2022 Auxey-Duresses Blanc, Maison Jaffelin

There is a very delicate golden hue in the glass with almost silvery glints, offering a sense of elegance and purity.

A swish and you tease delicate aromas of citrus fruit, a touch of melon and apricot and a saline mineral quality that's hard to pin down but very alluring.

The palate is as pristine as the aromas suggest, delicate pear and citrus fruit with a steely minerality and creaminess to the palate. There's a very delicate texture and a fine, perfectly-judged balance between creaminess and a slatey minerality and steely crispness. The finish is dry and fresh but a with a subtle warmth which holds for a long time.

This really does remind me of fine Chablis, but in place of the racy palate cleansing zip, there is a creamy richness. It doesn't feel as though it is from time in barrel as the flavours are so pure, rather it's been drawn from the stony lime rich soils in which the vines are planted.

Quite a wine, I think that its texture and freshness would make this wonderful with seafood, but equally impressive with seasonal canapés, and will complement a hearty winter roast with all the trimmings wonderfully.

James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler