Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru 'Sous Frétille', Maison Pierre Meurgey, 2022

Our second vintage from Pierre, who divides his time between vineyards in Macon and the Cote d’Or, the latter being made in Chateau de Bligny, formerly the winemaking base of Jane Eyre. Pierre characterises 2022 has having “ripeness and preserved freshness". He suggests that despite the hot year the wines do not have the same concentration as 2020 - which were more forced because of the early harvest, and instead show a greater natural balance, being made from “happy fruit” as he puts it.

He notes the wines have gained more body during élévage but retain a fresher style than normal solar vintages. Head Wine Guru Tom's notes are a little brief as an unexpected appointment to taste the Hospices de Beaune 2023 wines at the cuverie prior to this year’s auction cut across our appointment so we raced through these wines with almost indecent haste! We highly suggest you take your time to appreciate them more leisurely as there is plenty to enjoy here.

“An elevated, sunny site, at the top of the hill overlooking Pernand that was promoted to 1er cru status (for whites) from the 2000 vintage onwards. The vines get plenty of sun but the height ensures a cooler fruit profile. Like the village wine this was fermented in barrel, one out of three of which was new.
Limpid colour, lime-flecked, with a bright, high-toned nose of apple skin, mirabelle, fresh almonds and acacia blossoms. Palate is focussed and energetic, the oak well absorbed, crunchy pear fruit and notes of beeswax and acacia honey lead to a juicy, sapid finish. Pernand is perennially under-rated but the quality here is undeniable and the value point exceptional. We missed out on getting an allocation of the 2021 but are delighted to have cases to offer this year. It comes highly recommended."
Tom Harrow, Head Wine Guru