Working in and around Beaune means David Croix makes very little white, yet he has regularly shown that he is a master of Chardonnay with this striking, luminous Corton-Charlemagne. For several years, it has been a hidden gem in our portfolio. The fruit comes from two high parcels totalling just 0.25 hectares, both in the white marls of Le Charlemagne, above the historical holdings of Bonneau du Martray. These plots were planted in 1984/85 and 1988/89 respectively, and the vines have been organically managed since 2008. Both parcels are prone to millerandage, producing tiny bunches of ripe, golden berries.

The 2023 fermented and aged in used barrel before being racked to tank for another 12 months. A brilliant example of the appellation: powerful and intense yet linear. David Croix's reputation as one of the leading talents of his generation in the Cote de Beaune is founded on hard work in the vineyards. Soils are cultivated mechanically or by animal traction, canopies managed by tressage, and harvesting privileges full physiological maturity. Winemaking is classical, often retaining some stems, followed by elevage in barrels and, for some cuvees, foudres.

William Kelley of The Wine Advocate awarded the 2022 vintage 93-95 points, describing it as "deep and muscular, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, orange oil, white flowers, buttery pastry, freshly baked bread and hazelnuts. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with racy acids and a long, elegantly mordant finish, it's a benchmark for the appellation that still flies under the radar." Another stunning, supercharged CC from the Hand of Croix.