Santenay Premier Cru, Les Gravières, Jane Eyre, 2018

Melbourne-born Jane Eyre-Renard, one of the pioneers of the growing micro-negotiant movement, has been based in Burgundy since 2003, paying her dues at some top domaines including de Montille and Comtes Lafon.

She currently makes her own wines in a facility in Bligny-le-Beaune, shared with, among others, Dominique Lafon. Her wines, whether from Beaune, Nuits, or Beaujolais, display her distinctive style – charming and inviting, with supple tannins and soft but bright fruits. Gentle extraction and judicious use of new oak means these have been among the more immediately appealing Burgundies in our portfolio.

The 2018 vintage however has clearly stamped its imprint over Jane’s wines as there is greater power, deeper fruit and gravitas allied to the usual charm and definition. Her decision to include 30% whole bunches (as opposed to none last year) has given the wines extra depth and complexity to balance the ripe fruit. Meanwhile her preference for early bottling, important in a vintage like 2018 to preserve freshness and prevent the fruit drying out, still means the range is pretty accessible, but it is definitely serious.

Jane says “ultimately vintage and vineyard should trump your winemaking” but in 2018 all three elements have combined to create something rather special.