2020 Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Au Sud
| Type of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13%) |
| Drink window | 2025 - 2045 |
Description
The 2020 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Au Sud from Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils is an expressive white Burgundy with precision, elegance, and vibrant freshness. This wine perfectly showcases the style of the new generation at this family estate: pure, mineral, and with a natural tension typical of the Saint-Aubin hills.
About Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils
Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils is one of Saint-Aubin's most respected winemakers. The estate is located in the village of Gamay, south of Chassagne-Montrachet. Brothers Benoît and Jean-Baptiste Bachelet have been at the helm of the estate since 2005, working according to a traditional yet precise method with maximum attention to terroir. The vineyards are managed sustainably, with respect for the soil and nature. Their style is pure, delicate, and focused on finesse rather than power. Their wines are among the best value for money in the Côte de Beaune.
Location and terroir
The Premier Cru Les Combes Au Sud is located south of the village of Saint-Aubin, bordering Chassagne-Montrachet. The slopes offer a perfect southerly exposure and chalky marl soil. This combination produces wines with tension, minerality, and elegance. The vines are relatively young, but their limited yields yield high concentration and pure fruit expression.
Vinification and maturation
The harvest is entirely by hand to select only healthy grapes. Fermentation takes place with natural yeasts in oak barrels, approximately 20% of which are new. The wine then matures on the lees for 12 to 15 months to develop structure and depth. Vinification is classic, focusing on finesse and balance rather than power. The result is a wine with bright fruit, subtle oak notes, and a natural freshness.
Tasting note
The wine has a light golden color with green highlights. The nose reveals aromas of ripe pear, white flowers, honey, and a hint of buttery pastry. The palate is full-bodied yet refined, with lively acidity, a silky texture, and a long, salty finish. The balance between ripe fruit and fresh tension makes this wine elegant and highly enjoyable. According to The Wine Advocate, this cuvée displays a "cool and precise style" with a satiny structure and an energetic, mineral character (91 points, William Kelley).
Serving tips
Serve at around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in a large Burgundy glass. This wine is best paired with delicately textured dishes such as grilled fish, scallops, veal, or creamy poultry. It also pairs well with truffles or light cheeses. The wine will continue to develop in the bottle, reaching its peak between 2025 and 2045.
Wine and food pairings
- Grilled sea bass with lemon butter – the fresh acidity balances the creamy character of the sauce.
- Scallops with cauliflower puree – the soft texture of the wine complements the dish beautifully.
- Veal tenderloin with morel sauce – the light wood tones enhance the earthy flavour of the mushrooms.
- Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan – the creaminess of the risotto is supported by the elegant acidity of the wine.
- Goat cheese with honey – the mineral notes and subtle saltiness form a perfect balance with the sweet touch.
- Lobster with vanilla butter sauce – the rich structure of the wine complements the full character of the dish.
Why choose Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils?
The wines of this estate combine classic Burgundian elegance with modern precision. The Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Au Sud 2020 exemplifies pure terroir expression and excellent balance. A wine with class, finesse, and aging potential, ideal for lovers of authentic white Burgundy.
Would you like to order wines from Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils online?
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . Free for Grand Cru customers.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Bourgogne |
| Appellation | Saint-Aubin |
| Winery | Domaine Bachelet-Monnot |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2045 |
| Alcohol % | 13 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 91 |
| Vinous rating | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Aards, Boers, Complex, Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Mineraal, Rood fruit, Soepel, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 91
Reviewed by:
William Kelley
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2025 - 2045
The 2020 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Au Sud is cool and racy, mingling scents of pear with aromas of clear honey, white flowers and buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny, with lively acids and a saline finish, this young-vine cuvée is going from strength to strength.
Published: Jan 31, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
(90-92)
Drinking Window
2024 - 2038
From: Dance the Quickstep: Burgundy 2020 (Dec 2021)
The 2020 Saint-Aubin Les Combes Au Sud 1er Cru has light tropical scents on the nose, the touches of passion fruit and pineapple combining nicely with the crushed rock aromas. The palate is well balanced, taut and fresh, with a fine bead of acidity and a slightly chalky, short finish. Fine.
