At a glance

Producer

Domaine Marc Colin et Ses Fils

Region

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Combes, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$85

Tasting profile

Bright citrus (lemon zest, grapefruit), white flowers, subtle stone fruits (white peach, nectarine), lifted minerality. Touch of hazelnut, light wood spice from judicious oak aging.

Evolution: Gains complexity with age; further development of hazelnut and brioche notes, honey nuances, deeper minerality, aromatic integration. Fruit shifts from citrus to ripe stone and subtle orchard notes.

At peak: Complex, layered palate with elegant texture; persistent mineral finish, nuanced oak, florals and a refined, energetic profile typical of top-tier Saint-Aubin.

Structure

Acidity

High (marked, supporting long aging and vibrancy)

Tannins

N/A (white wine)

Alcohol

Moderate (~13.0% ABV typical for the vintage and producer)

Aging potential

Strong for Premier Cru Saint-Aubin: 10-14 years from vintage in good cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2037

Optimal window

2021 to 2040

Current status

Excellent maturity, entering peak, but will hold well

Current condition

In prime drinking window with harmonious development; structure and freshness remain excellent

Premier Cru whites from Marc Colin display exceptional energy and tension in youth, blossoming after 3-5 years with layered complexity. 2018 is a structured vintage with ripe fruit and crisp acidity, allowing for substantial cellar life, notably from a serious domaine like Marc Colin. Expect the wine to remain expressive and vibrant through 2028, possibly longer in ideal storage, though the core vibrancy is at its best from 5-10 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Pair with pan-seared sole, scallops, lobster with beurre blanc, roast chicken with herbs, goat cheese, sushi, or light creamy pastas. Excellent with dishes emphasizing fresh herbs and subtle cream sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

11-13°C / 52-55°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Marc Colin eschews herbicides and chemical pesticides where possible, prioritizes cover crops, integrated pest management, hand harvesting, and minimal vineyard treatments. Practiced lutte raisonnée for many years; reported conversion of some plots to organic, but entire domaine not certified. Judicious use of energy and water; no major packaging initiatives noted.

Marc Colin et Ses Fils ranks above average in sustainability due to long-standing responsible farming, a move toward organics in some plots, and small-scale production. However, lack of formal certification and use of traditional packaging mean they do not reach the very highest scores. Their careful vineyard stewardship and low-input philosophy align with best practices in Burgundy, making this wine a principled (if not officially certified) sustainable choice.