In 2020 we were thrilled to introduce, for the first time in the UK, the wines of the highly talented Boris Champy, who had recently taken over running a top estate in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. These vineyards were originally assembled and brought to prominence by Didier Montchovet, who was a pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture, dating back to 1984. Didier had reached retirement age, so handed over to Boris, an oenologist by training, with an impressive wine-making record. He previously worked in Libourne for the Moueix family, in Napa at Dominus estate, for a Beaune shipper, then as manager for Domaine du Clos des Lambrays, in Morey-Saint-Denis.

His main vineyards are at Nantoux, in the hills west of Pommard, with others in the adjoining commune of Bouze-lès-Beaune. Due to the higher altitude of the vines, grapes typically come to ripeness a week or so later than on the Côte de Beaune. This used to be a disadvantage, but with the hotter summers now often experienced in Burgundy, it allows precious freshness to be retained, while simultaneously natural sugars and grape-skins can be slowly brought to ripeness. He also owns some vines in Pommard, with a 1st Growth Beaune Aux Couchérias.