Pommard, Les Perrieres, Domaine Launay-Horiot, 2020

Domaine Launay-Horiot is new to the Honest Grapes list but the noise coming from this little Domaine was too loud to ignore. The consistency of quality over the past few vintages has culminated in something truly remarkable in 2020 and that is why we can no longer keep him off our list. Likened to Armand Rousseau by Neal Martin and one to watch in this unique vintage, this highly decorated ex-Air Force fighter pilot must be one of the most remarkable stories in the Côte d’Or.

Saving the family domaine, which dates back to the 18th century, Xavier Horiot fought an 11yr court battle with family members to keep the estate and reignite the work left by his beloved grandfather. In only his 6th vintage, this quietly spoken national hero only expresses his gratefulness for being able to farm his grandfather’s land. It was a joy to meet Xavier back in November and his calm, focused nature truly reflects the elegance and precision of the wines he makes.

"There was occasionally a clarity that reminded me of Armand Rousseau" Neal Martin on Domaine Launay Horiot

This 2.2 hectare monopole vineyard boasts some seriously old vines (some over 100yrs) and this is why there is such concentration, elegance and precision without demonstrating the warmth of the vintage. This is no ordinary village Pommard - vibrant, open knit and juicy wine with crunchy red fruit leading the way and a fresh, aromatic and mineral mid-palate. There is persistence an energy flowing right through to the finish. Superb. Nick Daniell, Club Wine Buyer
From ancient vines. 14% alcohol. Deep dark purple, very rich fruity, rather in the sun-dried cherry style. Intense with high acidity and dry tannins. Very long thick textured finish, but the ripeness of the fruit has gone beyond my personal threshold. Tasted: December 2021 87pts Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy