DOMAINE JAVET-JAVET - VULLY
- Tony Lcrx
- Oct 14, 2025
- 18 min read
COMPLETE 2022 TO 2024 TASTING NOTES
PRODUCER OVERVIEW
Etienne Javet represents the sixth generation of his family to farm vineyards in Vully, but he is the first to bottle his own wine—a distinction that defines everything about his approach. This isn't inherited tradition mechanically continued; this is earned passion realised against expectations.
Estate Details:
Total vineyard: 4 hectares
Farming: Certified biodynamic (10+ years of practice)
Philosophy: Adaptive élevage - each wine as a "child" with a unique personality
Location: Vully village, Lake Morat shore (Murtensee), Trois-Lacs region
Soils: Predominantly poor molasse with low clay content
Exposures: Varied - from lakeside warmth to hillside coolness
Recognition: Gault et Millau "Rookie of the Year" 2021
The Story:
Since childhood, Etienne dreamed of bottling the family's grapes rather than selling them. At just 19, while studying at Changins University, he began vinifying his first lots in a corner of the family cellar. The early results were promising enough that he committed fully to the vision.
His talent was recognised swiftly. In 2021, Gault et Millau named him "Rookie of the Year"—remarkable validation for someone barely into his twenties, confirming what early tasters already knew: this was exceptional work from an emerging master.
The Range:
What distinguishes Etienne from many Swiss vignerons is his remarkable diversity. While others focus narrowly on Chasselas and Pinot Noir, Etienne works with seven distinct wines across five varieties:
Whites:
Chasselas "L'Origine" (textural, intense)
Traminer "Savagnin Rose Aromatique" (Vully speciality, bone-dry)
Pinot Gris "Le son des Pierres" (sharp, stony, spice-driven)
Sauvignon Blanc (surprising, oak-aged)
Reds:
Pinot Noir "Aime Terre" (signature blend, his calling card)
Pinot Noir "Sur Chamba" (single parcel, lower slopes, delicate)
Pinot Noir "de Mur" (single parcel, upper slopes, structured)
This diversity isn't dilettantism—it's strategic. Etienne understands that Vully's varied terroir and microclimate can support multiple varieties when matched thoughtfully to the site. Each wine occupies its own niche, speaking to different occasions and preferences.
The Philosophy:
What sets Etienne apart from his peers is his refusal to think of wine solely in vineyard terms. Where many vignerons declare "wine is made in the vineyard" and minimise cellar intervention, Etienne sees viticulture and élevage as equally important.
His philosophy extends into ageing and vessel selection, where he applies the same thoughtful attention he brings to the vines. He doesn't follow a fixed recipe or house style. Instead, he selects the right vessel—specific tanks, carefully chosen barrels, for each lot, allowing every wine to express its unique personality.
This adaptive approach means his wines respond to vintage conditions rather than fighting against them:
Cool, precise 2021: Allowed to be crystalline and tense
Warm, generous 2020 and 2022: Express solar character without heaviness
Each vintage reaches its full potential by being exactly what it wants to be
The Work:
Etienne farms the land primarily himself with help from close family. There's no team of workers, no hired hands—just Etienne, his family, and four hectares of vines that receive constant attention. His hands reveal the intensity of this daily labour: calloused, strong, deeply connected to the land.
Yet his energy never wanes. He speaks about each plot, each vine, with poetic precision—able to discourse for hours on the subtle personality differences between neighbouring parcels. There's genuine love here, not just professional dedication.
He's never truly off duty. Even during tastings, his mind is partly in the vineyard, thinking about canopy management, shoot positioning, and biodynamic preparations. This is not a job; it's a passion calling.
UNDERSTANDING VULLY TERROIR
Geography & Climate
Vully sits apart from Neuchâtel proper—not on Lake Neuchâtel's shores but along its neighbour, Lake Morat (Murtensee), part of the broader Trois-Lacs region that includes Bielersee. This geographical separation creates distinct terroir characteristics.
