Secret De Famille Chardonnay, Albert Bichot, 2018

Always reliable, and well-priced, with a number of standout cuvees, Domaines Bichot continues its good run of form with 2018 vintage.

The Premier and Grand Crus from Clos Frantin, the flagship domaine, and increasingly the maison itself, continue to produce benchmark wines which offer real value and character, whist Domaine Pavillon’s Beaune Clos des Mouches’, is the white Burgundy of choice for the cognoscenti.

As Neal Martin comments, Bichot can make “really quite delicious, complex wines that often surprise people in blind tastings when not swayed by the label.” Once again our selections, from AOC Bourgogne to Richebourg, all show the precision, typicity and expressive, generous fruit expected of their level and mean there is something from the portfolio to suit all tastes and budgets. Head winemaker Alain Serveau is pleased that in 2018 the wines achieved sufficient concentration and structure whilst maintaining freshness and supple fruit.

"From plots across the Cote de Beaune, including Meursault, Puligny and Saint Aubin, and half aged in barrel (of which 20% is new) this achieves an impressive roundness and mid-palate depth for its modest level. Apples and smoky pears, and just enough bright acidity to keep the fruit on its toes. Light and juicy, very drinkable straight away." Tom, Wine Guru