2021, Domaine de Villaine, RULLY, 1er Cru, (Cuvée Ronde)

Domaine Notes: As you know, Burgundy encountered in 2021 terrible spring frost, reducing between 65 to 70% of the estimated volumes. This is what our six white Rully 1ers Crus experienced. Facing the few harvested berries, we decided to blend them and produce a “Cuvée Ronde”. This Rully 1er Cru stands out with a beautiful, dynamic energy, persistent and fresh accompanied with a small reduction on opening. On the palate, the influences of each terroir find their place: aromatic freshness brought by the limestone of Les Margotés, the pure and refined elegance of Grésigny, the muscat sensation of Montpalais, the structure and brilliant grain of Les Cloux, the fruity and salivating youth of Raclot and to finish the rich maturity of Rabourcé. This blend of our six premiers crus produces at the same time a racy and digest wine, where we find promising purity and balance. It should be drunk within two or three years when all the characteristics of each lieu-dit have fully blended.

The 2021 Rully 1er Cru is a blend of six Premier Cru vineyards, since de Villaine lost 75% of the crop. It has a light but focused, almost Puligny-like bouquet, with touches of petrichor coming through with time. The palate is quite sapid on the entry. Very lightly spiced, with crisp acidity and a saline finish, this is an intriguing, quite cerebral Rully that will be difficult to resist in its youth. Tasted at merchants' 2022 Burgundy tastings in London. 89 Neal Martin, Vinous (2024).

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033