Based in Nuits-St-Georges, the famous Domaine Faiveley was founded in 1825 and in more recent times, the domaine has greatly expanded its vineyards across the entire Cote d'Or. The grapes are entirely destemmed and fermented in a mix of new wooden vats for the top end wines and stainless steel for the lesser cuvées. Once notorious for being fairly austere, there has been less emphasis on extraction over the last ten years and the wines show increased freshness, purity of fruit and more judicious use of oak. A contender for one of the most improved domaines in Burgundy over the last decade.

Clos Rochette is a 11 acre monopole of Domaine Faiveley located in the heart of the Mercurey appellation. This is an extremely rocky vineyard with soils of clay, limestone and gravel. Vines date back to 1960. Grapes are hand harvested, sorted and pressed on site in Mercurey. Following vinification the young wines are brought to the domaine cellars in Nuits-St-Georges for aging. To preserve freshness only a small portion of the wine is aged in oak, with the majority staying in stainless steel for the 10-12 month aging period. 100% Chardonnay

This is brimming with flinty character that lights up the restrained citrus and pear fruit on the generous, medium bodied palate. Very long, elegant, fresh finish with a salty minerality that gives it excellent tension. From a five-hectare monopole site. From organically grown grapes. Matured two thirds in oak, mostly in 300-liter barrels, and one third in stainless steel. Drink or hold. Rating: 93 Points; Stuart Pigott in James Suckling