- By Neal Martin on October 2021
“It was quite dry compared to 2021, and an early season,” Benoît Bachelet explained when I dropped in at his winery, currently undergoing expansion, in the village of Gamay. “We started picking on August 27, the earliest we’ve ever started, and we finished on September 2. That’s nearly a month’s difference compared to 2021. For the first time, we started with the reds, whereas we usually pick them in the middle or at the end [of picking]. The Pinot Noir had already reached ripeness. Although there were dry conditions, the yield was fine – around 45hl/ha for the white and 35hl/ha for the reds. We were not expecting that much juice. All the reds are de-stemmed as usual, and the entire range spends two winters in barrel (most of the Premier Crus between 20% and 25% new oak), gets transferred into vat in February or March, and is then bottled around August. We use natural cork, and each cork is tested for TCA.” These are typically fulsome wines that always undergo a long barrel maturation – not only the two winters, but then also usually not bottled until the summer months. So this is not the place to look for “lean and mean” white Burgundies. These tend to be more voluminous, a little richer in style, but consistently well crafted and benefiting from bottle maturation.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
4.3*
No written review available.
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Wijnhuis
The Bachelet family is well known in the Côte d'Or, they own plots on some of the most famous vineyards in Burgundy. Despite this, the family had some disagreements about the state of affairs on the domain. The youngest generation, the brothers Marc and Alex, did not panic and meanwhile studied viticulture at the university and did internships elsewhere in France and America. When they returned to Burgundy, their grandfather decided not to give parts of his land to his own sons, but to his two grandsons. From day one, both boys devoted themselves to their new activities with great dedication.
2005 was the first harvest year that Marc and Alex Bachelet worked independently. The gentlemen have in common that they are both huge perfectionists and also very eager to learn. They continuously try to improve and perfect things on the domain and with every visit things have changed again, from the size of the barrels, the duration of the education, to the temperature of the cellar. Besides the great wines they make in the prestigious villages of Puligny and Chassagne, Marc and Alexandre Bachelet also make exemplary wines in Maranges and Santenay.
The 2020 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Au Sud from Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils is an expressive white Burgundy with precision, elegance, and vibrant freshness. This wine perfectly showcases the style of the new generation at this family estate: pure, mineral, and with a natural tension typical of the Saint-Aubin hills.
About Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils
Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils is one of Saint-Aubin's most respected winemakers. The estate is located in the village of Gamay, south of Chassagne-Montrachet. Brothers Benoît and Jean-Baptiste Bachelet have been at the helm of the estate since 2005, working according to a traditional yet precise method with maximum attention to terroir. The vineyards are managed sustainably, with respect for the soil and nature. Their style is pure, delicate, and focused on finesse rather than power. Their wines are among the best value for money in the Côte de Beaune.
Location and terroir
The Premier Cru Les Combes Au Sud is located south of the village of Saint-Aubin, bordering Chassagne-Montrachet. The slopes offer a perfect southerly exposure and chalky marl soil. This combination produces wines with tension, minerality, and elegance. The vines are relatively young, but their limited yields yield high concentration and pure fruit expression.
Vinification and maturation
The harvest is entirely by hand to select only healthy grapes. Fermentation takes place with natural yeasts in oak barrels, approximately 20% of which are new. The wine then matures on the lees for 12 to 15 months to develop structure and depth. Vinification is classic, focusing on finesse and balance rather than power. The result is a wine with bright fruit, subtle oak notes, and a natural freshness.
Tasting note
The wine has a light golden color with green highlights. The nose reveals aromas of ripe pear, white flowers, honey, and a hint of buttery pastry. The palate is full-bodied yet refined, with lively acidity, a silky texture, and a long, salty finish. The balance between ripe fruit and fresh tension makes this wine elegant and highly enjoyable. According to The Wine Advocate, this cuvée displays a "cool and precise style" with a satiny structure and an energetic, mineral character (91 points, William Kelley).
