ADRIEN DEFAIX

We were delighted to begin a collaboration with Adrien Defaix, the young nephew of Didier Defaix (Domaine Bernard Defaix). Their wines are made at the domaine in tandem and are identical in every way.

Domaine Bernard Defaix was founded in 1959, with just two hectares and now extends to some 27 hectares in and around the village of Milly. Everything is farmed in a sustainable, ecological, organic fashion, with elements of biodynamic viticulture increasingly incorporated. They are the biggest land owners of the excellent Cote de Lechet, with some 9 hectares. This neighbouring premier cru is situated on the left/western side of the Serein, to the north of Les Vaillons.

The Premier Cru Cote de Lechet comprises 2 plots totalling 8 hectares on Kimmeridgian limestone/marl covered by fossil-rich, pebbly, calcareous topsoil. It is vinified in 75% stainless steel tanks and 25% used oak barrels and demi-muids. The wine is ripe and generous, but with beautifully poised, stony, minerally, gunflint, saline freshness. We have also received a small allocation of Premier Cru Cote de Lechet “Selection Vieilles Vignes” – which was planted in 1955 and comes from a 1 hectare sunny south/south-east facing plot. It is vinified half in used oak barrels and demi-muids for 12 months and half in stainless steel tanks and bottled after 18 months. Richer and rounder than the regular bottling, It exhibits great power, allied with pristine, floral elegance and marked minerality.