Justerini & Brooks celebrates 25 years of Burgundy en primeur

London-based fine wine merchants Justerini & Brooks is celebrating more than two decades of Burgundy en primeur, with the 2014 vintage, which will be available in January, set to mark its 25th sold.

One of the “early champions of Burgundy,” Justerini & Brooks established the first en primeur tasting in London 25 years ago and is now classed as one of the biggest importers of Domaine-bottled Burgundy in the UK, representing over 50 producers.

The Domaines the forward-thinking merchants initially worked with and still buy from today include: Ghislaine Barthod, Tollot Beaut, Jean-Marc Brocard, Méo-Camuzet, Bruno Clair, Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Rene et Vincent Dauvissat, Joseph Faiveley, Jean Noel Gagnard, Emmanuel Rouget, De Suremain, Sauzet, Gerald et Philibert Talmard and Laurent Tribut.

Enthusiasm for en primeur grew during the 2000s, with sales hitting a record-breaking £1 million at the 2002 tasting evening and subsequently, £2 million and £3 million at tasting events in 2005 and 2012.

Hew Blair, chairman of Justerini & Brooks, said; “We are thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of Burgundy en primeur and looking back it has been an amazing journey. The decision taken all those years ago to champion Burgundy was a leap of faith but certainly a smart one, and we are very proud to be the largest importer of Burgundy into the UK today.

“The 2014 vintage contains some exceptional wines, so we hope they will be enjoyed as much as we enjoyed sourcing them.”

Commenting on the 2014 vintage, buying director Giles Burke-Gaffney added; “Overall, the 2014 vintage gives out an overriding impression of balance. The wines are harmonious, soft, and fruity whilst giving immense pleasure in their youths, and the transparency and character are also highly appreciated. Purity and accuracy in their flavour will certainly appeal to many tasters without overwhelming the palate.”