Saint-Aubin 'Compendium' 2023, Domaine Joseph Colin

"It’s clear that Joseph Colin is a confident new presence in the white Burgundy firmament, and I encourage readers to acquaint themselves with his wines." — William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

A masterclass compilation of Saint-Aubin. The Saint-Aubin 'Compendium' 2023 serves as Joseph Colin’s signature release. The name 'Compendium' reflects the harmonious blending of seven distinct, high-quality Saint-Aubin parcels. Son of the legendary Marc Colin — and head winemaker at the family estate until 2016 — Joseph has firmly established himself as one of the leading stars in contemporary white Burgundy.

In the glass, it presents a bright, pale golden-yellow color with brilliant, youthful clarity. The nose is highly expressive and refined, revealing multi-layered aromas of citrus zest, fresh lime, ripe white peach, acacia blossom, and a crushed-chalk flintiness, delicately framed by subtle toasted French oak. On the palate, it seamlessly combines striking freshness with generous weight, juicy orchard fruit, and impressive length. Driven by Joseph's uncompromising cellar philosophy, the wine retains mineral tension, crisp acidity, and a pristine saline finish.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Chardonnay sourced from 7 distinct vineyards across the Saint-Aubin appellation (Côte de Beaune), planted with 20+ year old vines on clay-limestone soils.
• Rating: Awarded 90/100 points by William Kelley (The Wine Advocate).
• Winemaking & Ageing: No cold settling (débourbage) post-pressing to retain natural protective antioxidants. Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, zero bâtonnage to preserve precision, and aged in French oak barrels (25% new oak).
• Sustainability: Pragmatically organic viticulture prioritizing soil life and minimal cellar intervention. Minimal total sulfur applied strictly at bottling (approx. 25–30 mg/l).
• Tasting Profile: Pure, mineral-driven, fresh, and layered. Notes of citrus, lime, white peach, acacia, flint, soft toast, and a lingering saline finish.
• Ageing Potential: Vibrant, energetic, and expressive now, possessing the structural frame to cellar gracefully over 5 to 8 years.

Food Pairing

• Fish & Shellfish: Outstanding alongside seared sea scallops, grilled langoustines, raw oysters, salt-crusted sea bass, and poached turbot.
• Poultry & Veal: Excellent match for roasted Bresse chicken in delicate cream reduction, veal cutlets with morels, or sage-infused pork tenderloin.
• Fine Dining & Cheese: Ideal with creamy wild mushroom risotto, grilled white asparagus, and refined cheeses like young Comté, Brillat-Savarin, or Chaource.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served chilled at 10°C to 12°C in generous Burgundy crystal glasses for optimal aromatic focus.

The Terroir of Saint-Aubin

Saint-Aubin nestles in a steep valley directly behind the legendary Grand Cru slopes of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. Its stony, limestone-heavy clay slopes benefit from cool alpine air currents and exceptional natural drainage. This microclimate endows Chardonnay vines with signature crisp acidity, vibrant drive, and intense mineral persistence.

About Domaine Joseph Colin

Joseph Colin learned his craft among the vines of Saint-Aubin, directing winemaking at Domaine Marc Colin from 2003 through 2016. Launching his independent domain in 2016, his estate now spans 6.3 hectares across 40 micro-parcels. Driven by a low-intervention ethos — direct barrel transfer post-press without settling, zero bâtonnage, and minimal sulfur — Joseph crafts pure, precise terroir wines that set the standard for modern white Burgundy.