Roc Breïa Pinot Noir 2023 (1500ml)

The Roc Breïa Pinot Noir vines are a touch younger than the Chardonnay and were planted between 1970 and 1985. This wine is vinified with some 50% whole bunch, followed by maturation in used 500-litre barrels. Dancer makes a rigorous barrel selection, eliminating anything he doesn’t like from the final blend. The wine is made in the same minimalist earth-to-glass spirit as Dancer’s Côte d’Or reds under the Vincent Dancer label: no yeast additions, very low sulphur and no filtration.

The result is a wonderfully pure-fruited and elegant Pinot–a reminder of what the Mâconnais can deliver from this variety in the right hands. And why not? It’s Burgundy, after all, with clay-limestone soils. The 2023 is utterly delicious, packed with florals, red fruits and a lick of oak. There are plenty of fine tannins, too, and terrific length. Again, it loves air, getting better in a decanter or a big glass. And it soars with full-flavoured foods like game birds. Decant, serve, and fall in love.