Nicolas Potel inherited his father’s, Gérard, passion and love of high-quality Burgundy wines and traveled the world to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the most prestigious winemakers and learn new approaches to work in vineyards. Nicolas later carried on the family philosophy into his own winery, La Maison Nicolas Potel. La Maison Nicolas Potel is a pioneer in innovation and modern techniques and have built their reputation by making wines from he most beautiful vineyards of the Burgundy region. 

‘Petit’ may indicate its junior status to Chablis – Petit Chablis is grown on the less prestigious Chardonnay vineyards compared to Chablis – but don’t let this fool you. Petit Chablis can be an exciting wine in its own right. Hails from a warm vintage but it’s reasonably tightly formed, super dry and quite delicate, so, the message here is, don’t over chill. Inviting lemon rind, crisp apple aromas with white pear and flinty, oyster shell. Gets a little wild on the palate, introducing an attractive savoury edginess which fits in easily with the citrus, apple, stony minerality, dill and splash of wild honey. Good textural appeal, too, depth and length. Date: July 2024; Price: $70.00; Drink by: 2024-2030; Rating: 93 Points; Jeni Port; Wine Pilot

Nicolas’s father, Gerard, was a famous name in Burgundy (as is Nicolas) and made some wonderful wines. He had many supporters and friends in Australia and there was a time when, if one was travelling to Burgundy, spending a few hours with Gerard was almost compulsory (and a great pleasure). Nicolas has gone out on his own and forged a wonderful reputation, sourcing grapes from all around the region. A winemaker who is definitely worth following, not least because he has, at least to an extent, resisted the headlong rush to insane pricing for his Burgundies. A golden yellow hue, the nose exhibits hints of stone fruits, figs, citrus, lemongrass, peaches and river stones supported by a soft texture with juicy acidity and fine balance, right through to a lingering finish. A most alluring style at the moment, which will drink beautifully over the next five to six years. Date: Sept 2024; Price: $70.00; Drink by: 2024-2030; Rating: 92 Points; Ken Gargett; Wine Pilot