removed from bondedstorage and delivered. You can opt for delivery straight after the wine is shipped, or keep it in storage 'under bond until you're ready (for which a small storage fee will apply). If you'd like to cellar some wines for drinking at optimum maturity (and don't have your own home cellar), why not give it a go?

For ease of purchase, we've also decided to include a 'duty paid delivered' price on some wines for immediate drinking, which is the En Primeur price, plus UK duty, a contribution to delivery and inclusive of VAT. If you choose to purchase 'DPD', we'll contact you as soon as the wine arrives with us in the UK to arrange onward delivery if it isn't already available.

Most wines will be shipped into bond by the end of 2017 and we'll contact you once they've arrived.

To place your order, or for friendly, knowledgeable advice, please contact your salesperson, or call 01206 713560 or email sales@mrwheelerwine.com

^{*UB These wines are available En Primeur 'under bond'. Prices are not inclusive of UK duty and VAT, which are payable at the prevailing rate (On publication duty was 925.01 a case, plus 20% VAT) upon delivery from bond. Wines will be shipped by the end of 2017 and we'll contact you once they've arrived. Additional delivery charges will be due, at the prevailing rate.}

^{**DPD These wines are available En Primeur 'duty paid, delivered'. UK Duty and VAT are included in the price, and the wines are available for immediate collection or UK delivery, without additional charge.}

Domaine Séguinot-Bordet can trace its history back to 1590, although the winery, now run by Jean-Francois Bordet, is anything but dated. The wines are made in a well-equipped modern winery, with vinification taking place in stainless steel vats. The domaine's vineyards occupy some of Chablis' most prime sites, and following 3-5 months 'lees ageing' the wines have a wonderful luscious and pristine style.

Chablis
There is a wonderful concentration of flavours, and a steely minerality which is rarely found in Chablis of this level. Touches of melon, citrus and delicate stone fruit, with tropical notes and fresh, mineral-laden, dry finish. The 2015, as with previous vintages, is beautifully balanced, richness - which is due to additional ageing on the lees - and depth of fruit flavour with steely, wet slate minerality and fresh seam of acidity. A grown-up style of Chablis from this ultra-consistent producer.
Drink now-2018, £99.00 per case of 12 UB*, £154.80 per case of 12 DPD** (12.90/btl)

Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Drink now–2020, £165.00 per case of 12 UB*, £154.80 per case of 12 DPD** (12.90/btl)

Chablis Grand Cru Bougros
Drink 2018-2022, £160.00 per case of 6 UB*

 

Domaine Saumaize-Michelin | Vergisson, Maconnais

Roger and Christine Saumaize run this 14 Ha domaine in Vergisson, in the Pouilly-Fuissé,appellation. Production here is entirely biodynamic, and the extra care and attention this dictates is very evident in an extraordinarily well made range of wines. 28 parcels are cultivated by Roger – we have chosen our favourites from St Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé.

Saint Véran ‘Les Crèches’
Drink now–2019, £180.00 per case of 12 UB*, £252.00 per case of 12 DPD** (£21.00/btl)

Pouilly-Fuissé ‘Clos sue La Roche’
Drink now–2020, £245.00 per case of 12 UB*, £330.00 per case of 12 DPD** (£27.50/btl)

Domaine Talmard I Uchizy, Maconnais

Benjamin and Mallory Talmard can trace their family's roots in the Maconnais back to the 17th Century. They make a number of wines from the very different 'climats' of the individual villages in the region. Their hugely drinkable Macon-Uchizy has been one of our most popular wines of the year, and the recently shipped Montbellet brings a whole new level of complexity and intensity.

Mâcon Monbellet 'La Bergerie' 
The nose is very pretty and elegant, with aromas of honeysuckle and ripe orchard fruits. The Maconnais gives a warmer, broader style of chardonnay than further north in Burgundy, and this roundness of fruit is perfectly balanced with crisp, fresh citus notes. Rich and textured in the mouth, with pear and apple flavours and subtle notes of exotic spice.
Drink now-2019, £97.50 per case of 12 UB*, £153.00 per case of 12DPD** (£12.75/btI)

Domaine Rois-Mages I Rully, Côtes Chalonnaise

A new estate for us in the Chalonnaise for 2015, Domaine Rois Mages - founded by the delightful Anne-Sophie Debavelaere in 1984. Anne-Sophie now runs the domaine alongside her son Felix, who was recently awarded the 'Jeunes Talents' trophy for the best new winemaker in Burgundy. These are the best Rullys - both red and white - we have tried for quite some time.

