Log In

Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player.

Click here if you already have Flash Player installed.
RECENT NEWS
Recommended: Muscadet
 Charles Smith's Demolition Derby Debut
 >>>Read more news
HOME | PORTFOLIO | OFFERINGS | EVENTS | NEWSLETTER
     

Quick Search
Advanced Search
About Us
Small Batch Wines
Naturally Farmed
Trade Info
Become a Customer
Consumer Info
Contact/Locate Us
The Cream Team
Receive Newsletter
Printable Page Printer Friendly

Cream Wine Company
118 N. Peoria St., 3rd Fl
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 421-1900 tel
(312) 421-1977 fax
service@creamwine.com

Home | Producers | Jean-Philippe Fichet

Jean-Philippe Fichet

Jean Philippe Fichet, Owner & Winemaker
Jean Philippe Fichet, Owner & Winemaker


Downloads
 
Jean-Philippe Fichet Information Sheet
Country of Origin: France
Location: Meursault
People: Jean-Philippe Fichet, Owner & Winemaker
Supplier: www.rarewineco.com


The Magic Within.
More than any of his peers, Fichet is testing the limits of transparency, to find the very soul of Meursault's terroirs. It was Meursault's destiny to have its soils revealed in this way: their intense stoniness is magnified by an exceptionally low water table, forcing the vines' roots deep underground.

Fichet's work is a direct outgrowth of a breakthrough that happened three decades ago: René Lafon's decision to bottle his Meursault "Clos de la Barre" on its own. For a century before, such a thing had been unheard of, as only the most famous vineyards—the premier crus—were ever bottled individually; everything else was blended into Meursault villages. Lafon's innovation not only proved that a lieu-dit (a non-classified vineyard) could say something profound, it drew attention to Meursault's incredible soils—paving the way for the later accomplishments of Jean-Françoise Coche, Jean-Marc Roulot and, of course, René Lafon's son Dominique. But Fichet has carried Lafon's revolution to another level— studying every square inch of earth and stone in his domaine, to make Meursault's purest set of single-climate wines.

Purity & Passion.
Even if uneconomical, Fichet would rather produce a very small amount of wine from his best sites than to lose their unique character in a blend. In 1998, his Meursault-Tesson vines yielded little more than four barrels; anyone else would have blended so little wine into their village cuvée. But the Tesson was so magical that Fichet bottled it separately, exclusively in magnum.

Just as Jean-Marc Roulot did until recently, Fichet has flown largely under the world's radar. He began as a grower in 1981 but was forced to rebuild his domaine from scratch in the 1990s, having lost all his best fruit sources—including a piece of Meursault- Perrières—for lack of long-term contracts. But he learned from this experience. By 2000, he had used carefully negotiated long-term fermage and mètayage agreements to create an extraordinary new domaine, brimming with exceptional sites.

No Short Cuts.
Fichet's methods reflect his philosophy: he is famously meticulous and abhors taking short cuts. His low yields, the foremost key to quality, are achieved through severe winter pruning rather than by green harvesting. And he believes his wines' expressiveness is enhanced through a patient eighteen-month élevage, with little new oak and by avoiding aggressive lees stirring.

The wines that Jean-Philippe Fichet is making today have few rivals for their class in Burgundy, and they could be unmatched in their transparency and expressiveness.
The Best is Yet to Come. As good as Fichet's wines have been up to now, the best lies ahead. His winemaking gets better each year, and so do his holdings, with a coveted piece of the iconic Meursault-Genevrières premier cru acquired in time for the 2006 vintage.

