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We return
with an allocation of our favourite Burgundy
vigneronne’s 2016 vintage. This under the radar
domaine continues to deliver superlative
gorgeousness, quality and value. Large formats
included. Allocation rules may apply.
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DOMAINE
NAUDIN-FERRAND
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by Claire
Naudin
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| Exquisite,
ageworthy, lovable wines from our favourite
Burgundy vigneronne |
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Claire Naudin
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These,
whether white or red, are exemplary:
pure, gently oaky, intense and classy.
— Clive Coates, MW
Every single one was stunning. They
included a Hautes-Côte-de-Nuits — a
freaking Hautes-Côte-de-Nuits! — that
drank like a Grand Cru. We adore these
exquisitely perfumed wines...
— NOBLE ROT
Don’t be put off by the simple
Hautes-Côtes appellation, these are
fascinating wines.
— Jasper Morris, MW
For readers who may not be familiar
with the wines of this domaine, they are
an excellent source of inexpensive, well
made Burgundy. The wines are elegant and
pure examples of their type, which I
personally admire.
— Allen Meadows
To produce wines of emotion, it takes
talent, work and a lot of sensitivity.
Few are able to combine these three
qualities.
— Guillaume Laroche on Claire Naudin,
“Entre Les Vignes” |
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It is no secret that Claire Naudin is my favourite vigneronne
in Burgundy.
She is a reservoir of wisdom, empathy and genuine
warmth. And when you have a glass of her wine in
your hand in her cellar, the conversation is
immense, and immersive.
Your sensory faculties are engaged at every level:
the fragrance of the wines, their crystalline
energy on your palate, her astute commentaries,
her genuine interest in everything you say, the
curiosity as to how her flower-series appellations
could achieve such nobility . . One simply cannot
forget this experience easily.
Claire Naudin took charge of Domaine
Naudin-Ferrand in 1994 and has shaped it to
her own personality. She believes in sustainable
winemaking, and refuses standardisation to return
to traditional methods. Her wines deeply rooted in
Burgundian tradition carry all her sensitivity,
and a promise of a better future, including carbon
footprint control.
Claire is married to Jean-Yves Bizot of
the über-cult Domaine Bizot in
Vosne-Romanée. The young Thomas Berry who works at
Domaine Bizot and is a family friend all his life
agrees with my observation that Claire is one of
the smartest and most sensitive vignerons
in Burgundy today. He observes that the progress
Claire is making at her domaine is exceptional and
that there is more Bizot-Naudin think tank
partnership that shapes her current wines than the
couple will ever say publicly. They share many
thoughts together, about viticulture and
winemaking too, while independently applying their
approach in each domaine, imbuing their personal
touch.
Unsurprisingly, Domaine Naudin-Ferrand’s vineyards
are cultivated following organic methodology. In
the cellar, they are fermented with natural yeasts
in whole bunches (no destemming) with nature
yeasts and no additives are used except a trace
amount of sulphur just prior to bottling. She is
uninterested in labeling her wines as “natural
wines” per se. She is more concerned in being
ecologically responsible in her vineyards and that
her wine is as pure as possible so that the
character of each vineyard is captured in the
bottle.
On a personal front, Claire is quite sensitive to
sulphur and hence tries to use the product as
little as possible. Unsurprisingly, the most
exciting wines are those which are vinified with
whole bunches (all the stems) and without sulphur
(though a homeopathic dose of SO2 is added at
bottling to ensure that the wines remain stable
for transport.) Claire’s theory, which her wines
bear out admirably, is that there is none of the
harshness sometimes evident when the bunches are
vinified with their stems if sulphur is not used.
Instead a magical floral perfume emanates from the
wine.
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…Claire Naudin has been making
beautifully perfumed, floral wines
since she took over her father’s small
estate in 1994. Producing her best
wines using whole bunches and minimal
sulphur, Claire’s beguiling ‘Myosotis
Arvesis’ punches well above its
basic Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
designation.
— NOBLE ROT
The wines from the Hautes Côtes are
little more than 12 degrees alcohol but
have impressive density. All the wines
were vinified without sulphur, but have
had sulphur added before bottling to
ensure stability thereafter.
— Jasper Morris, MW
She is a strict
non-dogmatist (there’s a contrast in
terms for you) but she certainly has her
way without SO2.
In the end, just damned fine wine.
