JMIB March 2024 Newsletter

Spring is resisting Springing – it has all been a bit too soggy for that. It seems to have rained almost every day since late October, though not too violently – no floods at least in the Côte d’Or.

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, and the local belief is that the wind on Palm Sunday (le Vent de Rameaux) will be the prevailing wind for the rest of the year. It was a particularly cold version of a wind from due west – but I have little faith in the proposition, especially not for this year.

Since last we communicated, I have spent several days in the Beaujolais, several days in the Mâconnais and the biennial week of the Grands Jours de Bourgogne. This last is always fascinating because it gives me a chance to try producers who are not part of my regular visiting rounds – some I have never heard of before, others do already have a good reputation, but I have not yet managed to visit. Many gems emerged, the subject of upcoming reports.

The next three reports to be sent out – apart from slipping in a few more 2022 tastings – are all rather special. First up, later this week, is a fabulous account covering the 40 year career of Dominique Lafon at Domaine des Comtes Lafon with plenty of background to the domaine and the man himself, plus notes on over 150 wines spanning his career, at least three from every vintage.

Once you have digested that, we shall bring you Jane Skilton’s report on new releases, mostly from the 2022 vintage, of pinot noir and chardonnay from Central Otago. A great way to see who is making exciting wines in this favoured part of the South Island – especially as Jane was able to arrange to taste them all blind.

Our trio will be completed by our very first report from Australia, taking a look at the different regions which produce pinot and chardonnay, as well as an overview of the 2023 vintage. This, and an introduction to our new contributor from Australia, will be unveiled in the second week of April.

Now I must get back to typing up my notes from all my recent tastings, and preparing for an overdue trip to the Côte Chalonnaise.

Best regards,

Jasper