Key Differences from Neuchâtel:
More dispersed vineyard sites (not continuous slopes)
Varied exposures and elevations
Smaller lake influence (Morat vs. Neuchâtel)
Molasse soils rather than pure limestone
Greater diversity of mesoclimates within a small area
The Lake Effect: Like Neuchâtel, Vully benefits from lake moderation—thermal mass that prevents extreme temperatures. But Morat is smaller than Neuchâtel, so the effect is less pronounced. This creates wines with:
Slightly warmer character overall
More vintage variation
Greater distinction between sites
Soil Composition: Predominantly poor molasse—a sedimentary rock formation common in the Swiss foothills. Key characteristics:
Low clay content (excellent drainage)
Poor nutrient availability (concentrates grapes)
Variable composition (sandstone, siltstone, marlstone layers)
Low water retention (stress in dry years)
These soils produce concentrated, terroir-expressive wines with mineral character distinct from limestone sites. There's less overt salinity than Neuchâtel's Jurassic limestone but more earthy, stony complexity.
Biodynamic Practice
Etienne has practised biodynamics for over a decade—not as marketing, but as a deep conviction. This matters profoundly for wine quality.
What 10 years of biodynamics deliver:
Living soils with active microbial life
Deep root systems (vines dig through poor molasse)
Natural disease resistance
Expressive aromatics (biodynamic wines consistently show more)
Ageing potential (healthier grapes, with a more pronounced natural acidity, that makes longer-lived wines)
Specific Practices:
Biodynamic preparations (500, 501, compost teas)
Lunar calendar attention for key operations
Cover crops and biodiversity
No synthetic inputs (herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers)
Minimal copper and sulfur (only when necessary)
The result: After a decade of biodynamic viticulture, Etienne's wines show brilliant clarity. His whites display vibrant acidity, pure varietal identity, and expressive aromatics. The Pinot Noirs are more reserved in youth but reveal extraordinary depth with time.
The Single-Parcel Philosophy at Javet & Javet Estate
Etienne's two single-parcel Pinot Noirs—"Sur Chamba" and "de Mur"—perfectly illustrate his approach and Vully's terroir diversity.
Sur Chamba (Lower slopes, near the lake):
Warmer microclimate
Richer soils with more clay
Earlier ripening
Result: Delicacy, elegance, approachable tannins
De Mur (Upper slopes, away from the lake):
Cooler exposure
Hard rock, compact clay
Later ripening
Result: Structure, power, ageability
Same variety, same vintage, same winemaker, same techniques—completely different wines. This is terroir expression at its clearest. It's also why Etienne refuses to impose a house style: the land wants to speak differently from each site.
UNDERSTANDING THE VINTAGES
2024 Vintage
Cool, challenging growing season with extended hang time. Required precise canopy management and careful monitoring. The resulting wines show exceptional freshness, vibrant acidity, and crystalline purity.
Vintage character: Tension, mineral clarity, bright acidity, ageing potential
What makes 2024 special: The vintage's freshness, captured in Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, creates wines with unusual energy and precision. These aren't typical expressions of these varieties—they're sharper, more focused, more terroir-driven.
2023 Vintage
Heat, drought, and summer stress defined this vintage. Yields were favourable, but ripeness accelerated quickly. Etienne's biodynamic practices (especially deep roots and living soils) helped vines handle stress better than conventionally farmed vineyards.
Vintage character: Ripe fruit, generous texture, accessible structure
What makes 2023 special: The warmth shows in concentrated aromatics and generous mouthfeel. The Chasselas displays more body than usual; the Traminer shows slightly restrained aromatics with bone-dry structure; the Pinot Noir "Aime Terre" has beautiful ripeness without heaviness.
2022 Vintage
Another warm vintage producing concentrated, powerful wines with ripe fruit profiles and supple structures. Extended hang time without stress.
Vintage character: Concentration, power, ripe tannins, generous fruit
What makes 2022 special: This is where the two single-parcel Pinot Noirs shine, showing dramatic terroir differences despite the vintage's overall warmth. Sur Chamba shows approachable delicacy; de Mur demands patience with its structural power.
COMPLETE TASTING NOTES
THE WHITE WINES
Chasselas "L'Origine" 2023
Technical Details:
Vineyard: Estate parcels, full physiological ripeness
Vinification: Complete malolactic fermentation
Ageing: Extended ageing on fine lees
Production: Core white wine offering
Alcohol: ~12.5%
Tasting Note:
This is rich, intense Chasselas—a complete departure from the delicate, mineral-driven styles of Neuchâtel. Etienne captures Chasselas at full physiological ripeness, extracting maximum complexity and body while maintaining the variety's essential freshness.
