An utterly classic Burgundian Chardonnay of real class and poise. The nose has notes of white peach and citrus and a touch of white flowers. The texture is supple and smooth without any hard edges. It really speaks of Chardonnay with delicate oak and a hint of almond.

Olivier Merlin (originally from the Charolais region) is widely regarded as being one of the very finest wine makers in the Mâconnais - a region at the southern end of Burgundy that makes honest and refreshing wines without the pricetags of their northern cousins. Olivier and his wife Corinne began in 1987 by renting 4.5 hectares of vines from a neighbour who was on the verge of retirement. Since then he has been buying the property in stages as well as adding new vineyards. The idea has always been to do the job properly, get the best of the terroirs progressively inherited. All the basic rules are respected: working the soil, biodiversity in the new plantings, hand-picking and selection of old vines for grape buying. The growing methods are adapted to the plot but they respect soil and plant. He has established a reputation as one of the region’s most dynamic growers, a reference point for the Maconnais. His whites demonstrate Olivier's exceptional winemaking talents from lowly appellations. They are frequently taken for wines from further north if tasted blind, but they are affordable for mere mortals like us - a great bargain from Burgundy. An utterly classic Burgundian Chardonnay of real class and poise. The nose has notes of white peach and citrus and a touch of white flowers. The texture is supple and smooth without any hard edges. It really speaks of Chardonnay with delicate oak and a hint of almond.