Saint Véran Climat 'La Bonnade' La Soufrandière Bret Brothers 2019

Description

Grandfather Bret bought this property in Vinzelles in 1947. In 2000 Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret took their vineyards out of the local co-operative and established their Domaine de la Soufrandière, 4 hectares of vines entirely in the appellation of Pouilly Vinzelles. They have also developed a negociant activity using the name Bret Brothers.

Previous experience between them includes stages at Ridge and Newton in California and Comte Lafon in Burgundy. Most of their vines are in a perfectly situated east facing slope of Vinzelles called Les Quarts, on Bajocian limestone with a high silica/quartz content.

The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2000, with biodynamic principles being progressively introduced. The grapes, both their own and those purchased, are picked in small containers, then whole bunch pressed in the tinailler (local Maconnais and Beaujolais word for cuverie) before descending by gravity to the barrel cellar. They are currently all taken out of barrel for bottling after 11 months.

Certified organic & biodynamic, this is one of our favourite new discoveries. A beautifully pure, elegant wine with an enticing lusciousness and a long expressive finish.

The 2019 Saint-Véran Climat "La Bonnode" – is aged in concrete eggs for 12 months and six months in stainless steel vat. I actually discern more complexity on the nose compared to the regular cuvée with touches of white chocolate mixing with the yellow plum and orange zest, less menthol here. The palate is more tensile, lively and very focused - it seems to have more animation and energy on the finish. This is just sublime. 93pts Neal Martin, Vinous