Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières 1996, Domaine Leflaive

Burgundy & Chablis

Introduction to the region

"Burgundy has always fascinated and frustrated in equal measure. For every eulogising, life-changing proclamation from someone realising wine nirvana, there is some poor soul somewhere bashing their head in perplexity. At its best, Burgundy can provide the ultimate- the transcendental, mystifying, unexplainable pleasure that only truly great wine can bring. But at its worst, it can be an expensive mistake, bring disillusion and even provoke anger. For sure, Burgundy is not the region of choice for the unadventurous or risk averse! How then to navigate the minefield? Our advice has always been, and still is, to get to know the growers. It sounds like simple advice but with so many producers, from powerful négociant houses to the new breed of micro négociants, from large, historic estates to tiny family domaines, you need to know where to turn and who can be relied upon. At armit we work with growers who we count amongst our friends who are by definition, people who won?t let you down. These are personal contacts gleaned from years of visiting, talking, tasting and building relationships. Some friendships grow whilst others fade of course but the great ones endure: legendary, ground-breaking growers such as Anne-Claude Leflaive and Guillaume d'Angerville; superstars such as Pascal Lachaux, Christophe Roumier, Jean-Marc Roulot and the Raveneau brothers; under-appreciated talents such as Patrick Bize and Richard Fontaine. New relationships are also flourishing- look out for the dynamic M&M, the up-and-coming Domaine Sigaut in Chambolle Musigny, the sensational Jean-Marie Fourrier and the impressive Romain Taupenot amongst a plethora of wonderful sources. Discovering Burgundy in this era can still bring frustration but if you stick to the very best, it is more likely to bring exaltation. Please let us show you the way."