Jean-Philippe Fichet is one of Burgundy's greatest talents— and his wines are every bit as extraordinary as he is. It is an honor to represent this brilliant winemaker for the United States.
Items
J.P Fichet 2007 Bourgogne Aligote Net Price — —
J.P Fichet 2007 Bourgogne Blanc Net Price Reviews —
J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Gruyaches' Net Price Reviews —
J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Tessons' Net Price Reviews —
J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault Blanc 'Meix Sous le Chateau' Net Price Reviews —
J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault Blanc Net Price Reviews —
J.P Fichet 2007 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts Net Price Reviews —
Reviews
J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault 1er cru 'Genevrieres'
Rating: 89-91

Moderately evident wood is a prominent part of the otherwise exotic, spicy and seductive nose but doesn't affect the purity, freshness, energy or punch of the balanced and wonderfully intense flavors that offer good if not special depth but excellent length on the sappy and mouth coating finish.

- Burghound (6/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault 1er cru 'Genevrieres'
Rating: 89

Aromas of white flowers and crushed stone lifted by lime blossom. Juicy, intense and quite stylish, with a brisk mineral quality to the lemon-lime flavors. On the lean side and less deep and tactile than Fichet's domain 2006s, but has finesse. Distinctly linear Meursault. Fichet, who pressed these grapes himself, told me they were harvested on September 18, or three days before he began picking his domain vines.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2007)

J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault 'Tessons'
Rating: 88-91

Much more discreet wood treatment mixes in with the white flower and ripe peach, apricot and mango aromas that merge into rich, full and detailed flavors that possess the best underlying tension of any wine to this point as well as the best depth on the persistent finish. Lovely balance and harmony here. Drink 2010+

- Burghound (7/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts
Rating: 89-92

A completely different nose that is more classic in character as it offers floral and citrus aromas of impressive elegance and purity as well as detailed and subtly mineral-infused medium-bodied flavors that possess really lovely balance and excellent depth on the sappy and harmonious finish. I quite like this and it's very Puligny in style. Drink 2011+

- Burghound (7/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault 'Gruyaches'
Rating: 87-90

Here the wood is no longer subtle as there is toast, wood spice and vanilla fighting for center stage with the otherwise pure aromas of white peach and pear notes that also lead to very rich, full and naturally sweet medium-bodied flavors that possess impressive concentration and volume on the complex and persistent finish. Like several of the wines in the range, this is not as elegant as it usually is but for those who enjoy power and punch, this will suit.

- Burghound (7/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2007 Bourgogne Blanc
Rating: 85-87

Here there is more delineation to the green apple and light citrus aromas that introduce rich but less mineral infused flavors that possess slightly more volume while culminating in a generous and easy to like finish that delivers good character and solid persistence. Drink 2010+

- Burghound (7/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Bourgogne Blanc 'Vieilles Vignes'
Rating: 86-88

As usual, this is the best of these three regional offerings with a ripe and ever-so-mildly exotic nose that is in keeping with the rich, round, ripe and generous middle weight flavors that also possess good volume and excellent complexity for its level. Very fine quality and recommended.

- Burghound (7/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Gruyaches'
Rating: 88-91

A ripe and expressive nose of primarily citrus aromas with background nuances of white flower and anise that is also reflected by the precise, intense and very fresh medium-bodied flavors that possess a racy and mineral suffused finish where the citrus character resurfaces. Drink 2012+

- Burghound (7/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Tessons'
Rating: 89-92

Moderate reduction renders the nose difficult to read but the tight and minerally medium plus weight flavors possess plenty of freshness and energy as well as excellent depth and detail on the naturally sweet and wonderfully intense finish that displays impeccable balance. A very fine villages that is recommended.

- Burghound (7/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault Blanc
Rating: 87-89

Here too there is a discreet touch of wood influence that adds nuance to the ripe peach, apricot and lemon aromas that are in keeping with the rich, ripe, full and generous flavors that retain a good sense of underlying detail and plenty of extract on the palate staining and lengthy finish. Like the Auxey, this is balanced and if not elegant, then full of Meursault character.

- Burghound (7/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts
Rating: 89-92

Here there is a bit of SO2 that has not completely integrated and also detracts mildly from the otherwise ripe floral and white peach aromas though my score assumes that it will be absorbed in time. The rich, round and relatively generous medium-bodied flavors possess good mid-palate fat and I very much like the finishing persistence and intensity. Given that this is usually Fichets best wine, it's very good but not sensational.

