Very small-batch, handmade from field to bottle and bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wines from the Delarche family in 2010 are a stunning portrait of each of their vineyards as well as a faithful example of the quality we’ve come to expect for the more than 20 years we’ve partnered with this family winery.

There is no winemaking “style” at Delarche—young winemaker Etienne Delarche learned well from his late father, Philippe, that letting the soil and vine do the talking is the surest route to elegance and fidelity to terroir. The 2010 vintage only emphasizes this clarity and transparency—pure white Burgundy with lift, grace and depth.

What these wines are missing, however, is enough to go around. What we have for you are wines selected often by the half, or single, barrel; yields were down precipitously in 2010, some 30% to 50%. Such rare beauty, however, really shouldn’t be missed. Our top recommendation for 2010 white Burgundy!

Friday, January 20, 2012