The story starts with old friend Victor Chapuis , who called us last September with a problem. After months of hard work in the vineyards of his family's fifth-generation estate in the Mâconnais, he'd a meticulously selected parcel of intensely flavoured Pinot Noir … the best he'd ever produced!

Victor has always grown Pinot Noir at his small domaine, usually to bolster Burgundy blends, but this was far too good to squander this way … it demanded ageing in its pure form! "This fruit deserves the Rolls Royce of barrels" he exclaimed, yet Victor simply hadn't enough barrels to mature the wine … and a clever idea was born!

Our French office supplied 20 top-of-the-range Dargaud & Jaeglé barrels (as used by the top Crus), so you can snap up this glorious red that's enjoyed a long slumber in finest oak … for a fabulous price!

"Deep aromas of crushed raspberry, smooth cherry and violets and a rich mouthful of forest fruits with earthy truffle notes. 12 months in oak and 6 in bottle will deepen the complexity of this already magnificent gem. Should be a treat for the dinner table, with boeuf bourguignon, of course!"