Without making waves, Didier Tripoz continues to produce impeccable wines that are great ambassadors for this southern region of Burgundy. His wines deliver over and above what one might expect given their price and truly represent exceptional value. This example still retians a wonderfully fresh green apple nose. On the palate it retains its crisp fruit flavours whilst also showing some honeyed maturity.

Bourgogne Blanc can range from basic to brilliant. In this case we are distinctly at the better end of the spectrum. This is a very useful and good value generic white Burgundy from a domaine situated in the small village of Saint-Aubin, tucked into the hills just behind Puilgny Montrachet. Nice juicy Chardonnay tones of flavour and a firm elegant finish.

Whereas the Côte d'Or landscape is solely given over to vinous agriculture the rolling limestone hills of the Mâconnais are interspersed with land dedicated to livestock and arable farming. The climate is different too; more sun, less rain and less risk of frost. René harnesses this environment to extract plenty of pure, crisp Chardonnay flavours from his fruit as well as complexity and ability to age. All this occurs without the use of oak which, he feels, would mask the true expression of Chardonnay in his wines.

Olivier Savary is based in Maligny to the northern end of the Chablis district. His style if a classic blend of flinty mineral and flower characters, offering great value. This Chablis has a full and wholesome nose - there are hints of farmyard and toast present - and a strong full bodied palate that has steely mineral flavours as well as a honeyed finish that seems to go on and on.

The whites from Domaine Dupont-Fähn have a unique "forward" style which sets them apart. Michel's late harvesting and early bottling has the effect of making them extremely rich and buttery, high in alcohol and low in acidity. This allows them to be drunk without having to wait for the usual citric edges to soften. Overall there is a delicious fullness and ripeness to both the bouquet and the flavours that makes for a formidably attractive drinking companion.