Maison Roche de Bellene in the Saturday FT

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You are probably getting bored of hearing it, but Nicolas Potel’s wines just keep getting better and better. Since his fallout a couple of years ago with Cottin Freres his new company, Maison Roche de Bellene has maintained (and dare we say it) even improved on the already high standards he was acheiving.

They are always excellent value and, because of Nicolas’ good relationships with his network of growers, available in tolerable quantities. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you can actually buy them (unlike so many other top Burgundies) they are not worth seeking out.

In her write up of the 2009 vintage in Saturday’s FT Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux Maison Roche de Bellene 2009 is the only wine Jancis Robinson mentions by name.

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Here are all the glowing tasting notes. As I am writing this is still available to buy. Call us on 020 7793 7900 or buy it online here.

Jancis Robinson, January 2011, Score: 17
Very interesting nose. Real breadth and interest here. Forget the fact that this is a well-priced negociant label and revel in the value and individuality. GV

Neal Martin, January 2011, Score: 91-93
The Champeaux has a ripe, feminine bouquet with fresh strawberries, rose petals and a touch of redcurrant. The palate is well defined with very fine tannins, nicely focused with a very elegant finish. Tasted January 2011.

Goedhuis, January 2011Earthy and dark, the 2009 Champeaux delivers brooding flavours of black cherries, treacle and warming vanilla spice. Its impressive concentration suggests that this will be for those who prefer more masculine styled Gevreys.

For Jancis’ full article click here.