Place: Gevrey-Chambertin — Burgundy, France

Variety: Pinot Noir

Farming: Organic/Biodynamic

The producer

Between 2001 and 2004 Oronce de Beler worked for the well-known French magazine La Revue des Vins de France, after which he enrolled in Beaune's wine school.

During his studies he met Jeremy Seysses of the renowned Domaine Dujac, who offered him grapes from parcels his family had bought, but didn’t yet want to release under the Dujac label. Circumstances like this don't occur often and Oronce leapt at the opportunity, buying everything he could afford. Consequently, his first vintage was a release of Village and Premier Cru—an opportunity thousands would fight for. 

He now works closely with the farmers, opting for organic and biodynamic practices and as little intervention in the cellar as possible. The resulting wines are energetic, uninhibited and elegant. Given the quality of the vineyards he is working with, the prices have yet to catch up, making this a steal until more cotton on to the bargain to be found here.

The wine

The 40-year-old vines that produce La Justice are extremely low yielding, producing just 20 hectolitres/hectare. The little fruit that does come into the winery is sorted meticulously before being fermented using indigenous yeasts and without destemming. The wine is then aged in barrel for 19 months before transfer to bottle unfiltered and unfined. 

The fruit of this wine is all-encompassing, showing generous amounts of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, all perfectly balanced with toasted, herbal and balsamic characters. A delicate body and finely tuned tannin complete this wonderful package.