- Burghound (7/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Bourgogne Blanc
Rating: 88

The Fichet 2007 Bourgogne white incorporates fruit from three disparate sites. Pink grapefruit and lime give this a spicy as well as citric cast, and a chalky suggestion keeps pace with the refreshment. This is used to season some new barrels during fermentation, but only briefly thereafter, so that there is no woody taste. This luscious if relatively uncomplicated Bourgogne really pulls on the salivary glands. It will probably be best enjoyed over the next couple of years. Jean-Philippe Fichet-s emphasis on retaining clarity and refreshment (via - inter alia - passive lees contact, high CO2 retention, and widespread use of demi-muids rater than barriques) positioned him to ideally avoid the pitfalls of 2006. But in 2007 his approach proved equally successful, resulting in wines that are in no way too lean, and that are for the most part youthfully expressive. -I'm only the orchestra-s conductor.- comments Fichet. -Nature dictates the repertoire.- Nonetheless, he has shown a great talent for bringing out the best in each recent vintage.The Fichet 2007s - brought in almost entirely between the 10th and 14th of September - combine extract with energy and elegance, and he thinks they will continue to demand patience in bottle. Finished alcohols are mostly in the upper 12s, arrived at with, in Fichet-s words, -very little- chaptalization. He encouraged long fermentations to enhance richness and complexity in his 2007s, although he says this meant walking a tightrope as regards volatility. For a few comments on how his earlier vintages are showing, see the conclusion of my note on this year's Meursault Tessons.

- The Wine Advocate (12/15/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Bourgogne Blanc 'Vieilles Vignes'
Rating: 88

Fichets 2007 Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes - vinified in the same manner as his -regular- white Bourgogne - comes from Les Pellans, abutting Meursault Charmes. At one point, the belt of premier crus south of Meursault sheds its eastern buffer of village-rated acreage. As Les Pellans continues south, it achieves a Meursault village rating. A hint of lanolin and resin from barrel - which Fichet thinks will dissipate in a year or so - mingles with fresh lime, ginger, and honey in the nose and on a luscious, texturally refined palate, but this finishes with a surprising burst of energy and tactile pungency of citrus rind, ginger, and white pepper that puts me in mind of a Gruner Veltliner, and - when combined with the hint of barrel and a strong sense of chalkiness - turns the wine slightly austere. The -regular- cuvee is more appealing right now, but this wine has more than mere pretensions to seriousness. It ought to be re-tasted in the course of 2010 and might well justify several further years of cellaring.

- The Wine Advocate (12/15/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault Blanc
Rating: 90

The generic Fichet 2007 Meursault marries (immediately after pressing) fruit from six sites, including Les Clous, Narvaux, Les Crotots (next to Poruzots), and Limozin. A classic Meursault nose of milled grain (suggesting pungent buckwheat) and lightly-toasted hazelnut, along with fresh lemon and orange peel, mint, and green tea lead to a palate that is at once subtly creamy, oily, and honeyed, but also refreshingly citric and invigoratingly zesty and spicy in its long finish. This will prove fascinatingly delicious for at least 4-6 years.

- The Wine Advocate (12/15/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Meix Sous le Chateau'
Rating: 90

This is really good butter, says Fichet with a grin of his 2007 Meursault Le Meix Sous le Chateau, grown in an unusual western exposure just west of the village. Of course, his comment is relative, and anyone expecting this to taste overtly lactic, or to be genuinely fat will be disappointed, because that is never Fichets style. This smells like a meadow full of flowers ; is indeed creamy in texture; and features saliva-inducing peach tinged with peach kernel and lightly salted. This finishes with delicacy and ripe citrus refreshment alongside persistent intimations of cream. While less emphatic than the village blend, it is more intriguing. I would plan on enjoying it over the next 4-5 years.

