Burgundian to his bones: Francis Lechauve
Meloisey is not the best known wine village in the Cote de Beaune. In fact we had to look it up, but it is splendidly placed (just west of Beaune) for a producer who has vines all about. You would think that all worthwhile growers in this region must have representation but as we regularly see this is not the case. So we are delighted to welcome Francis Lechauve's wines to our list.
Francis didn't just grow up around vines; he was working in his neighbour's vineyards from the age of 12. Meanwhile, he attended the Lycee Viticole in Beaune and by his late teens was already working in wineries. After a 17-year apprenticeship at Domaine Douhairet Porcheret, he left to establish his own winery. In terms of sheer experience, few people can have started their own domaine better prepared.
His vineyard philosophy and winemaking is simple, in the best possible sense. He sorts and harvests by hand, relies on natural yeasts and uses new oak only sparingly. His Hautes Cotes de Beaune marries perfume and structure, while the Beaune Vieilles Vignes has more power, density and matter. His Pommard is elegant and beautifully integrated. The St-Romain has the brightness, energy and oranges and lemons you often find in Puligny, while the Meursault brings piquancy and a touch of toast. Francis Lechauve may still be relatively undiscovered, but he is not set to remain that way for long. Come and try these wines for yourself, on tasting from noon today. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; available immediately
