Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint-Aubin Le Banc 2017

Winery Background and History

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, established in 2005 by Pierre-Yves Colin, is a prestigious Burgundy producer. Coming from a renowned Burgundian winemaking family, Pierre-Yves branched out from his father’s estate, Domaine Marc Colin, to create his own domaine. He is celebrated for crafting precise, mineral-driven, and terroir-expressive white wines that have garnered a cult following among Burgundy enthusiasts. 

Producer and Winemaker

Pierre-Yves Colin is the proprietor and winemaker, known for his minimal intervention approach. He emphasizes preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the vineyard’s terroir. Utilizing organic and biodynamic practices (though not certified), his wines are recognized for their tension, complexity, and aging potential. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Saint-Aubin Le Banc vineyard is located in the Saint-Aubin appellation, nestled between Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune. Situated on higher slopes with excellent exposure and chalky soils, the vineyard benefits from a cooler microclimate, contributing to the wine’s freshness and minerality. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented using natural yeasts. The wine is aged in older French oak barrels (less than 30% new oak) for approximately 12 months, followed by additional time in stainless steel tanks to refine its freshness. This approach avoids overpowering the fruit, enhancing the wine’s texture and complexity. 

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright pale yellow with green tints.

• Nose: Aromas of citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, green apple, white flowers, and subtle hints of flint and smoke.

• Palate: Crisp and precise, with flavors of citrus, pear, and a touch of almond. Vibrant acidity underpinned by a chalky minerality provides excellent tension. The oak is well-integrated, adding subtle texture without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.

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

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with:

• 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 

Service Methods and Temperatures

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

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

Storage and Aging Potential

• Aging Potential: 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. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13%

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 88–90 points

• Vinous: 91 points

• James Suckling: 93 points