- The Wine Advocate (12/15/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Tessons'
Rating: 93

The 2007 Meursault Les Tessons reflects a site that Fichet likes to points out was once rated (in his view correctly) as among the commune-s best. This is subtle at every level, from its creaminess; through the intricate interviewing of chalk, salt, and hard-to-pin-down mineral nuances with citrus, herbs, pit fruits and liquid narcissus and lily perfume; to a finish of persistent, wafting floral essences, chalk, and mouth-watering, saline, meat-reduction savor. I-m convinced there is an inner richness here that needs time to come to fruition and will make this already superb wine a haunting experience over the next 6-8 years. Not without reason does Fichet call this -my premier cru.- The 2001, incidentally, tastes today rather like a cross between classic Meursault and a dry Vouvray - in any event, irresistibly savory, and testifying to further potential - while the hint of petrol in the currently riveting 2002 may put some tasters in mind of Alsace Riesling and others of a wine signaling its need to be enjoyed now. The 2004, 2006, and 2007 will - in my estimation - surpass these. Fichet considers 1999 an excellent vintage, and the oxidized state of some bottles of his Tillets - we batted .500 in his cellars this summer - a reflection of defective corks.

- The Wine Advocate (12/15/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Gruyaches'
Rating: 91

From a tiny vineyard wedged between Bourgogne Les Pellans and Meursault Charmes, and vines planted in 1923, the Fichet 2007 Meursault Les Gruyaches tells a tale of man and terroir. Most of Les Gruyaches was incorporated into Charmes more than a half century ago, but the drainage in this section was poor. Fichet made some improvements on the margins of the site to counteract that. Chalky and alkaline notes announce themselves here already in the nose, while fresh lime, white peach, celery root, toasted hazelnut, lightly caramelized parsnip, and milled grain make for a complex amalgam of quite disparate but not discordant elements. This finishes with a shimmering, mouth-shaking sense of mineral-fruit exchange that this vintage can bring, and with saliva-inducing penetration. Fichet opines that it needs 4-5 years to really harmonize, and based on my thus far limited experience with older bottles, I would predict it will surely still give pleasure 6-8 years from now.

- The Wine Advocate (12/15/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts
Rating: 92

Fichets 2007 Puligny-Montrachet Les Referts smells of carnation, fresh lime, and ginger; introduces toasted nuts and grains on a firm, palpably dense, faintly oily palate; and finishes with exuberant energy and striking lift, if not (at least yet) enormous complexity. This has the makings of something extraordinary with a few years of bottle age, and I would expect it to be worth following for more than a half dozen.

- The Wine Advocate (12/15/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault Blanc
Rating: 87-89

Musky stone fruit aromas. Sweet and rich, with very ripe yellow peach flavors complemented by spicy, smoky notes from the new barrel. A sample from an older barrel was more floral but less sweet, with a note of licorice and a faint dry edge.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Meix Sous le Chateau'
Rating: 90

Good full yellow. Expressive aromas of soft citrus fruits, ginger and nutty lees; very Meursault. Then sweet, lush and ripe in the mouth; in fact, atypically approachable for this cuvee at this stage. This round and rather broad wine finishes with good length. I’d drink it in the next year or two.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/1009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Gruyaches'
Rating: 91

Good bright yellow. Subdued aromas of orange, lemon and vanilla. Rich and sweet but firm, thanks to a lovely core of acidity. Offers a silky texture but also plenty of energy to the lemon and mineral flavors. Very nicely balanced and concentrated Meursault.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Meursault 'Tessons'
Rating: 91

Good pale yellow. Subdued aromas of white plum and vanillin oak lifted by a high-pitched floral nuance. Then tight, dry and a bit youthfully imploded, with hints of peach skin and nuts. With extended aeration, this developed a more pliant texture, and notes of lemon and minerals emerged. Finishes with sneaky length.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/1009)

J.P Fichet 2007 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts
Rating: 92

Bright yellow. Hazelnut, smoky oak and enticing floral high notes on the nose. Very rich, chewy and sweet, with Meursault-like flavors of stone fruits and hazelnut. Already very sexy but there’s plenty of energy here. Finishes broad and long.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2009)

J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault 'Meix Sous le Chateau'
Rating: 89

Aromas of orange blossom and spices. Suave and sweet, with a floral lift to the pineapple and soft citrus fruit flavors. Chewy and expressive with with a tactile, aromatic finish.