— Alice Feiring
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The domaine’s wines reflect the vigneronne
perfectly. Claire Naudin is intelligent,
confident, engaging and unassuming all at once.
She knows what she wants and it is evident she
works hard to get it. She’s patient yet decisive,
convicted but versatile, serious yet sympathetic,
and skilled but in touch with her instinct. This
mood is evident in her wines, gorgeous fine wines
of Burgundy that outperforms their appellations
and which, considering the surge in Burgundy
prices in the recent times, are still quite well
priced.
The wines of Domaine Naudin-Ferrand have no
shortage of admirers, attracting a cult following
in France and Japan and now, increasingly thanks
to the world’s interest in ultra pure Burgundy
wines, across other continents as well.
Burgundy Vintage 2016
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Harvest 2016 in Burgundy
looks set to be a “legend” although if we
are not careful it may be for the wrong
reasons.
Let’s be absolutely clear: everyone (whose
opinion we trust) considers 2016 to be a
qualitatively exceptional
vintage. In fact not a few vignerons go as
far as to admit that they prefer it to the
2015.
The “legend” of 2016 is the growing
season, especially a series of vineyard
disaster which can be summarised as:
frost, hail, mildew, rain and heat.
Understanding the collective impact of
these conditions is important to
anticipate how the wines eventually turn
out and to understand the context of their
reviews.
The catastrophic frost (the worst since
1981) and hailstorms in late April damaged
buds and leaves on the vines at an
unprecedented level. Yield potentials
dropped significantly as a result. The
mildew threats on these weakened vines
forced the growers to further limit fruit
set as they cleaned up compromised shoots.
This is not to mention that the ensuing
constant rainfall made it nearly
impossible to use efficient methods to go
between the vines to cast treatment.
Everything had to be done by hand, which
slowed down the efficacy of the vigneron’s
response. Imagine all these happened
before flowering even started!
The elemental battering induced a pause in
the vegetative cycle until a very warm
summer arrived which thankfully lasted
through near harvest. Nevertheless the hot
spell was without its own set of problems
— there were sunburnt grapes which would
not make it to harvest — and at some point
the growers began to worry about hydric
stress if this was to continue.
Fortunately the heavens opened in middle
September to relieve the mounting
dehydration, charging the berries with
welcome moisture. When harvest finally
took place in the last days of September,
the fruits had come into balance. The
vignerons loved what came into their
wineries: pristine, ripe and succulent
fruits replete with freshness and terroir
definition. Well, at least for whatever
little that made it till the end.
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2016s deserve a place
in your cellars and there is no reason
not to go heavy – I for one will be
buying all that I can afford and find.
— Allen Meadows, Burghound
(2016) ranks among the most perfect
vintages of recent years
— Aubert de Villaine, DRC
At times, the best 2016s stand shoulder
to shoulder with the fêted 2015s, and in
some cases, they surpass them.
— Neil Martin
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For consumers, the only
concern for 2016 Burgundy will be the lack
of quantity. Most of the domaines we work
with lost between 30-60% of their normal
crop, and in a rare handful, up to 80%.
Indeed, due to the destruction that
happened in the spring, 2016 is the
smallest Burgundy crop this decade
(matched perhaps only by 2012.)
Considering the catastrophes that befell
the vineyards, the wine quality was not
merely a relief, but a real joy. The
growing season is so unique and extreme
that it is impossible to compare 2016 with
any other vintages. Any suggestion that
may point to 2010 may allude to the
intensity and transparency of the 2016,
but bear in mind that those who said so
would also be quick to say that it is due
to its proximity (and contrast) to 2009,
which in parallel approximates the
comparison between 2016 and 2015. A few
others call it a blend of 2012 and 2010,
others 2014 and 2015, and so on. Stalwart
Burgundy fans know exactly what this
means.
2016 is also a year which any
conscientious vigneron’s hand is forced to
increase their prices. With a string of so
many low-yield vintages coming one after
another, the financial pressure on small
domaines and increasing operating costs
have left them with little choice. While
Burgundy prices have been steadily
increasing, the hike the 2016s induced
would be particularly noticeable. |
Naudin’s wines are perfumed, juicy and elegantly
textured. They are always very pretty and
transparent to their respective terroir.
Put them in the context of their appellations,
these wines possess strength and poise belying
their labels and vintage. In our books (and not
just ours, ask those who’ve tasted them) these are
highly satisfying wines, a total charm to drink
and gratifyingly high in quality.
