Melbourne-born Jane Eyre-Renard, one of the pioneers of the growing micro-negotiant movement, has been based in Burgundy since 2003, paying her dues at some top domaines including de Montille and Comtes Lafon. She currently makes her own wines in a facility in Bligny-le-Beaune, shared with, among others, Dominique Lafon. Her wines, whether from Beaune, Nuits, or Beaujolais, display her distinctive style - charming and inviting, with supple tannins and soft but bright fruits. Gentle extraction and judicious use of new oak means these have been among the more immediately appealing Burgundies in our portfolio. The 2018 vintage however has clearly stamped its imprint over Jane’s wines as there is greater power, deeper fruit and gravitas allied to the usual charm and definition. Her decision to include 30% whole bunches (as opposed to none last year) has given the wines extra depth and complexity to balance the ripe fruit. Meanwhile her preference for early bottling, important in a vintage like 2018 to preserve freshness and prevent the fruit drying out, still means the range is pretty accessible, but it is definitely serious. Jane says “ultimately vintage and vineyard should trump your winemaking” but in 2018 all three elements have combined to create something rather special.
From a biodymanic site, just beyond Chassagne Montrachet, under the windmill, which is reputed to share a similar soil structure to Chambolle Musigny. Santenay can be tannic and rustic so you just need to work the wines carefully say Jane, and the warm vintage has helped smooth the edges. This “Chambolle of Beaune – at a third the price” shows plenty of sweet spice, cherry and plums, leading to a mouthfilling red berry palate, with some earthiness, lots of stones and a saline grip to the finish. Tom, Wine Guru
Australian Jane Eyre makes a small but increasingly well recognised range of Pinot Noirs as well as Down Under. This was picked at the end of August, but still quite a ripe, plush, palate-coating style, with 30% whole bunches and 25% new wood. The fruit is appealingly supple and is balanced by appealing acidity and zip. 92/100, Tim Atkin MW
3 barrels, 1 new, from certified organic and biodynamic vines, 30% whole bunch. Gorgeous dense mid purple with classy fruit on the nose. Ripe certainly (13.5%) but very engaging, and with a welcome freshness at the back. I like the intensity and energy here. 89-92/100, Jasper Morris