Description
The 2020 Les Horées Beaune “Les Prévolles” is a sophisticated and structural expression of a landmark vintage, showcasing Catharina Sadde’s ability to harness solar power without sacrificing finesse. Sourced from her meticulously biodynamic “garden” parcel, the wine offers a deeper, more concentrated profile than previous years, bursting with notes of black cherry, raw cocoa, and peonies. Utilizing a high proportion of hand-snipped whole clusters, Sadde has crafted a Pinot Noir with “velvety” density and a cooling mineral backbone.
Hailed by William Kelley for its 92-point depth and “multidimensional” character, this bottling is an intellectually stimulating Beaune that balances the richness of the 2020 harvest with a racy, vertical energy, promising a beautiful evolution over the next decade.
Producer Profile
The Meteoric Rise of Catharina Sadde
Established in 2019, Domaine Les Horées has quickly become one of the most talked-about “cult” names in Burgundy.
Founded by German-born Catharina Sadde and her husband Guilhem, the estate is a rare example of a newcomer achieving instant international acclaim. Sadde’s background is atypical for a Burgundy producer; originally a trained chef in Michelin-starred restaurants, she transitioned to viticulture with a precision and intensity that is clearly reflected in her wines.
The Philosophy: Gastronomic Precision
Sadde’s background as a chef influences every stage of her production. She approaches her 1.3 hectares of vines with a focus on “intuitive winemaking” backed by scientific rigor (having studied at both Montpellier and Geisenheim).
- Biodynamics: The estate is farmed strictly according to biodynamic principles (non-certified). Sadde is known for being incredibly “hands-on,” often doing the dynamization of preparations herself.
- Minimal Intervention: Most cuvées are vinified without added sulfur until after malolactic fermentation, and bottled with only minimal doses to preserve the purity of the fruit.
- Texture over Power: A hallmark of Les Horées is the mouthfeel. Whether it’s her Aligoté or her Gevrey-Chambertin, there is a “silky, airy” quality that emphasizes aromatic lift over heavy extraction.
