Olivier Merlin is widely regarded as being one of the very finest winemakers in the Mâconnais. He and his wife Corinne began in 1987 by renting 4.5 hectares. from René Gaillard, of Domaine du Vieux Saint-Sorlin, who wished to retire. Since then, Olivier has been buying the property in stages as well as adding new vineyards such as St Véran (in 1994 and ‘96). In September ‘97 Olivier took out a négociant's licence in order to be able to make some Pouilly Fuissé, since land in this appellation is neither available to buy nor to rent.

The 2020 Pouilly-Fuissé is a blend of nine parcels that changed two years earlier it now leans more towards Vergisson-based vineyard rather than Chantray. The bouquet had a slight reduction on the nose, yet it still seems to be well-defined. The palate is lively on the entry with lemon rind and a saline undertow, fine weight with a touch of grilled walnut on the finish. Quite complex for a Pouilly-Fuissé - recommended. Drink: 2023 - 2030; Rating: 90 Points; Neal Martin; Vinous