Melbourne-born Jane Eyre-Renard, one of the pioneers of the growing micro-negotiant movement, continues her inexorable rise to stardom.
Based in Burgundy since 2003, she has paid her dues at some top domaines including de Montille and Comtes Lafon and still assists the winemaking at Domaine Newman, whilst making her own wines in a facility shared with Dominique Lafon.
Her wines, whether from Beaune, Nuits, or Beaujolais, display her distinctive style - charming and inviting, with supple tannins and soft but bright fruits. Gentle extraction and oaking, and early bottling means these are among the more immediately accessible Burgundies in our portfolio.
It’s always a pleasure to see Jane – her wines are never less than extremely personable and engaging and 2019 is no exception. On arrival we learned she had just received a second star from the RVF (equivalent of the Michelin Guide for wine) – which is justly deserved. Jane suggests her 19s are styled nearer to the bigger 18s than the lighter 17s but with higher acid levels and thus are potentially longer lived.
Right out of the gate the Cote de Nuits Villages really soars and I really loved her “monopole” - the old vine biodynamic red Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru “Les Bondues” which unfortunately she will no longer have the contract to work from 2020 so be sure to get this unicorn when you can. The Gevrey 1er Cru Corbeaux is another standout and Jane’s plot buts right up next to Mazi-Chambertin Grand Cru. It was also brilliant to taste her Charmes Chambertin – which Nathan and I tasted last year, fresh off the vines, and loved so much we offered to crowdfund the barrel – and thanks to the generosity of Honest Grapes’s club members – we did! Watch out for more crowd-funded barrel projects like this in 2021...
Burgundy 2019 En Primeur: Super-Charged Classics
Tom and Clemence had a fascinating week in Burgundy and even with Covid-19 restrictions, they were able to meet and taste with the majority of our key growers - for which we are glad as 2019 is a vintage that deserves your attention: the reds have lived up to the early promise showed last year and the whites have surprised everyone, growers included, by turning out sensationally. In fact Tom can’t recall such an even-handed year in terms of quality since 2010.
For more information on upcoming releases, register to be added to our Burgundy 2019 En Primeur mailing list, or view our brochure.
Tom Harrow's 2019 Vintage Report
Could Burgundy 2019 rival the 1865 vintage as the greatest ever?! Our Wine Director Tom’s thoughts and recommendations.
Burgundy 2019 Hidden Gems
2019 is one of the great modern Burgundy vintages and here Tom reveals his favourite under-the-radar "Hidden Gems" with which to line your cellar.
Duty Paid: Duty and VAT already paid and available for delivery now. In Bond: Price quoted ex-duty and VAT, which must be paid before the wines can be delivered.
Duty Paid: Duty and VAT already paid and available for delivery now. In Bond: Price quoted ex-duty and VAT, which must be paid before the wines can be delivered.
