Jura

*New* 88 Côtes du Jura AC 2007 Les Varrons
Julien Labet

Grape:100% Chardonnay (14% alc.)

This wine comes from an east facing plateau on a geological fault separating Bathonian and Bajocian limestones that weather to an ochre coloured decalcified clayey soil. Made from topped up barrels preventing oxidation, this wine is complex, with an old viney character and low yield concentration. Densely structured and very long with hazelnut notes and a hint of comté. A match in terms of complexity for many fine Côte de Beaunes. For drinking now to 2014.

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*New* 89 La Paille Perdue 2005
Julien Labet

Grape:55% Chardonnay, 35% Savagnin, 10% Poulsard (10.5% alc.)

Julien now adds a little Poulsard to give this wine an extra dimension. La Paille Perdue is a declassified Vin de Paille, the concentration of sugar not allowing the yeasts to reach the necessary 14.5% alcohol. In fact the residual sugar of 175g/ltr feels totally harmonious. Concentrated lexia raisins on the palate with a refreshing acidity. Delicious sweet wine, not cloying and all the better for having just 10.5% alcohol. For drinking now to 2014+. Sweet, price per 37.5cl.

* Half bottles are available

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90 Arbois Blanc AC 2004
Jacques Puffeney

Grape:100% Savagnin (13% alc.)

This wine comes from blue-grey marls, and has been aged for two years under a veil of yeast, in four to five year old barrels. From 30 hectos per hectare yields, it has wonderful mushroomy, hazlenutty flavours, nicely relieved by the savagnin’s characteristic acidity. For drinking now to 2014.

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91 Arbois Vin Jaune AC 1999
Jacques Puffeney

Grape:100% Savagnin (14% alc.)

Vin Jaune is the Jura region’s real speciality, from late-harvested savagnin – pressed and then aged under a yeast veil in older oak for six years, then assembled and aged in foudre for a further year. It is bottled (naturally, without filtration) in a distinctive ‘clavelin’ with a long neck and hunched shoulders – which holds 62cl – the amount of one litre of wine that is said to remain after six years of evaporation. Superb with rich, creamy dishes, it has a flavour not dissimilar to an aged amontillado sherry, with walnut and truffley tones. For drinking now to 2100.

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