The Domaine Pecheur 'Vieux Millésimes' Chardonnay 1982 was unexpectedly discovered in a 500-liter barrel at the estate, having been essentially forgotten for four decades. This rare find reflects the estate’s history and showcases the unique aging potential of Jura wines, emphasizing their oxidative qualities. It was bottled in 2022, preserving a piece of the winery's legacy and offering a taste of exceptional, long-matured Chardonnay.
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Winemaker: Christian and Patricia Pêcheur
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Farming: Organic principles
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Varieties: Chardonnay
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TERROIR: Limestone and marl soils typical of the Jura, contributing to the wine's depth and minerality
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VINIFICATION: Fermented with native yeasts in traditional vats, allowing natural oxidation to develop complexity over 40 years.
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AGING: Extended aging in old barrels without topping up, typical of Jura winemaking, adding nutty and oxidative notes
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TASTING NOTES: Rich, with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of salinity, supported by bright acidity and a long finish.
From our 2025 Bottle Cult Notes (Serious Inquiries Only):
1982?! Yeah, that’s right. We had to bring this wine to you because it’s exceedingly rare. Let’s get into it. The Jura region of France is known for its age-worthy, oxidative wines, but how often do you find a 43-year-old bottle on the market? Domaine Pêcheur’s Vieux Millésimes 1982 is a rare, accidental discovery—a wine that spent four decades aging in a forgotten barrel before being bottled in 2022. Our importer was able to lay claim to the barrel, and only a handful of cases made it into the US. This is the perfect example of the unpredictable magic of winemaking and the patience of time.
Domaine Pêcheur was founded in 1976 with just one hectare of vines and has long been dedicated to crafting wines that reflect Jura’s singular terroir. In 2022, winemakers Christian and Patricia Pêcheur stumbled upon something extraordinary—a 500-liter barrel of Chardonnay from the 1982 vintage, untouched and hidden away in Christian’s grandparents’ cellar. For 40 years, the wine quietly aged in the cool, humid environment, slowly evolving into something unique and profound. Listen—this is not a normal wine. This is literally bottled history.
At Domaine Pêcheur, their whites are always barrel-fermented and barrel-aged. Typically, their Chardonnay spends two years in barrel without topping up (non-ouillé), but this one spent quite a bit more time than that. Unlike intentional Vin Jaune, which ages under a veil of yeast (sous voile), this Chardonnay developed naturally with limited intervention, preserving remarkable freshness while gaining incredible depth. Recognizing its exceptional character, the Pêcheurs decided to bottle this once-in-a-lifetime discovery, naming it Vieux Millésimes (“old vintages”) to honor its vintage heritage.
This isn’t just a well-aged Chardonnay—it’s a time capsule of Jura’s winemaking history. The long, slow oxidative aging has given it extraordinary depth and complexity, yet it still holds onto surprising vibrancy. Expect classic Jura nutty, honeyed, and saline notes, lifted by bright acidity and layered minerality, making it alive and expressive despite its age (a little bit like me!).
Pair this with classic Jura dishes like roast chicken with morels and vin jaune sauce, aged Comté, or a rich seafood gratin. Or, for something unexpected, try it with creamy Indian curries, truffle risotto, or roasted marrow bones with a touch of sea salt.
The Vieux Millésimes 1982 is a true collector’s piece, offering a glimpse into a winemaking era that no longer exists, and, honestly, a vintage that barely exists. Wines like this don’t just tell a story—they transport you through time. If you ever wanted to taste the magic of an unintentional masterpiece, this is your chance.—Cara Patricia, DECANTnapa