Pronounced saline minerality announces itself immediately, but here it's wrapped in creamy texture and gentle acidity rather than the sharp precision of limestone sites. The molasse terroir expresses itself differently than Jurassic limestone—less crystalline salinity, more textural depth and grip.
The wine shows a slightly grippy, phenolic character that gives an unusual presence for Chasselas. There's roundness throughout—from the welcoming attack through the sustained mid-palate to the finish. The malolactic fermentation has softened edges without removing energy.
Aromatics lean toward ripe orchard fruits (pear, apple), subtle honey, and wet stone. There's body here—this is not ethereal, delicate Chasselas. This is textural, almost muscular in its presence. It fills the mouth and demands food rather than serving as a light aperitif.
Etienne has created Chasselas with conviction—a wine that stands up and demands attention rather than whispering gently.
Optimal Serving:
Temperature: 11-13°C
Aeration: Beneficial, 20-30 minutes
Glassware: Medium white wine stems
Drinking Window: Delicious now and will continue developing through 2026-2027. The texture and body suggest this will handle a few years better than typical Chasselas.
Food Pairing:
The textural, phenolic finish demands food with richness:
Perfect match: Smoked haddock with horseradish cream and pickled onions—the wine's textural, slightly phenolic finish counterbalances the fish's richness, while the Chasselas's energy cuts through the fatty elements beautifully.
Why it works: This isn't delicate Chasselas for light preparations. This is textural Chasselas that can handle richness, fat, and intensity. The slight phenolic grip provides a bridge to preparations that would overwhelm more delicate whites.
Traminer "Savagnin Rose Aromatique" 2023
Technical Details:
Variety: Known elsewhere as Gewürztraminer, but in Vully it's a local speciality with a distinct identity
Vineyard: Estate parcels suited to aromatic varieties
Vinification: Fermented to complete dryness
Ageing: Neutral vessels
Alcohol: ~13.5%
Tasting Note:
This is Traminer for people who think they don't like Gewürztraminer. It's Traminer that's been stripped of cloying sweetness and excessive perfume, revealing the variety's true character beneath typical commercial expressions.
The 2023 shows slightly restrained aromatics compared to typical Gewürztraminer—beautiful rose petal and lychee exotic character, but dialled back from overwhelming intensity. There's floral complexity without feeling like you're drinking perfume. Subtle spice notes (white pepper, ginger) add complexity.
What makes this wine special: it keeps bone-dry vibrancy throughout. There's absolutely zero residual sugar—this is fermented to complete dryness. The light bitterness on the aftertaste provides texture, length, and food-pairing versatility that sweet Gewürztraminer lacks entirely.
The structure is serious—this isn't a simple aromatic white for aperitif and forgetting. There's depth, complexity, and the kind of texture that makes you think about it rather than simply enjoying it mindlessly.
This is genuinely unique to Vully. You won't find Traminer like this elsewhere—it's a regional speciality that deserves preservation and celebration.
Optimal Serving:
Temperature: 10-12°C (keep it fresh)
Decanting: Not necessary, but 10-15 minutes in a glass helps
Glassware: Medium white wine stems (not too large—concentrate aromatics)
Drinking Window: Ready immediately, but surprisingly age-worthy for an aromatic variety. It can evolve beautifully over 10 years for those with patience and curiosity. Peak drinking 2024-2033.
Evolution: The aromatics will become more savoury and complex with age, while the bitterness and texture become more pronounced. It won't gain power, but it will gain interest and dry floral components that make it even more interesting.
Food Pairing:
Remarkably versatile from an aperitif through the cheese course:
Perfect for:
Aperitif: Serve chilled for summer lunch gatherings
Spicy food: Thai, Indian, Sichuan (the dry structure and slight bitterness handle heat beautifully)
Rich creamy cheeses: Munster, Époisses, washed-rind styles
Why it works: Most Gewürztraminers are too sweet and aromatic for food—they dominate rather than complement. This dry, restrained version provides aromatics without overwhelming, structure without weight, and that crucial bitter component that bridges to difficult ingredients.