In my own personal time, I take every opportunity
to drink Domaine Naudin-Ferrand wines. They always
put a smile on your face and, if you care to
contemplate, possess wonderful complexity as well,
full of delightful delicate details that unravel
with time in the glass. Most of all, they embody
the most beloved feature of a fine Burgundy: a
lasting enchanting drinking experience.
We are stoked to offer our allocation of Claire
Naudin’s DOMAINE NAUDIN-FERRAND 2016 wines.
This offer and the prices contained herein are
valid till 23 April 2018. Orders will be
processed subject to remaining unsold and final
written confirmation. Allocation rules may apply
as some wines are especially restrictive in
quantity. Full payment is required no later than 7
days after confirmation invoice has been sent to
confirm the order. No further discount or
reservation is allowed.
Consolidation from the domaine is expected to be
completed by the end of the year and so
ex-Singapore availability is expected to follow
between a month to two after, subject to shipper’s
final notice. All terms and conditions apply.
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The Offer
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- OFFER VALID ONLY UNTIL 23 APRIL 2018
- SUBJECT TO REMAINING AVAILABLE AND
FINAL WRITTEN CONFIRMATION
- EXPECTED EX-SINGAPORE AVAILABILITY:
DEC 2018 / JAN 2019 (subject to shipper’s notice)
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the
flower series
WHITE
 “Bellis
perennis”
Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc 2016
S$ 67 / 750 ML
60 BOTTLES AVAILABLE
(100% Chardonnay. From 2 adjacent parcels south
of Magny-lès-Villers, only 0.65 ha, manually
harvested. Organic. Average age of vines is ~25
years old, yield is kept below 40hl/ha on a
generous vintage. No sulphur added until
bottling. Very low yielding in 2016.)
The Bellis is ever so lovely. Plush orchard fruits
abound, framed by persistent acidity, the wine is
ever laced with insistent minerality. Always
wonderfully perfumed, with a touch of softness,
this is a versatile wine that pair better with
wider variety of dishes and a great ringer to
bring to a blind tasting. Be entertained by what
people think!
 “Clematis
vitalba”
Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc 2016
S$ 67 / 750 ML
60 BOTTLES AVAILABLE
(100% Chardonnay. From Les Villers parcel in the
northern reach of Magny-lès-Villers, 1.17 ha,
manually harvested. Organic. Average age of
vines is 20 years old, yield is kept at a very
low 30hl/ha. No sulphur added until bottling.
Very challenged in quantity in 2016.)
The Clematis adds a tinge of exoticism.
Perhaps some candy and honey notes, framed by a
solid intensity and a layer of “gras” I
notice the site regularly displays. Generous but
taut with chalky minerality peeking through in the
end to assert focus.
the
flower series
RED
 “Orchis
mascula”
Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2016
S$ 62 / 750 ML for 3-bottles and up
S$ 67 / 750 ML
S$ 148 / 1,500 ML **
MAGNUM **
S$ 316 / 1,500 ML **
JEROBOAM **
240 BOTTLES, 6
MAGNUMS,
1 JEROBOAM
Orchis mascula is a type of orchid; all the wines
in Claire's original low SO2 range carry the name
of a flower. This has a wonderful delicate colour
and a lovely floral scent. To preserve those
floral notes from the whole-bunch pressing, there
is no pumping over and hardly any punching down
during fermentation, which also explains the light
colour. This is not a powerful wine on the palate,
but the delicacy of the fruit carries it.
“Confession: I am very partial to this wine. So
if you seek ‘fair’ assessment, please skip
reading this section. But I can’t help it. For
the wines I love I don’t require greatness: I
want pleasure. And every vintage, the Orchis
gives me so much pleasure. When people speak
about the floral aspect of the Flower Series
from Claire, I believe they are talking about
this wine as a primary case in point. For what
it costs (not a lot), this is a no-brainer of a
gem. A wine I want on my dinner table every
night.” AC
 “Myosotis
arvensis”
Hautes-Côtes de Nuits 2016
S$ 69 / 750 ML for
3-bottles and up
S$ 75 / 750 ML
S$ 166 / 1,500 ML **
MAGNUM **
120 BOTTLES, 6
MAGNUMS
Myosotis arvensis is forget-me-not. This is more
structured and ample than the Orchis. The vines
are not that old, but they have plenty of
presence. The bouquet is a bit earthier, but still
with the swirling top notes of Pinot. The palate
has something a little untamed, but also more
going on. A ragamuffin of a wine.
