SKJ Domaines

Husband and wife, Barbara and Max Julliot, have just taken over a small parcel of vines in Moulis with 2020 being their first vintage. Max has been working at top wineries around the world his whole life and came back to Bordeaux, the place of his upbringing to start a family. 

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On the side Max had an organic and biodynamic conversion consultancy firm, when a small parcel of old-vine Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon came available to rent from 2021. His only condition was that he could do a half vintage in 2020 to test the waters, soils and vines and I have managed to secure 120 of the 450 bottles produced of their very first vintage.

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They are working out of a borrowed barn, so whilst I’d avoid the word “garagiste”, he’s one to look out for as he is rapidly gaining reputation and momentum in Bordeaux, Paris and soon, London. The cuvées are simply given initials: S, K, J and are stylistically very different from one another and from any classic Bordeaux.

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The K is 100% Merlot that has gone through semi carbonic maceration a la Beaujolais. Deeply vibrant purple colour, imagine the candied aromas of a Beaujolais with the ripe black fruit of Merlot, soft tannins and juicy mouthfeel. No added, nor natural sulphur is present, this is not one to miss!

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The J is designed for those who praise and miss the now retired Robert Parker. The 2020 vintage is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot, spending 12 months in brand new, medium toasted, French oak. Indigenous yeast ferment, foot treading and pigeage to extract the full flavour. The green bell pepper and eucalyptus really shine from the high Cabernet content.

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Download Tech Sheet - K, 2021

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Download Tech Sheet - J, 2020