Rully 'Plante Moraine'
A very appealing Rully — warm, open and honeyed with ripe citrus fruit. A touch of smoky richness and mineral intensity enhance the luscious white fruit. An earlier drinking wine, with noticeable class.
Drink now-2018, £168.00 per case of 12UB*, £237.60 per case of 12DPD** (£19.80/btI)

Rully 'Les Cailloux' Rouge
Drink 2018-2021, £200.00 per case of 12UB*

 

Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy I Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune

Jean Louis Chavy and his brother Alain split the family domaine 10 years ago, and now make very different - but equally delicious - wines in this famous village. Jean-Louis' style is more forward and earlier drinking with more roundness. He bottles comparatively early, at around 14 months from the harvest, yielding delicious Puligny of great generosity and texture.

Puligny-Montrachet
Jean-Louis's village wine is always amongst the best value we taste. Precise, mineral and stylish, but also showing lots of open, forward character. Soft and rounded, with 20% ageing in new oak casks adding richness and complexity.
Drink now-2020, £320.00 per case of 12UB*, £420.OO per case of 12DPD** (£35.00/btI)

Domaine Jacques Carillom Puligny-Montrachet, Cöte de Beaune

We have been visiting the Carillon cellars in Puligny for many, many years, and this is Undeniably one of the very best domaines in the village. These are classic, 'grown-up' burgundies, exhibiting all that is best about Puligny. Not a great deal of wine here in 2015, so early action recommended!

Puligny-Montrachet
Bucking the trend of the vintage, Jacques's Puligny needs time in bottle to blossom fully — tasting at this stage it is quite restrained, but the underlying poise and class is evident. Typically weightier and more intense than many other from the village, Carillon's village is quickly becoming the yardstick by which others are measured. Very good indeed.
Drink 2018-2021, £396.00 per case of 12UB*

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Perriers
Drink 2018-2022, £760.00 per case of 12UB*

Domaine Gérard Thomas I Saint-Aubin, Côte de Beaune

Gérard Thomas's wines have become firm favourites of ours over the last few years. Winemaking at this excellent domaine is now handled by Gérard's two daughters Anne and Isabelle. The Thomas house style is one of purity, freshness and precision, with very well-judged use of oak.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien
This is undoubtedly one of the best value white burgundies around, and is a now a firm fixture in our annual Burgundy offer. Rich, intense and powerful with perfectly judged oak. From a higher-altitude vineyard very close to the best vineyards of Puligny. This is very much Puligny quality at a Saint-Aubin price.
Drink now-2020, £250.00 per case of 12 UB*, £336.00 per case of 12 DPD** (£28.00/btI)

Domaine Boyer-Martenot I Meursault, Côte de Beaune

This estate has been on our radar for a couple of years now, and continues to make rich, honeyed Meursault, for drinking relatively young. Vincent Boyer has recently inherited the winemaking reins from his father Yves, and we have been hugely impressed by the great balance and finesse achieved here in 2015. Fine, fresh citrus acidity and mineral notes sit very comfortably here alongside the broader, honeyed, nuttier flavours of this village's wines.

Meursault 'Cuvée Fernand Boyer'
Drink now-2019, £842.00 per case of 12 UB*, £446.40 per case of 12  DPD** (£37.20/btl)

Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune

Jean-Marc Pillot is one of our Burgundian favourites, such is the quality and consistency of his wines. In addition to our annual purchase of village Chassagne and 1er cru Chenevottes, we have also taken a parcel of Jean-Marc's excellent value St-Romain. Also new to us this year - one of Jean-Marc's reds - a brilliant Santenay, which is very highly recommended.

