Domaine Florence Cholet / Burgundy
Our Young Gun of Burgundy find – Florence Cholet
At risk of overstating things, we predict true greatness to come from the address of Domaine Florence Cholet.
2019 sees the estate formally transition to Florence, renaming from Domaine Christian Cholet-Pelletier. The family vineyards can be traced to up to four generations prior, with Florence’s father establishing the domaine officially in 1976, later joined by her mother. Florence herself is eminently qualified with a licence of viticulture and a Masters degree in oenology, seeing her undertake significant experience at an independent laboratory responsible for analysis of virtually all the wines of Burgundy (legally vignerons must conduct external analysis), giving an unparalleled exposure to the wines of the region.
She has undertaken winemaking stints with Chapoutier (Rhône Valley) and Pibarnon (Bandol) and Walla Walla (Washington state USA), and maintains a strong Australian connection with vintages at Eldridge Estate, Paradigm Hill, and two vintages at Curly Flat alongside Joel Watson (now of our Luna Estate).
The wines are elegant expressions, though possess an understated complexity and intensity. Viticulture practice is sustainable, and the estate’s policy on oak is of restraint – low char barrels and minimal new.
2019 was another challenging vintage with frost issues reducing crop size. Summer was warm and dry, with a lack of rain leading to smaller yields and concentrated fruit. Overall, the cooler terroirs such as Hautes-Côtes see good concentration and complexity, with Florence’s general comments that this vintage is not overwhelmingly ripe, with site expression well defined.