JEAN-FRANCOIS ESSLER, PREMIER PAS 2022

After a disastrous 2021, the 2022 vintage was kinder to Jean-Francois and provided perhaps our favourite wine from him so far.

100% Chardonnay from Grey Marl soils, he pressed the grapes direct, then aged in barrel for 12 months. Topped up as has become the new normal in the region. It's incredibly impressive, with very pure bright, fruit, length and plenty of minerality. It opens up very nicely over a day or two and though enjoyable now, will gain grace and intrigue with age, if you can manage to cellar a bottle or two.