Serving tips
Serve at around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in a large Burgundy glass. This wine is best paired with delicately textured dishes such as grilled fish, scallops, veal, or creamy poultry. It also pairs well with truffles or light cheeses. The wine will continue to develop in the bottle, reaching its peak between 2025 and 2045.
Wine and food pairings
- Grilled sea bass with lemon butter – the fresh acidity balances the creamy character of the sauce.
- Scallops with cauliflower puree – the soft texture of the wine complements the dish beautifully.
- Veal tenderloin with morel sauce – the light wood tones enhance the earthy flavour of the mushrooms.
- Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan – the creaminess of the risotto is supported by the elegant acidity of the wine.
- Goat cheese with honey – the mineral notes and subtle saltiness form a perfect balance with the sweet touch.
- Lobster with vanilla butter sauce – the rich structure of the wine complements the full character of the dish.
Why choose Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils?
The wines of this estate combine classic Burgundian elegance with modern precision. The Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Au Sud 2020 exemplifies pure terroir expression and excellent balance. A wine with class, finesse, and aging potential, ideal for lovers of authentic white Burgundy.
Would you like to order wines from Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils online?
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . Free for Grand Cru customers.
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Bourgogne |
| Appellation | Saint-Aubin |
| Winery | Domaine Bachelet-Monnot |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2045 |
| Alcohol % | 13 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 91 |
| Vinous rating | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Aards, Boers, Complex, Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Mineraal, Rood fruit, Soepel, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard, Romantisch |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 91
Reviewed by:
William Kelley
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2025 - 2045
The 2020 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes Au Sud is cool and racy, mingling scents of pear with aromas of clear honey, white flowers and buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny, with lively acids and a saline finish, this young-vine cuvée is going from strength to strength.
Published: Jan 31, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
(90-92)
Drinking Window
2024 - 2038
From: Dance the Quickstep: Burgundy 2020 (Dec 2021)
The 2020 Saint-Aubin Les Combes Au Sud 1er Cru has light tropical scents on the nose, the touches of passion fruit and pineapple combining nicely with the crushed rock aromas. The palate is well balanced, taut and fresh, with a fine bead of acidity and a slightly chalky, short finish. Fine.
- By Neal Martin on October 2021
“It was quite dry compared to 2021, and an early season,” Benoît Bachelet explained when I dropped in at his winery, currently undergoing expansion, in the village of Gamay. “We started picking on August 27, the earliest we’ve ever started, and we finished on September 2. That’s nearly a month’s difference compared to 2021. For the first time, we started with the reds, whereas we usually pick them in the middle or at the end [of picking]. The Pinot Noir had already reached ripeness. Although there were dry conditions, the yield was fine – around 45hl/ha for the white and 35hl/ha for the reds. We were not expecting that much juice. All the reds are de-stemmed as usual, and the entire range spends two winters in barrel (most of the Premier Crus between 20% and 25% new oak), gets transferred into vat in February or March, and is then bottled around August. We use natural cork, and each cork is tested for TCA.” These are typically fulsome wines that always undergo a long barrel maturation – not only the two winters, but then also usually not bottled until the summer months. So this is not the place to look for “lean and mean” white Burgundies. These tend to be more voluminous, a little richer in style, but consistently well crafted and benefiting from bottle maturation.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
4.3*
No written review available.
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
The Bachelet family is well known in the Côte d'Or, they own plots on some of the most famous vineyards in Burgundy. Despite this, the family had some disagreements about the state of affairs on the domain. The youngest generation, the brothers Marc and Alex, did not panic and meanwhile studied viticulture at the university and did internships elsewhere in France and America. When they returned to Burgundy, their grandfather decided not to give parts of his land to his own sons, but to his two grandsons. From day one, both boys devoted themselves to their new activities with great dedication.
2005 was the first harvest year that Marc and Alex Bachelet worked independently. The gentlemen have in common that they are both huge perfectionists and also very eager to learn. They continuously try to improve and perfect things on the domain and with every visit things have changed again, from the size of the barrels, the duration of the education, to the temperature of the cellar. Besides the great wines they make in the prestigious villages of Puligny and Chassagne, Marc and Alexandre Bachelet also make exemplary wines in Maranges and Santenay.
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