Friarwood

The Ellevin family are owners of just over 12 hectares of vineyards covering the premier cru area of Vosgros and Vaucoupin. Jean-Pierre has been making the wine at the estate since 1975 at which time he took over from his parents. The clay and limestone soils are rich in mineral and full of fossilised oyster shells. They practice sustainable viticulture and their wines are always noted in the Guide Hachette.

Jean Pierre has the utmost respect for the history of the region and as a result his wines are made in the traditional style. They undergo an elevage of 10-12 months before bottling at the Domaine. The bulk of the production is done in tanks, with only 2% of total production seeing any oak ageing.

The 1er Cru Vaucoupin does spend some time in oak. The final wine is incredibly balanced, full of finesse with some lovely minerality. This can definitely be kept for a few years, though it is drinking superbly now.