Louis Latour Santenay 1er Cru La Comme

Santenay is the Côte d'Or's last important wine growing region, lying adjacent to and south of Chassagne Montrachet. There are around 1,270 acres under vine, of which 99% is Pinot Noir. One third of the land is entitled to Premier Cru status. Typically the Santenay 1er Cru possess strawberry and cherry fruit, with a pronounced mineral like, stony, earthy character along with the scent of almonds, and good body. The wine is also capable of long ageing. (12 x 75 cl)

With only 5% of the total hectarage under vine being planted with Chardonnay, this wine is something of a rarity. Coming from the famous spa-town of Santenay, which serves as a rest-cure for those committed to long-term Burgundian indulgence, this white wine is fresh and bursting with ripe apple and nut notes. The finish is smooth and pleasurable. Soil: Marl and limestone. Vinification: 100% malolactic fermentation. (12 x 75 cl)

Unusually for the Cote d'Or the system of pruning employed by the growers of Santenay is the Cordon Royat rather than the simple Guyot. The producers argue that the increased richness of the soil in their vineyards needs to be compensated for by not overly burdening the vines by keeping them young and vigorously pruned. They produce admirable, lively wines, with a very abundant and special bouquet reminiscent of strawberry and cherry. Soil: Rich marl and limestone. Vinification: Traditional open vat fermentation with 18 months ageing in oak barrels. (12 x 75 cl)

With only 5% of the total hectarage under vine being planted with Chardonnay in this appelation, this wine is something of a rarity. However, it is an excellent alternative to some of its more illustrious neighbours of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, this completely satisfying Santenay has a pale gold colour. It is medium-bodied with aromas of pears and peaches with light dried fruit characters. Sophisticated, with balanced acidity, this wine boasts a surprising depth of flavour and a persistent length. (12 x 75 cl)

The village of Pommard is comfortably sandwiched between the town of Beaune and the commune of Volnay. In contrast to the wines of its close neighbours, those of Pommard tend to be fuller, more tannic and expansive in the mouth, similar to those of the Côte de Nuits. The Epenots is solid and firm in its youth and needs time to mature and mellow out before revealing its full glory. It is intense and spicy with a distinct truffle bouquet and a flavourful richness. The 1998 Pommard 1er Cru vintage has a concentrated deep red robe and the palate is a reflection of the concentrated fruity aromas. The wine has a lingering finish and a good length. (12 x 75 cl)

The vineyard of La Grande Roche is quite high up on the hillsides, catching plenty of sunshine which aids the great concentration of flavours in the grapes. The wine is floral and crisp with flavours of nuts and dried fruit. Soil: Limestone, chalk and clay. Vinification: stainless steel. (12 x 75 cl)

An oak-matured wine from the village regarded as the best for white wines in the Cote Chalonnaise and from one of Burgundy's top shippers. Talented winemaker, Jean-Pierre Jobard, is noted for producing reliably consistent wines. (12 x 75 cl)

Louis Latour Montagny 1er Cru La Grande Roche from France, Burgundy, Montagny by Louis Latour Rich Dry Whites (12 x 75 cl)

The vineyard of 'La Garenne' is in the heart of a cluster of the finest Premier Crus from Puligny-Montrachet, amongst wines such as 'Les Truffieres', 'Les Chalumaux' and 'Les Perrieres'. The wine is rich and opulent with a focused 'gout de terroir'. The typical flavour of the wine of 'La Garenne' is buttery rich with a spicy exotic fruit character and a crisp balancing acidity. The finish is lingering. Soil: Limestone and scree. Vinification: 12 months ageing in oak barrels with 100% malolactic fermentation. This La Garenne has a dramatic lemon-yellow shine. Smoky fruit aromas combine with delicate floral scents. This is a rich, full wine with sensational animal fruit character (12 x 75 cl)