Pierre Yves Colin Morey Saint Aubin Le Banc 2017

1. Winery Background

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey is a prestigious Burgundy producer, established in 2005 by Pierre-Yves Colin, who comes from a well-known Burgundian winemaking family. After working at his father’s estate, Domaine Marc Colin, Pierre-Yves branched out on his own, creating his own domaine by inheriting some family vineyards and acquiring others. He is now regarded as one of the most talented producers of white Burgundy, known for his precise, mineral-driven, and terroir-expressive wines.

2. The Producer

Pierre-Yves Colin is celebrated for his minimal intervention approach, focusing on preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the vineyard’s terroir. His wines have gained a cult following for their tension, complexity, and ability to age. The domaine uses organic and biodynamic practices, although they are not certified.

3. The Vineyard

The Saint-Aubin Le Banc vineyard is located in the Saint-Aubin appellation, which is positioned between Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune. This appellation is known for producing exceptional white wines at a relatively affordable price compared to its more famous neighbors. Le Banc is one of the best-known vineyards in Saint-Aubin, situated on higher slopes with excellent exposure and chalky soils, providing ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay.

4. The Wine

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint-Aubin Le Banc 2017 is a white Burgundy made from Chardonnay. It is known for its precise expression of the terroir, displaying a harmonious balance of fruit, minerality, and acidity.

5. The Vintage (2017)

The 2017 vintage in Burgundy was considered excellent for white wines. It was a relatively cool growing season, with favorable conditions that preserved the acidity and freshness in the grapes. The wines from this vintage are known for their vibrancy, energy, and age-worthy structure.

6. Vinification and Aging

Pierre-Yves Colin follows a minimalist approach to winemaking. The grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentation occurs using natural yeasts. The wine is aged in older French oak barrels (less than 30% new oak) to avoid overpowering the fruit and to enhance the wine’s texture and complexity. The wine spends around 12 months in oak barrels, followed by additional time in stainless steel tanks to refine its freshness.

7. The Grapes

• Chardonnay (100%)

The grapes come from old vines in the Le Banc vineyard, which contributes to the wine’s concentration and depth of flavor.

8. Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright pale yellow with green tints.

• Nose: Aromas of citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, along with notes of green apple, white flowers, and subtle hints of flint and smoke from the terroir.

• Palate: The wine is crisp and precise on the palate, with flavors of citrus, pear, and a touch of almond. The wine showcases a vibrant acidity, underpinned by a chalky minerality that provides excellent tension. The oak is very well integrated, adding subtle texture without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.

• Finish: Long and focused, with a persistent mineral-driven finish.

9. Food and Wine Pairing

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint-Aubin Le Banc 2017 pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, particularly those that highlight its vibrant acidity and minerality:

• Grilled or roasted white fish with lemon or herb-based sauces

• Seafood such as scallops, shrimp, or oysters

• Poultry dishes, particularly roast chicken with herbs

• Goat cheese or soft cheeses like Brie

• Light vegetarian dishes with a creamy or citrusy base

10. Service

• Serving Temperature: Best served slightly chilled at 12°C (54°F) to allow the wine’s aromatics and minerality to fully express themselves.

• Decanting: Decanting is not necessary, but letting the wine breathe in the glass for 10–15 minutes will help enhance its aromas.

11. Storage

• Aging Potential: The 2017 Saint-Aubin Le Banc is fresh and enjoyable in its youth but has the structure and minerality to age gracefully for 8-10 years, developing more complexity and tertiary flavors over time.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place with consistent temperatures, ideally around 12°C (55°F), to maintain its freshness and aging potential.

12. Scores

• Wine Advocate: 92 points

• Vinous: 91 points

• James Suckling: 93 points

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint-Aubin Le Banc 2017 is a stellar example of white Burgundy, offering a pure expression of Chardonnay from the highly regarded Saint-Aubin appellation. With its balance of freshness, minerality, and complexity, this wine is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing beautifully with age.