 “Viola
odorata”
Côtes de Nuits-Villages V. V. 2016
S$ 75 / 750 ML for
3-bottles and up
S$ 82 / 750 ML
S$ 182 / 1,500 ML **
MAGNUM **
120 BOTTLES, 5 MAGNUMS
(From vines aged between 50-110 years-old
spread across 3 different parcels to the east of
the Magny-lès-Villers village. Some of the
oldest vines in the domaine’s holdings and the
class of the cellar for the flower-series
wines.)
“However you look at it, vintage in vintage
out, the Viola takes it up a
notch. Deeper in flavour, fabulous
concentration, all perfectly proportioned in a
statuesque structure. Classy, sleek and
substantial, this is not your everyday
CdN-Villages. This often scales the appellation
rank two or three levels up. This will repay
cellaring and, when it finally hits prime-time,
will knock many “higher” wines out of the ring.
Doesn’t mean it has no early charm, though.” AC
premier
& grand cru
RED
Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru “Les
Damodes” 2016
S$ 156 / 750 ML
S$ 332 / 1,500 ML **
MAGNUM **
48 BOTTLES, 3 MAGNUMS
(Especially restricted
production this year. Nuits St Georges Les
Damodes premier cru comes from a tiny plot
adjacent to the border with Vosne-Romanée. More
Vosne in character than Nuits.)
Damodes is the high vineyard bordering Vosne-
Romanée. Claire has a quarter of a hectare. As you
would expect, this is not the most powerful
example. It is understated with a charming
perfume, before the strength of the terroir takes
over. But do not let the ease of expression of
Claire’s wines deceive you, for this will age very
gracefully.
 Echézeaux
Grand Cru 2016
S$ 273 / 750 ML
S$ 595 / 1,500 ML **
MAGNUM **
48 BOTTLES, 3 MAGNUMS
(From les Rouges du Bas section of this grand
cru. Raised in approximately 70% new oak.)
“Naudin’s Ech is a serious juice. There is an
expansiveness and elasticity of fruit that no
preceding wine can surpass. Rightfully so. The
nobility of a grand cru comes through easily,
with extra depth, volume and sweetness which
vindicates Burgundy’s classification system. As
ripe as the fruits are, there is an elegant
minty coolness to frame the finish. The density
of the fruit seems to have eaten up whatever
evidence of 100% stems vinified along with it at
the moment. When they balance out with age,
those stems would turn to floral notes. In time
this will surely emerge with great splendour and
charm. A wine of true pedigree.” AC
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TERMS
& CONDITIONS
- Prices are quoted nett in Singapore Dollars
(SGD), pre-arrival Singapore, valid until 23
APRIL 2018. No further discount.
- Prices are for single bottle size 750 ml
unless otherwise specified. Please note there
are some large format bottling offered.
- Wines will be confirmed on a first-come
first-served basis, subject to remaining
unsold and final written confirmation.
- Full payment must be made no later than 7
days after invoice date to confirm the order.
We reserve the right to redistribute wines
ordered not honoured by timely payment or
sufficient mutually agreeable notice.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be
used in conjunction with other offers and/or
promotions.
- Wines sold are not returnable.
- The wines are estimated to arrive in
Singapore between Dec-2018 and Jan-2019,
subject to shipper's final notice. Customers
will be updated with regards to final
ex-cellar Singapore availability.
- Delivery fee is waived for purchases over
$500 in a single receipt to a single Singapore
address. Otherwise S$25 delivery fee per
address applies. Please allow a few days to
coordinate collection or delivery (for
eligible purchase.)
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THE
ARTISAN CELLARS WINE LIST
 This
list outlines a compilation of artisanal
wines that we carry. We take pride in the
sourcing and provenance of our wines, from
the most affordable to the higher ends. As
importers, most of our wines come direct
from the estates. We are proud to work
with the most respected growers from every
wine region, each of them representing the
very best that their respective
appellation is capable of producing. To
augment our list, we occasionally include
quality wines from only impeccable
sources. Regardless of point of origin, we
are always committed to shipping and
storing them in ideal cellar conditions.
Please email us at sales@artisan-cellars.com
or call us at +65 6838 0373 to inquire
exact availability of wines, or to find
out anything you wish to know our wines.
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