Domaine Rapet, Pernand Vergelesses, 'Les Combottes' 2021

A stellar wine from a very special and considerate producer. The Rapet family have earned significant levels of respect for seriously high-quality levels in both red and white disciplines. This is an irresistible white that is at once generous and coquettish; giving little but yielding all, simultaneously and paradoxically. Those who claim to detest Chardonnay will be wowed; those who turn their back on "oak" will be pawing for a second and third glass.

This is from younger than usual vines for Rapet, planted about twenty years ago. The vineyards are steep and tough they are difficult to harvest, they are south-west in orientation, giving the grapes the perfect opportunity to ripen properly and reach their soaring potential.

After vinification, the wine rests in barrels for 12 months of non-invasive ageing.

The "Combottes" is actually the name of the climat in which the vineyard sits (a specific micro-climate that isn't quite a Cru in quality, but the same in concept) and in Rapet's own eyes, this is a wine that grabs attention (it is an "eye-catcher") from its vibrant and arresting colour, to the delicious perfume and its fresh, lively and elegant palate, showing fresh fruit, spicy notes and developing honey and flint as it ages.

Who could ask for more?