Saint-Aubin, Burgundy France
The Wine
The 2022 Bourgogne Pinot Noir is a bright, high-energy red that captures the raw elegance of Burgundy without the stuffiness. Grown on organic clay-calcareous soils in Saint-Aubin, this is Pinot Noir in its most honest form: juicy, transparent, and pulsating with life.
Expect a rush of wild strawberries, black cherries, and raspberries, pinned together by a distinct earthy undertone and fine, elegant tannins. Julien’s use of old oak barrels ensures that the wood never dominates, allowing the vibrant fruit and the natural "barnyard funk" of the terroir to take center stage. It is a "porch-pounder" for some and a serious sipper for others—a true chameleon of a wine.
The Producer
Julien Altaber was born a farmer, raised among cows and tractors before finding his true calling in the vineyards. A protégé of the legendary Dominique Derain, Julien eventually took over Derain’s estate, continuing a legacy of strictly natural, biodynamic viticulture. Under his Sextant label, Julien is known for his exuberant personality and experimental spirit, producing wines that are often described as "otherworldly" yet perfectly grounded in their Saint-Aubin roots.