Saint-Romain ‘La Périère’
Drink now–2020, £190.00 per case of 12 UB*, £264.00 per case of 12 DPD** (£22.00/btl)

Chassagne-Montrachet
Drink now–2020, £175.00 per case of 6 UB*, £228.00 per case of 2 DPD** (£38.00/btl)

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes
Drink 2018-2022, £260.00 per case of 6UB**

Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru
Drink 2018-2023, £1550.00 per case of 6 UB**

Santenay ‘Les Champs Claude’
This is the first red we have bought from Jean-Marc Pillot, and is highly recommended. When we tasted this with Jean-Marc, it was obvious how pleased he was with it. From vineyards close to Chassagne-Montrachet, and a great advertisement for the quality of 2015 — lots of warmth, and vibrant red and black berry fruit. Rich chewy tannins and luscious cherry and blackberry flavours.
Drink now-2022, £110.00 per case of 6 UB*, £150.00 per case of 6 DPD** (£25.00/btl)

Domaine Henri Darnat I Meursault, Côte de Beaune

Henri Darnat was new to us last year, and his brilliant premier cru Meursault sold out almost immediately. Henri took over the family domaine in 2000, and prioritises ripeness of fruit, yielding wines of great intensity, with a broad, honeyed character balanced by crisp citrus acidity. Clos Richemont, farmed organically, is the smallest premier cru in Meursault and owned solely by the Darnat family.

Bourgogne Chardonnay 'La Jumelie'
Drink now-2019, £120.00 per case of 12 UB*, £180.00 per case of 12 DPD** (£15.00/btl)

Merusault 1er Cru Clos Richemont
Drink 2018-2021, £468.00 per case of 12 UB*

 

Domaine Patrick Javillier Meursault, Côte de Beaune

Patrick has been a good friend of ours for many years, and his delicious 2015s are sure to be popular. A tasting in the Javillier cellars is a highlight of any visit to Burgundy, and his wines are now quite rightly regarded as among the very finest in Meursault. Patrick's highly sought-after wines are notable for their longevity, and his wines have a poise and deftness of touch the envy of most winemakers in the village.

Bourgogne Blanc 'Cuvée Oligocène'
This is one of the best value wines in Burgundy. Very much a Meursault-in-miniature, but also with a nod to Puligny, as the vines are at the Puligny end of the village. Extremely well-balanced with a fine, mineral structure and vivacious citrus acidity. Concentrated with a touch of richness and notes of hazelnut and spice. Sure to be extremely popular.
Drink 2018-2020, £190.00 per case of 12 UB*

Meursault ler Cru Les Tillets
Drink 2018-2022, £175.00 per case of 6 UB*

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
Drink 2020-2025, £480.00 per case of 6 UB*

Domaine Hubert Lamy | Saint-Aubin, Côte de Beaune

Olivier Lamy runs what is widely considered to be the best estate in Saint-Aubin. The wines here are of the quality of Olivier’s neighbours in Puligny-Montrachet at a fraction of the price. We were absolutely delighted to welcome the Lamy range back to our portfolio with the 2014 vintage, and recommend their 2015 most highly – Olivier is clearly a very, very talented winemaker.

Bourgogne ‘Les Chataigners’
Les Chataigners is Lamy’s highest and coolest vineyard, and has a real freshness and zip of citrus to enhance the ripe, orchard fruit flavours. Open and appealingly expressive with a sophisticated, mineral palate. Bourgogne blanc in name. but very much St-Aubin in stature – a great introduction to one of the Côte de Beaune’s best winemakers.
Drink now–2019, £165.00 per case of 12 UB*

Saint Aubin 1er Cru Clos du Meix
Drink 2018-2021, £285.00 per case of 12 UB*

 

Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard I Savigny-Lés-Beaune, Côte de Beaune

One of Savigny's oldest domaines, originally founded in 1529. Jean-Jacques has been producing wine here as the sole proprietor since 1998, and with significant recent investment in the cellar and winery, is producing outstanding wines. With his long experience of viticulture, Jean-Jacques firmly believes that the best wines are made in the vineyard, and thus focuses his efforts on optimising the quality and health of the grapes themselves, which is reflected in his delightfully supple wines.

Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc
Drink now-2019, £230.00 per case of 12 UB*, £312.00 per case of 12 DPD** (£26.00/btl)

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
Drink 2019-2015, £590.00 per case of 6 UB*

Savigny-Lés-Beaune Rouge
Drink 2018-2022, £175.00 per case of 12 UB*

Savigny-Lés-Beaune ler Cru Laviéres
Lavieres is planted with many of Domaine Girard's oldest vines, and is consequently one of the most intense, characterful and ageworthy. Irresistible perfume on the nose with lovely spiced, sweet, red fruit. Finer, softer and smoother than most Savigny with structure, spicy oak and pure red berry fruit in perfect balance. An exemplary expression of Pinot Noir.
Drink 2018-2026, £280.00 per case of 12 UB*

Aloxe Corton
Drink 2018-2026, £280.00 per case of 12 UB*

Corton Grand Cru
Drink 2020-2028, £360.00 per case of 6 UB*

 

Maison Jaffelin I Beaune, Côte de Beaune

Jaffelin, housed in the impressive cellars of the Collegiale Notre Dame in Beaune, is the smallest of the great Burgundy wine houses'. Their resources are large, but they have the 'hands-on' winemaking ethos of a small domaine. We introduced their wines to our portfolio last autumn, and the old vines Meursault was amongst our favourites from the range.Meursault Vieilles Vignes from a parcel to the west of the village of Meursault — harvested by hand, and aged for12 months in barrel — of which 40% new oak. Very attractive earlier drinking Meursault - nice perfumed style - more elegant and less opulent than some. Very well balanced, with honeysuckle aromas and orchard fruit to the fore. A touch of exotic spice and nutty richness emerging on the palate.
Drink now-2021, £175.00 per case of 6 UB*, £228.00 per case of 6 DPD** (£38.00/btI)

Domaine Aleth Girardin I Pommard, Côte de Beaune

Aleth Girardin makes some of the best wines in Pommard, and we have been following them for many years, so we were very pleased to secure an allocation from the excellent vintage. Aleth’s family have been winemakers for four or five generations – after studying law, Aleth joined the family business in 1978, and took on the winemaking in her own right in 1995. These are serious wines, of great intensity, structure and longevity.

Pommard ‘Noizons’
Deep and dark in colour with an abundance of warm, sweetish blackberry fruit. Great depth of fruit here – this ‘village’ Pommard would put many a domaine’s 1er crus to shame. Very well balanced, with ripe black fruits, supple tannins and subtle notes of sprice.
Drink 2020-2026, £265.00 per case of 12UB*

Pommard 1er Cru Charmots
Drink 2020-2028, £200.00 per case of 6UB*

Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens
Made from vines planted by Aleth’s great-grandfather in 1906, and showing all the intensity and depth which comes from particularly old vines. The Rugiens-Bas vineyard has been mentioned as a candidate for elevation to Grand Cru status, should this ever happen in Pommard. This is certainly of that level of quality, with real power and poise. Some exotic perfume on the nose, with luscious, solid black cherry fruit. One for the long term.
Drink 2020-2030, £290.00 per case of 6UB*

Benjamin Leroux | Beaune, Côte de Beaune

Benjamin has been a good friend of ours since his days at Comte Armand, and his powerful, impressive winemaking style shines through in 2015. A large number of wines are made at this estate, so it is difficult to narrow the selection - felling a little like a child in a sweetshop! The Auxey Duresses is delicious, and the Volnay is very hard to resist.

Auxey-Duresses
Drink now-2019, £110.00 per case of 6UB*, £150.00 per case of 6 DPD** (£25.00/btl)

Pommard
Drink 2020-2025, £195.00 per case of 6UB*

Vosne-Romanée
Drink 2019-2025, £270.00 per case of 6UB*

Volnay 1er Cru Les Mitans
Benjamin has always done very well with Volnay, and this 1er Cru Mitans is no exception – typically perfumed, expressive and alluring on the nose, but also with the hallmark Leroux concentration and structure
Drinks 2020-2026, £270.00 per case of 6UB*

Corton Grand Cru
Drink 2021-2028, £390.00 per case of 6UB*

Leroy | Meursault, Côte de Beaune

Alongside Domaine de la Romanée Conti and sister winery Domaine d’Auvenay, Leroy produces the most exclusive and highly-sought after wines in Burgundy, and its proprietor Lalou Bize-Leroy one of the region’s biggest names. Their wines and hugely sought after, and command eye-watering prices. A more accessible range is made under the Maison Leroy label, which are a great buy for those ‘in the know’ giving a flavour of the domaine’s almost peerless winemaking at a fraction of the price.

