Jane Eyre Fleurie

Melbourne-born Jane Eyre-Renard, one of the pioneers of the growing micro-negotiant movement, has been based in Burgundy since 2003, paying her dues at some top domaines including de Montille and Comtes Lafon. She currently makes her own wines in a facility in Bligny-le-Beaune, shared with, among others, 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 judicious use of new oak means these have been among the more immediately appealing Burgundies in our portfolio. The 2018 vintage however has clearly stamped its imprint over Jane’s wines as there is greater power, deeper fruit and gravitas allied to the usual charm and definition. Her decision to include 60% whole bunches (as opposed to none last year) has given the wines extra depth and complexity to balance the ripe fruit. Meanwhile her preference for early bottling, important in a vintage like 2018 to preserve freshness and prevent the fruit drying out, still means the range is pretty accessible, but it is definitely serious. Jane says “ultimately vintage and vineyard should trump your winemaking” but in 2018 all three elements have combined to create something rather special.

Tom, Wine Guru

"From elevated vines and 60% vinified as whole bunch. Also 50% in 500-litre old oak. Bursting with morello cherry fruit and a note of vanilla and nutmeg, then a whiff of bacon fat and woodsmoke, and more dry spices. The palate has an unexpected florality – violets mostly, and a hit of kirsch backed by peppery tannins. Jane is once again showing how cru Beaujolais needs to be taken seriously."

90+ pts, William Kelley, WA

"Opening in the glass with aromas of cherries, smoked meats, spices and rose hips—as well as a touch of light reduction that dissipates with air—Jane Eyre's 2018 Fleurie is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and textural, its powdery structuring tannins cloaked in a succulent core of fruit. While it's charming enough to be drunk now, it's also endowed with the substance to age. Drinking window 2020-2033"