Jerome Fornerot Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc 2023

The Fornerot family has been rooted in the village of Saint-Aubin since 1618, but for centuries, they were the “vigneron’s vigneron,” running a world-class nursery and selling their prized fruit to the big-name négociants. That all changed when Jérôme Fornerot took the reins. Since 2018, he has been bottling his own sunshine, proving that you don’t need a “Grand Cru” price tag to get a Grand Cru pedigree.

This particular blanc comes from high-elevation parcels where the air is thinner and the limestone is legendary. Jérôme works with two distinct soil types here—white clay-limestone and a rare thin layer of red soil over lava—which he credits for the wine’s singular tension and depth.

On the palate, it’s a study in balance. Thanks to 10 months in French oak (with just 10% new wood) and gentle bâtonnage, the wine has a lovely, medium-bodied weight without ever feeling heavy. You’ll find vibrant citrus zest and a touch of freshly shaved nutmeg, finishing with a saline, sea-salt snap that practically begs for another sip.