Cult Burgundy from Sylvaine Pataille
Some rare treats currently available from cult-producer Sylvain Pataille…
“Consulting enologist Sylvain Pataille owns this 15-hectare Marsannay domaine, where he produces brilliant wines that number among the Côte d’Or’s finest values.” William Kelley, The Wine Advocate.
I was particularly pleased to be able to explore the 2020s in depth with this extraordinary oenologist turned vigneron. There is no assumption in viticulture or vinification that he does not challenge, but there is no sense that he is being contrary for its own sake. The result? Some stupendous wines, mostly from terroirs and sometimes grapes as well, that would scarcely have been on anybody’s radar a few years ago.” Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy.
“Consulting enologist Sylvain Pataille owns this 15-hectare Marsannay domaine, where he produces brilliant wines that number among the Côte d’Or’s finest values.” William Kelley, The Wine Advocate.
I was particularly pleased to be able to explore the 2020s in depth with this extraordinary oenologist turned vigneron. There is no assumption in viticulture or vinification that he does not challenge, but there is no sense that he is being contrary for its own sake. The result? Some stupendous wines, mostly from terroirs and sometimes grapes as well, that would scarcely have been on anybody’s radar a few years ago.” Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy.
Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Blanc 'Les Mechalots' 2020
burgundy, france
$150
Pataille works with 0.3 hectares of Chardonnay in the Les Mechalots climat at the bottom of the slope. Pataille established this vineyard in 2010 using high-density, mass-selection plantings, and the vines also include a little Pinot Beurot, which Pataille likes for the complexity it brings to the blend. The deep alluvial soils here (with many small stones) bring texture to offset the tension. Fermentation starts in stainless steel, and the wine is transferred into seven-year-old barrels halfway through to finish its aging. The wine has not been reviewed, but this terroir routinely delivers village-level intensity, complexity and length.