Bourgogne Rouge, Maison Leroy
This is a considerable cut above most other Bourgogne available, and the equivalent of many a domaine’s premier cru. Bursting with primary fruit, with profound aromas of cherry and strawberry, with sweet price and a touch of vanilla. Soft in texture with a ripe red-fruit palate, with a long, layered finish. A great expression of pinot noir at its best.
Drink 2018-2025, £325.00 per case of 12UB*

Domaine Michel Magnien | Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte de Nuits

Magnien’s 2014s were amongst the best we tasted – the 2015s are even better. Fréderic Magnien is the fifth generation to run this biodynamic family estate in Morey Saint Denis. This is one of the finest estates in the region with wines of extraordinary aroma, fruit and elegance partnering the trademark Magnien richness and depth, with subtles use of new oak. These are burgundies to make you sit up and take notice.

Fixin
A great introduction to the Magnien range, from this village close to Gevrey-Chamberlin. A very accessible style – ripe and expressive with lots of bright cherry fruit. Juicy and supple on the palate with pure pinot flavours and a pleasing structure.
Drink 2019-2024, £250.00 per case of 12UB*

Morey-Saint-Denis
Exhibiting bright, vivid cherry fruit in youth, with prominent ripeness and freshness. Nuances of the classic morey gaminess and spice are starting to emerge, with oak very much in the background at this stage. Appealing weight and luscious texture – the warmth of the vintage very much suits Magnien’s expressive winemaking style. A benchmark and delicious village Morey.
Drink 2019-2025, £315.00 per case of 12UB*

Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Sentiers
Drink 2020-2028, £380.00 per case of 6UB*

Close de La Roche Grand Cru
Drink 2021-2030, £780.00 per case of 6UB*

Domaine des Perdrix I Nuits-St-Georges, Côte de Nuits

A very fine source of reds. The Domaine was purchased in 1996 by Bertrand Devillard who continues to run the estate with his son Amaury and daughter Aurore. Excellent Nuits and Vosne are made at this domaine in a more fruit-forward, less rustic style than often found in the region.

Vosne-Romanée
Very Vosne in style — dark, complex and spicy with intense, pronounced black fruit. From vines next to the Grands Crus Echézeaux and Clos Vougeout, and noticeably more powerful in style than some. Warm, very ripe blackberry fruit softens the overall structure, and the general feel is one of the proverbial 'iron fist in a velvet glove'.
Drink 2020-2026, £280.00 per case of 6UB*

Nuits-St-Georges ler Cru Aux Perdrix
Drink 2020-2026, £360.00 per case of 6UB*

Echézeaux Grand Cru
Drink 2022-2030, £800.00 per case of 6UB*

Domaine Alain Michelot | Nuits-St-Georges, Côte de Nuits

Another very good domaine, who we have revisited in the 2015 vintage. Business here is handled by Alain Michelot, his son-in-law Christian, and daughter Elodie – who we have known for many years. The style of the 2015 vintage very much suits Michelot, with their carefully judges use of oak and minimal interventions giving wines of pure, succulent fruit, and dense, impressive structure.

Nuits-St-Georges Vielles Vignes
Vines of between 50 and 70 years old give extraordinary intensity and depth in this finely crafted Nuits. Very well balanced, with a firm, tannic structure held seamlessly, in check with ripe summer pudding flavours. Sweet, ripe red fruits with a chewy richness, and flavours of spice and woodsmoke emerging subtly. A very well made wine of great character and generosity. Drink 2019-2025, £295.00 per case of 12UB*

Morey-St-Denis 1er Cru Les Charrieres
Drink 2020-2028, £195.00 per case of 6UB*

Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Les Cailles
Drink 2020-2030, £230.00 per case of 6UB*

Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru
Drink 2020-2030, £600.00 per case of 6UB*