Product Information:
White flowers and struck-match feature in the bouquet, over what is clearly a very deep, rich wine with obvious real old vine intensity. This is a real step up in intensity and character with the cooler site adding a little more acidity and lift to the wine. When you think about it, this is a fabulous village Meursault and a total steal when you compare it to the $1,000+ price tag of Chevaliers from his cousin Raphael (Coche-Dury). As William Kelley (Wine Advocate) states, ‘[Fabien Coche] is one of the most underrated sources of high-quality white Burgundy in the Côte de Beaune.’
Les Chevalières lies just above the village of Meursault where the slope follows at the same elevation as the Premier Crus just a little further south. Chevalières adjoins Les Luchets which is positioned against the top part of this lieu-dit.
Coche's wines represent excellent value, people should realise Burgundy is still accessible, particularly in appellations not of interest to investors’, as Wine journalist Matthew Hayes explains. '[Fabien Coche] Traditional rather than austere modern wines, they are oaked but not over-oaked, and substantial without being fat. They are fairly priced, too, if anything in Burgundy remains actually fairly priced.'
Maker:
Established in 1940 and formerly known as Coche-Bizouard, the Domaine Fabien Coche is dedicated to cultivating the exceptional qualities found in the renowned wines of Burgundy. With a commitment to traditional methods, Domaine Fabien Coche carefully tends to every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard work to bottling, ensuring the production of wines that are truly exceptional. Fabien Coche, is a fourth-generation vigneron, who took over the management of his family's prestigious domaine in 2005, following in the footsteps of his well-known relatives.
Fabien Coche’s father is a first cousin of Jean-Francois Coche-Dury and it is not so long ago that the two domaines shared almost identical labels. Fabien started working with his father in 1998 and since 2005 has taken over the running and now has his own distinctive labels. The Coche-Dury family holds a prominent position among Burgundy's esteemed families. Fabien Coche's holdings were formerly part of the same estate until 1940, Coche-Dury is now overseen by Fabien's cousin Raphael. Fabien has become a prominent figure in the wine industry, achieving notable success in the current generation. Showcasing his expertise and passion, Fabien's impressive collection of vineyards covers approximately 11 hectares, encompassing Meursault, Monthelie, Pommard and Auxey-Duresses.
Stylistically the wines at this estate are incredibly pure with little (if any) discernable mark from the hand of the winemaker with new oak at a low 25% and a notable percentage of larger format barrels. I would place the style of his wines in-between that of his cousins Coche-Dury and Roulot. Fabiens wines have the acidity and purity of Roulot without the trademark SO2 which tends to mark Roulots wines when young, and also without the extravagant luxuriant texture that so defines the wines of Coche-Dury. Here we simply find real old vine depth delivering some of the purest expressions of each vineyard site that we have seen right the way through the range from Aligote right to the very top.
Vineyard:
The vineyard was established in 1940, this estate spans prestigious appellations including AOC Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard, Auxey-Duresses, and Monthelie, both village and premier cru. The vineyards, covering 12 hectares and have been practicing organic viticulture since 1998. With vine is high ranging from 8000 to 11000 per hectare. Average vine age is impressive here with more than 60% of vines over 60 years old. The domaine is currently transitioning to fully organic vineyards, which should be complete by 2024.
Nose - Lemon, Apple, Brioche
Lemon, apple, brioche on the nose.
Palate - Satiny, Lemon Tart, Tangy Acids
Rich and full on the palate. Satiny and incisive, with tangy acids.
Finish - Grapefruit, Chervil, Chalky
Freshness from the acidity and a herbaceous veil with chalky minerals in tow.
From four parcels planted mainly in 1962, the mid 1970s, then 1998 and 2006. Cask sample. Mid lemon. Lemon, apple, brioche on the nose. Rich and full on the palate. Freshness from the acidity and a slightly vegetal, herbaceous veil. - Matthew Hayes, Jancis Robinson, 16.5 Points (Distinguished)
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region- Burgundy
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%
