Handford Wines

Denis Pommier inherited 2.5 hectares from his grand-parents in 1990. In 1993 he set up his own winery, combining his expertise with that of Isabelle, his wife, who had run a family vineyard in St Bris. There are now 10 hectares of prime vineyard land planted with mature, Chardonnay vines. A little oak is used for the small quantity of 1er Cru wines, but, for the majority of produce, Denis and Isabelle prefer to optimise the natural expression of their vineyards by vinifying and ageing in tanks. It has been a joy to witness the realisation of such potential. We all visited in April 2002 and found a marked year on year improvement.

The Wine

From 3 hectares of 25 year old vines, this Chablis is made using the traditional technique of allowing the wine to rest for six months on its yeast lees. A further year of bottle ageing results in yet more complexity. This is a dry, mid-weight and many-flavoured white wine. A complex nose of leesy pineapple, lemon and lime citrus combine well with traditional chalk and clay terroir notes. Emminently drinkable, the palate mirrors the juicy yet elegantly restrained fruit and minerality of the bouquet.Though there are many cheap imitations, the best Chablis remains one of the world's greatest white wines and can be staggering value.

Single Bottle: £7.99

In a case of 12: £7.59