Collector's Note: This wine represents Vully's identity—a regional speciality that's been maintained despite trends toward international varieties. Supporting wines like this preserves viticultural diversity and regional character. Plus, it's delicious and versatile. Buy several bottles—you'll find endless pairing opportunities.
Pinot Gris "Le son des Pierres" 2024
Technical Details:
Vineyard: Estate parcels
Vinification: Neutral tank ageing on fine lees
Production: Limited
Alcohol: ~13%
Tasting Note:
This is unusual Pinot Gris without any hint of the heaviness, oiliness, or weight that often defines the variety. If you think you don't like Pinot Gris because most examples feel cloying or unctuous, prepare to reconsider.
Instead of richness, this is sharp and stony—mineral-driven with remarkable freshness. The 2024 vintage's coolness shows brilliantly here, creating Pinot Gris with unusual energy and precision.
The wine displays a complete spectrum of sweet spices—cinnamon, clove, white pepper, cardamom—but delivered through a bone-dry, tangy palate rather than wrapped in glycerin and residual sugar. There's texture without weight, aromatics without heaviness, complexity without fatigue.
The molasse terroir expresses itself clearly: stony, rocky, mineral. You taste earth and stone more than fruit. This is terroir-driven Pinot Gris that transcends varietal clichés.
Etienne has reimagined what Pinot Gris can be—focused, fresh, food-friendly rather than broad, rich, and tiring.
Optimal Serving:
Temperature: 11-13°C
Decanting: Not necessary, but 15 minutes in a glass opens it up
Glassware: White wine stems
Drinking Window: Allow 6 months of post-bottling rest before opening—it's still quite youthful and not yet showing full potential. Then enjoy through 2028-2029.
Evolution: The wine will integrate and harmonise over the next year, with spice notes becoming more complex and mineral character more pronounced. It won't gain weight—it will gain complexity while maintaining freshness.
Food Pairing:
The sharp, spicy character creates specific pairing opportunities:
Perfect match: Chicken curry for diners who prefer savoury over sweet, or dislike overly aromatic wines. The wine has the structure to reflect intense curry spices with ease, providing balance rather than competition.
Why it works: The bone-dry structure and spice profile create natural bridges to cuisines with complex spice blends. The wine doesn't add sweetness or weight—it adds aromatic complexity and refreshment.
Collector's Note: This wine challenges preconceptions about Pinot Gris. If you're curious about what the variety can achieve when treated for terroir rather than varietal expression, this is your answer. At this price, it's a low-risk experiment with high potential reward.
Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Technical Details:
Vineyard: Estate parcels suited to Sauvignon
Vinification: Aged 12 months in neutral oak barrels
Production: Limited, experimental approach
Alcohol: ~13%
Tasting Note:
This is a surprising Sauvignon Blanc that defies expectations. Etienne has created something genuinely unusual—Sauvignon that's been gentled, rounded, and complicated by intelligent oak ageing while retaining the variety's essential character.
The beauty of the 2024 is its bone-dry taste, sharp and precise. The vintage's natural acidity has been preserved beautifully, creating Sauvignon with unusual tension and energy. Fresh citrus fruits (grapefruit, lime, lemon) announce themselves clearly.
But here's where it gets interesting: there's impressive flesh around the acidity. The neutral oak ageing has provided a round mid-palate and supple vegetal-floral components without adding obvious wood flavours. The oak is invisible as flavour but present as texture—exactly what thoughtful barrel ageing should achieve.
The wine shows typical Sauvignon character (citrus, herbs, minerality) but delivered through a more sophisticated, food-friendly structure than typical expressions. There's less aggressive herbaceousness, fewer sharp edges, more integration and harmony.
Even sceptics of Sauvignon Blanc might reconsider. I suggest serving it blind for the best introduction—remove preconceptions and let the wine speak.
Optimal Serving:
Temperature: 11-13°C
Decanting: Brief aeration is beneficial (15-20 minutes)
Glassware: White wine stems, not too large
Drinking Window: Enjoyable from release through 2030. The wine's texture, body, and the bright acidity of the 2024 vintage will allow it to age marvelously—unusual longevity for Sauvignon Blanc.
