Charles Lachaux Bourgogne Aligote les Champs d'Argent 2018 (750ML)

92 WA / 16.5 JR

The raison d'être for Lachaux's négociant project is to produce the 2018 Bourgogne Aligoté Les Champs d’Argent, which derives from a parcel in the commune of Vosne-Romanée that was planted in the 1930s and 1990s. From vines trained using the échalas system and cropped at 42 hectoliters per hectare, the result is extraordinary, soaring from the glass with aromas of waxy citrus rind, fresh pear, white flowers and struck match. Medium to full-bodied, rich and textural, its supple and enveloping attack segues into a deep, concentrated core that's underpinned by tangy acids and chalky extract. This is well worth seeking out. William Kelley – The Wine Advocate

 Lachaux's négociant project has its raison d'être in his Aligoté, a cuvée inspired by the wines of Domaine d'Auvenay, but its inception has given him the opportunity to purchase fruit from young growers seeking to improve their farming. "I know some of these contracts will be short-lived, as naturally many of my suppliers will want to make their own wines in due course," he tells me, "but in the meantime, I'm happy to have the opportunity to vinify some other appellations." With their distinctive labels, designed by his talented wife, Lachaux has clearly differentiated these from his domaine wines, something which I commend. William Kelley – The Wine Advocate

• Size: 0.60 ha (1.48 ac)
• Variety: Aligote
• Vine Age: 1/4 planted in the 1930s, 3/4 in the 1990s
• Terroir: Located in the commune of Vose-Romanee, bottom of the slope. Very white, marly soils.
• Viticulture: Lutte raisonnee with biodynamic methods
• Vinification: Whole clusters directly pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation in barrel. Aged for 12 months in barrel (no new oak), unfined, unfiltered. No added sulfur.

 Negoce label created by Charles Lachaux but unlike most of the wines under this label, this is from the domaine's own fruit. 

 Pale gold, intense aroma of citrus and wild herbs. When I went back to it, I was surprised by a note of smoky bacon! Pear and grapefruit on the palate with a fine and attractive grip to the texture. Full in the mouth but fresh. Subtly spicy. Broader than it is deep but finishes fresh and lemony. Chewy and spicy on the finish. An Aligote with lots of personality. (Julia Harding MW) – JancisRobinson.com