2022 Daniel et Julien Barraud, Mâcon-Vergisson "La Roche"
The Barrauds have been instrumental in elevating the wines of Mâcon to Côte de Beaune levels of quality—all that’s missing are the Côte de Beaune-level prices!
Fermented and aged in French oak barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered, this 2017 from Barraud is an explosive, wonderfully pure white Burgundy; it drinks beautifully right now after a 30-minute decant but it sure to improve over the next 3-5 years as well. In the glass, it shines a deep yellow-gold with flecks of green at the rim, unleashing aromas of ripe yellow apple, white peach, lemon curd, crushed oyster shells (of which many are found in the Barraud vineyards), raw hazelnut, citrus blossoms, and wet stones. The wine is a lithe middleweight, with good concentration on the mid-palate followed by a zesty, fresh finish. Pair it with a roast chicken slathered with lots of herbs for a prime spot in the white Burgundy comfort zone. An unbeatable pairing and an incomparable value! Enjoy!