Food Pairing:
The rounded structure and fresh acidity create versatile pairing opportunities:
Perfect matches:
Raw fish preparations: Scallop carpaccio with yuzu gel, lime zest, and tomato vinegar mirrors the wine's freshness perfectly
Pan-seared langoustines: Thai-style broth creates beautiful harmony between the wine's citrus and Asian aromatics
Why it works: The oak ageing has softened Sauvignon's sometimes aggressive edges, making it more food-friendly while retaining refreshing acidity. The wine complements without overwhelming delicate flavours.
Collector's Note: This wine proves Sauvignon Blanc can be more than a pungent, herbaceous aperitif wine. Etienne's oak ageing approach creates something more sophisticated while retaining varietal identity. If you typically avoid Sauvignon, give this a chance—it might change your mind.
It could be great to compare next to some great Sancerre out there.
THE RED WINES
Pinot Noir "Aime Terre" 2023
Technical Details:
Vineyard: Blend from multiple estate parcels
Vinification: 75% aged in French oak, ~20% whole-bunch fermentation
Philosophy: Etienne's signature wine, his "calling card"
Production: Largest Pinot Noir production at the estate
Alcohol: ~13.5-14%
The Name: "Aime Terre" translates as "loves earth"—a direct statement of Etienne's philosophy and passion. He is profoundly devoted to Pinot Noir, and these parcels receive his deepest attention and care.
Tasting Note:
This wine embodies Etienne's vision for Pinot Noir—concentrated, complex, age-worthy, yet approachable enough to enjoy in relative youth.
The 2023 shows wonderful ripe, juicy black berry fruits—cassis, blueberries, dark cherries. The vintage's warmth is evident in the fruit ripeness, but Etienne's biodynamic practices and picking decisions preserved essential freshness. There's no baked character, no jammy heaviness—just pure, ripe fruit expression.
Beneath this generous fruit expression lies a refined Pinot Noir structure. The tannins are evident on the palate—grippy but ripe, providing framework without harshness. Savoury character enhanced by bright acidity creates a feeling of depth and concentration. The whole-bunch component adds subtle spice and structural complexity without greenness.
There's intensity here, but it's balanced and harmonious. The wine shows its biodynamic origins: expressive aromatics, vibrant energy, complexity beyond simple fruit. The oak ageing (75% in barrel) provides support without dominating—you taste terroir and fruit, not wood.
This is intense yet approachable—a beautifully constructed wine that balances immediate pleasure with ageing potential.
Optimal Serving:
Temperature: 16-17°C
Decanting: Recommended, 1-2 hours
Glassware: Burgundy stems
Drinking Window: Ready from 2025 onward. Delicious now, but will evolve beautifully. Keep several bottles cellared for the next 15 years and open one in 2035—you'll be impressed by its evolution. Peak drinking 2028-2038.
Food Pairing:
Versatile enough for various refined preparations:
Perfect matches:
Duck breast with cherry sauce
Venison with juniper and blackberries
Grilled lamb chops with herbs
Why it works: The wine's balance of fruit, structure, and acidity makes it an excellent companion for a range of proteins and preparations. It's serious enough for special occasions but approachable enough for elevated weeknight dinners.
Collector's Note: This is Etienne's flagship—the wine that represents his vision and builds his reputation. It over-delivers for the price, showing concentration and complexity typically associated with more expensive wines. Buy vertically to understand how this wine evolves and how Etienne adapts to different vintages.
Pinot Noir "Sur Chamba" 2022 ⭐
Technical Details:
Vineyard: Single parcel, lower slopes near Lake Morat
Terroir: Richer soils with more clay, warmer microclimate, earlier ripening
Vinification: 100% French oak ageing, higher proportion of whole stems
Production: Extremely limited single-parcel wine
Alcohol: ~14%
The Terroir Story:
Sur Chamba sits on the lower slopes near the lake itself, where richer soils and warmer microclimate create earlier ripening conditions. The clay-rich soil provides more available water and nutrients than higher elevations, resulting in slightly more generous, approachable wines.
This is Etienne's "delicate" single-parcel wine—though calling any 2022 Pinot Noir delicate requires context. It's delicate relative to de Mur's power, but it still shows concentration and structure.
