2022 Simon Colin Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Le Charmois

Simon is the son of Philippe Colin, so the generation after Pierre-Yves and Joseph. Philippe Colin is the brother of Marc Colin, so Philippe is the uncle of Pierre-Yves, Joseph, and Caroline. Philippe had his own estate: Domaine Philippe Colin, which arose from an earlier split of Marc Colin & Fils. We also wrote a blog about the composition of the Colin family and all its branches.

Simon Colin is the young winemaker who has been gaining increasing attention in Chassagne-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin in recent years. He took over part of his father Philippe's vineyards and initially started with wines from rented plots. From his first vintages, it was clear that he had developed his own style: pure, clean, precise, and with a remarkable eye for detail.

His current wines display a clear signature. Vinification is carried out with great care, with hand harvesting, gentle pressing, and controlled fermentation. A modest amount of new oak is used to provide structure without overpowering the terroir's character. Simon Colin's ambition and energy make him one of the region's most promising names.

the terroir of Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Le Charmois

Le Charmois is a Premier Cru vineyard located on the border with Chassagne-Montrachet. The soil consists of limestone and fine clay, interspersed with layers of white stones that retain heat and ensure excellent drainage. The result is a wine with tension, minerality, and a refined structure.

The high altitude lends the grapes extra freshness, even in warmer years like 2022. This allows the wine to combine ripe fruit with a remarkably tight and precise backbone, something for which Saint-Aubin is renowned. For lovers of elegant, mineral Chardonnay, Le Charmois is one of the appellation's finest and purest expressions.

the 2022 wine year

2022 was a balanced and generous year in Burgundy. The summer was warm, but there were enough cool nights to preserve the freshness of the grapes. The harvest was healthy, the ripening was even, and yields were slightly higher than in the two previous years.

For Le Charmois, this resulted in a wine with ripe fruit notes, lively acidity, and precise structure. According to notes from the vintage, the 2022 vintage is a year in which tension, aromatic clarity, and balance come together perfectly.

vinification and style

The grapes are hand-picked and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, using approximately twenty percent new wood. This wood imparts subtle creaminess and structure, yet remains in the background.

The wine matures for twelve months in barrels, after which it rests for a further few months. Simon Colin always strives for precision, tension, and freshness. The estate's style is modern, pure, and focused on clarity rather than power. This results in a wine that is elegant, refined, and highly precise.

color, aroma and taste of the 2022 Le Charmois

The color is a clear pale yellow with a fine shimmer. The nose opens generously, exactly as described in Vinous' review. Aromas of lime, citrus zest, and white stone emerge, followed by finely ground stony notes and a subtle hint of almond that emerges after some time in the glass.

On the palate, the wine displays a fresh, clean attack with citrus, green apple, and light floral notes. The texture is slightly waxy, a characteristic specifically mentioned in Vinous' review. This waxy tension pairs beautifully with the mineral precision of the terroir.

The mid-palate is energetic and bright, with a combination of ripe fruit, lively acidity, and a subtle structure derived from the modest amount of new oak. The wine remains focused and pure.

The finish is elegant, slightly salty, and refined, with a distinct minerality and a light spiciness. The wine has a youthful tension and structure that, according to the Vinous reviewer, is best expressed after one to two years of bottle aging.

official assessment

Vinous : 89-91 points – Eric Guido. He notes aromas of lime, citrus zest, crushed stone, and a hint of almond. On the palate, the wine displays a light, waxy texture, tight tension, well-integrated oak, and an elegant structure. He believes the wine deserves several years of bottle aging and has a drinking window from 2023 to 2030.

Would you like to order Simon Colin wines 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 "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

• Scallops with a light citrus note. The minerality of the wine accentuates the soft sweetness of the scallops.
• Cod with fennel and a soft butter sauce. The tension and freshness bring balance to the dish.
• Pasta with mushrooms and herbs. The earthy notes complement the wine's tight structure.
• Chicken with tarragon and lemon. The fresh acidity enhances the dish's elegant flavor.
• Risotto with green asparagus. The creaminess complements the wine's slightly waxy tension beautifully.
• Goat cheese with honey and thyme. The freshness keeps it vibrant and pure.