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Hold Me Closer, Théo Dancer
"Burgundy's Youngest Sensation" - Robb Report
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Meursault Perrieres from the man himself
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If you signed-up to Dry January and persisted - well done. And if you didn't (either attempt or stick to it), well, I'm just glad to have you here.
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Some of you will remember the Pierre-Vincent Girardin offer we ran last year where I mentioned a small cadre of young superstars who are changing the game in Burgundy. I'm pleased to follow that up with wines from another of those standout figures, Théo Dancer.
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It’s one thing to earn praise within the wine world itself - from critics, merchants, and peers. It’s another when the conversation spills beyond that circle. Théo Dancer’s recent profile in the Robb Report speaks to a broader recognition, placing his work firmly on the radar well outside industry's usual echo chamber.
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I'd encourage anyone to read the profile. Théo's trajectory is remarkable. But to save you time, here are some highlights:
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- Elite athlete to vigneron: Former international-level tennis player and top-15 finisher at the 2019 Trail Running World Championships before committing fully to wine
- Early leadership: Took over winemaking at Domaine Vincent Dancer at just 20, assuming responsibility for an eight-hectare estate and 17 cuvées
- Vineyard-first overhaul: Reintroduced échalas training, removed trellising, replaced tractors with horses, sprays by hand, and planted 400+ trees to boost biodiversity
- Low yields, early picking: Targets 35–40 hl/ha for whites and 20–25 hl/ha for reds, harvesting around a week earlier than neighbors to preserve freshness and balance
- Minimalist cellar approach: Early harvests, longer pressing, natural fermentations, and no new oak, prioritizing texture, structure, and purity over winemaking imprint
- Tiny volumes, firm convictions: Production rarely exceeds 25,000 bottles, with site and soil intended to be the sole drivers of difference between wines
For clarity on the labels: Théo took over the family domaine (Domaine Vincent Dancer) in 2020, and has since raised both the quality and profile of the estate with real confidence. Alongside this, he launched his own project in the Mâconnais - Roc Breïa. Here he works with fruit from his own vines as well as carefully selected nearby growers.
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Both sit under Théo’s leadership and winemaking. The distinction is philosophical rather than hierarchical. Roc Breïa gives him greater latitude, with wines bottled as Vin de France, while the domaine wines adhere strictly to their respective AOC frameworks.
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As the domaine wines in this offer are from the 2023 vintage, I thought it useful to share Théo’s own thoughts on the year (with credit to Thatcher's Wine):
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"The 2023 vintage in Burgundy is characterized by weather conditions similar to 2022, marked by heat and drought, but with slightly more rainfall, especially during the summer. This allowed for a relatively generous yield across the region. However, managing the harvest dates was crucial to avoid wines that were too alcoholic and lacked freshness and tension, which are key to the balance and expression of our wines philosophy.
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The harvest was carried out relatively early, in line with our usual approach, prioritizing an overall balance focused on freshness and low pH, rather than excessive alcohol content.
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The expectation is that these cuvées will offer both pleasure and drinkability at a young age, as well as elegance and energy after some years of aging."
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I could go on, but it’s probably better to move on to the wines themselves. They speak for themselves. The prices do too - and Avint-Garde is proud to offer the lowest pricing on these wines anywhere in the world.
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White-Glove Concierge Delivery and Free In-Bond Transfers
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Regular concierge deliveries this week - please reply to your order confirmation to let me know if your preference is Friday or Saturday.
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Nationwide two-day shipping is always available - just select the option at checkout.
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Anything else taking your fancy? As always we’ll transfer to other UK warehouses at no cost. There's a decent stockpile getting ready to go out to Berry Bros., Coterie, and Octavian, so if you store with them you won't be waiting too long.
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Founder, Avint-Garde Fine Wine
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"Deep and muscular" - William Kelley
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A light-footed, Burgundian Pinot from the Maconnais, made by one of the region’s most exciting young talents. Pure fruit, fine balance and effortless drinkability.
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£210 in-bond
£275.40 inc. duty & VAT
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"High-quality selections of Chardonnay... aromas of pear, white flowers and fresh mint...incisive palate with good texture and cut, concluding with a gently aromatic finish." - William Kelley
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A luminous, mineral-driven Chardonnay from Dancer’s high-altitude vineyards, combining 2023’s sunny charm with brisk tension and precision. Pure, saline and beautifully balanced.
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£235 in-bond
£305.40 inc. duty & VAT
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"Satiny and fine-boned white with a delicate, early-picked profile."
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A sleek and elegant white Burgundy with pear and green-apple notes and subtle minerality. Ideal now for a refined aperitif or with shellfish, and cellaring gracefully for the next couple of years.
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£245 in-bond
£314.40 inc. duty & VAT
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"A medium-bodied, bright and vibrant wine that's pure and mineral."
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Channels subtle power and refined precision. A refined Pommard with vibrant red fruit, citrus lift and chalky mineral undertow.
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£265 in-bond
£341.40 inc. duty & VAT
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- All offers are subject to availability and confirmation.
- Alcohol is sold only to customers aged 18 or over. By placing an order, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
- Please drink responsibly. Alcohol can be harmful to your health. For more information, visit Drinkaware.co.uk.
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