The 2022 Lucien Le Moine Ladoix Premier Cru Les Gréchons Blanc is a rare and distinctive 100% Chardonnay from Ladoix-Serrigny at the northern end of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. Les Gréchons is particularly interesting because of its position on the hillside adjoining the great Corton slope, and is sometimes described as a natural continuation of the limestone terroir associated with Corton-Charlemagne. While it does not carry Grand Cru status, this elevated Premier Cru site can produce remarkably mineral and structured Chardonnay. The 2022 shows ripe peach and orchard fruit alongside lemon zest, acacia blossom and roasted hazelnut, with a distinctly salty mineral character running through the wine.
Lucien Le Moine is the micro-négociant project of Mounir Saouma and Rotem Brakin, and its approach to élevage is highly distinctive. Rather than rushing wines through the cellar, Lucien Le Moine's wines typically remain for around two years on their lees, with minimal movement during maturation. The extended lees contact provides texture and natural protection, allowing the wines to be bottled without fining or filtration and with minimal sulphur. Mounir Saouma also deliberately retains dissolved carbon dioxide during élevage and famously recommends that his wines be energetically decanted before drinking.