- International Wine Cellar (10/01/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault 'Gruyaches'
Rating: 91

Reticent nose opens with air to reveal pure lemon and hazelnut. Rich, round and seamless in the mouth, with expressive flavors of soft citrus fruits, burnt butter and spicy gingerbread.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault Blanc
Rating: 88

Subdued, deeply pitched aromas of stone fruits and butter. Lovely acidity to leaven the wine's texture and weight.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Meursault 'Tessons'
Rating: 92

Good pale color. Reticent nose hints at violet and earth. Similarly tight in the mouth and perhaps a bit youthfully disjointed, with a firm acid spine framing the citrus and floral flavors. Sappy and juicy Meursault but a bit aggressive, even tannic on the finish, with hints of acacia flower and minerals.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts
Rating: 93

Ripe but subdued aromas of white peach, nut oil and flowers; the aromatic lift here really transcends the vintage. Sweet and silky on entry, they wonderfully intense in the mid-palate, with captivating floral and spice elements and superb energy for Puligny. Really lovely fruit here, and terrific persistence.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Bourgogne Aligote
Rating: 88

Loaded with aromas and flavors of toasted nuts and grain, and exhibiting an almost carnal depth, as well as palpable citrus zest pungency and chalky minerality, this is not one of those wines from Burgundy's under-rated, 'lowly' white variety about which one says 'you'll never guess it's not Chardonnay. On the contrary, it delivers Aligote in all of its intense if slightly rustic virtues.

- The Wine Advocate (8/31/2008)

J.P Fichet 2006 Bourgogne Blanc
Rating: 89

Fichet's 2006 Bourgogne is as different from his Aligote as...well, as Chardonnay is from Aligote. (In addition, the vinification here employs some more obvious wood.) Peach, nut oils, and bitter-sweet floral notes in the nose lead to a palate exhibiting the Fichet-trademark alliance of leesy richness (but without and ounce of fat) to precision of fruit and mineral, and ripe, bright acidity. The Aligote literally leaves you with more to chew on; but this wine with more to ponder.

- The Wine Advocate (8/31/2008)

Jean-Philippe Fichet 2005 Meursault Blanc
Rating: 90

(a blend of five parcels) Soft citrus fruits, peach blossom and sexy vanillin oak on the nose. Enters the mouth with impressive energy, showing intense, penetrating flavors of orange, peach blossom and minerals, all framed by lively acidity. Very sappy wine with impressive inner-mouth verve. I love the note of vanillin oak here. A superb village wine. -S.T.

- International Wine Cellar (9/30/2007)

Jean-Philippe Fichet 2005 Meursault 'Gruyaches'
Rating: 92+

Orange, lemon, crushed stone, spices and toasty, vanillin oak on the inviting nose. Juicy, energetic and penetrating, with a minerally precision to the tangerine and orange blossom flavors. This very young wine already boasts lovely inner-mouth perfume. Still a bit youthfully spiky, and in need of at least six or seven years of cellaring. Quintessential Meursault with spine: my kind of wine. -S.T.

- International Wine Cellar (9/30/2007)

Jean-Philippe Fichet 2005 Meursault LeTesson
Rating: 93

(a blend of plantings from 1976, 1956, and 1954) Classic Meursault aromas of ripe stone fruits, hazelnut, minerals and butter (Fichet referred to the nose of this wine as the vitrine of Meursault.) Suave and velvety on entry, then generous and complex in the middle palate, offering a silky combination of fruits and minerals and the fine-grained, mouthcoating texture of Meursault at its best. Firm but impeccably integrated acidity really extends the finish of this sweetly sexy and elegant wine. Really remarkably good for village wine. -S.T.

- International Wine Cellar (9/30/2007)