Wines

From the importer: The domaine’s top red wine is the cuvée Charles de Batz, which was the original name of d'Artignan. The wine is composed of 90% Tannat with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines that are between 50 and 100 years old. After being completely destemmed, the Cabernet and Tannat are fermented separately in cement tanks. During this time, a bit of micro-oxygenation or microboullage takes place. The wine then goes into oak (50% new) in an underground cellar where it also undergoes malolactic fermentation. After 12 months in wood, it is blended and bottled after a very light filtration.

Very ripe, rich Madiran that takes no prisoners. This wine succeeds in obtaining more fruit than tannin! The color is nearly opaque—wine doesn't get much darker than this. It displays notes of black fruit (blackcurrant and blackberry) along with just a hint of red fruit. There is a cedar-like creaminess to the oak which is extremely well-integrated. Tannins pick up on the finish but, let's face it, this is Madiran and that is to be expected. These tannins seem to dissolve when the wine is matched with richly flavored meats like leg of lamb, duck, goose or game.

Size: 0.2 ha (0.5 ac)

Vine Age: Planted in 1983, 1984

Terroir: From the lieu-dit Aux Boutières in Savigny-les-Beaune, on clay-limestone and marl soils.

Viticulture: Farmed by Seiichi, biodynamic (not certified).

Vinification: Directly pressed, lightly decanted (12 hours), indigenous yeast fermentation (usually lasts 2 months) in barrel with no added sulfur. Aged in barrel (no new oak) for about 9 months, then racked with minimal SO2 adjustment. No fining, no filtration, bottled before the next harvest.

0.6 ha (1.48 ac) planted in 1933, two different vineyards with terres blanches soil; En Blanche (Pommard) and Amerot (Volnay), aged in barrel (30% new oak).

From the importer: This is a delicious white wine that is young, stylish, and is a little different. It is pale gold in color and offers a well-balanced taste, and ranges from a fruity bouquet with notes of apple and lemon to a more floral palette. In the mouth, this vibrant wine tickles the taste buds.  It is a perfect match for grilled fish, and its liveliness and citrus notes stand up well to the saltiness of oysters and strong goat cheese. Learn More

94 Points! Extremely perfumed with violet and blueberry aromas that follow through to a full body with creamy, refined tannins. Wonderful depth, due to the compact fruit and vertical line of tannins. Black pepper to the dark fruit. Better in two or three years. Try after 2022. - JamesSuckling.com

91 Points! A full-bodied red with aromas of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets and black licorice. Tannic and chewy with a firm core of dark fruit. Try from 2023. - JamesSuckling.com