Domaine Robert-Denogent

"Domaine Robert-Denogent is a domaine whose wines I'd never tasted. Given that they also lie outside the ‘true' Cote d'Or - way out in Pouilly-Fuisse - I've never felt the need to travel that far afield. But a couple of weeks ago I had the chance to taste, and the wines were really excellent - even more-so when factoring in the value versus a Puligny or Meursault. I started without my pen, but the wines were so good I had to find it, hence, the notes gradually get longer!" Bill Nanson, www.burgundy-report.com, December 2007

Jean-Jacques Denogent is one of the few winemakers in the Macon held in the same regard as those 70 miles to the north in the Cote d'Or. Having taken the reins at the domaine in 1988, he started to build up its reputation, working closely with Marcel Lapierre in Morgon and the great American terroiriste-cum-importer Kermit Lynch.

With just 5ha of vineyards, this is a small domaine where demand frequently outstrips supply. Those 5 ha are split across several of the best terroirs in Pouilly and are planted with an enviable number of old vines. The Cuvee Claude Denogent, named after Jean-Jacques' father-in-law, is made from 83 year old vines and Les Carrons from vines a decade older than that planted on an exceptional site with heavier clay soils. These are incredibly intense wines with fantastic minerality whilst retaining that richness and warmth of fruit that distinguishes great Pouilly-Fuisse.