Tasting Note:
This shows the same concentration as Aime Terre but with a broader, wilder expression from the clay-rich soil. Where Aime Terre balances fruit and structure evenly, Sur Chamba leans toward generosity and approachability.
Tannins are beautifully ripe and supple on the palate—they caress rather than grip. The texture is silky and welcoming. The fruit approach is lush: ripe dark cherry, blackberry, plum, with subtle floral notes (violet, dried rose) adding complexity.
The warmer terroir and vintage combination show in the wine's expansive character. There's density without heaviness, power without aggression. The whole-stem inclusion adds subtle spice (white pepper, clove) and structural complexity without greenness. It has been very well managed by Etienne's experience through years of work and experimentation.
Despite its power and ripeness, there's an underlying elegance waiting to emerge with time. The wine is already drinking beautifully, but it will gain finesse and complexity over the next decade.
Optimal Serving:
Temperature: 16-18°C
Decanting: Beneficial, 1-2 hours
Glassware: Large Burgundy stems
Drinking Window: Approachable immediately in 2025, yet possesses the structure to develop gracefully over 15 years, revealing increasing finesse and elegance. Peak drinking 2027-2037.
Food Pairing:
The wine's power and lush fruit demand thoughtful, elegant preparations:
Perfect match: Roasted cauliflower with various peppers, chilli, and cauliflower confit, finished with hibiscus flower jelly. This unexpected vegetarian pairing honours the wine's complexity while providing beautiful textural contrast. The slight heat from peppers and chilli complements the wine's ripeness, while cauliflower's earthiness mirrors the terroir.
Why it works: The wine's supple tannins and lush fruit don't require heavy protein. Vegetarian preparations with earthy complexity and subtle heat create beautiful harmony.
Advanced pairing: Try this with miso-glazed eggplant. The wine's ripeness complements the miso's umami, while its structure balances the dish's richness.
Collector's Note: This wine demonstrates Etienne's single-parcel philosophy beautifully. It's approachable and pleasurable now while possessing ageing potential. If you want to understand Vully terroir's diversity, compare this directly with de Mur from the same vintage—the contrast is revelatory.
Pinot Noir "de Mur" 2022 ⭐
Technical Details:
Vineyard: Single parcel, high on hillside, far from the lake
Terroir: Cool exposure, hard rock, compact clay, late ripening
Vinification: 100% French oak ageing, similar proportion of whole stems to "Sur Chamba"
Production: Extremely limited single-parcel wine
Alcohol: ~14%
The Terroir Story:
De Mur sits high on the hillside, far from the lake's moderating influence. Cool exposure with hard rock and compact clay soils creates late-ripening conditions and natural stress. The vines struggle here—in the best possible way.
This is Etienne's "structured" single-parcel wine—the yin to Sur Chamba's yang, the power to its delicacy.
The Comparison:
Same variety. Same vintage. Same winemaker. Same techniques. Completely different wines.
Where Sur Chamba offers delicacy and approachability, de Mur delivers structure and demands patience. This is terroir expression at its clearest—the land's voice speaking louder than the winemaker's hand.
Tasting Note:
This is a different conversation entirely.
Where Sur Chamba welcomes you immediately, de Mur stands back and demands respect, time, and contemplation.
The wine shows unmistakable density and concentration. Strict tannins grip the palate firmly—this is not polite Pinot Noir. There's power throughout, a structural backbone that dominates the current expression. The compact clay and hard rock terroir show clearly in the wine's tightness and mineral character.
Fruit is present—dark cherry, blackberry, plum—but it's currently overwhelmed by structure. There's earthy complexity (sous-bois, game, stone), intense spice from whole bunches (white pepper, clove), and a long, gripping finish.
This wine leaves a powerful impression on both your palate and memory. It demands attention and reflection rather than easy enjoyment.
Currently, everything is coiled and wound tight. The elements are present—ripe fruit, firm structure, complexity—but they're not yet harmonised. Time will shape this wine into something profound.
Optimal Serving:
Temperature: 17-18°C
Decanting: Essential, 3-4 hours minimum (or a day ahead with recorking)
Glassware: Large Burgundy stems
Drinking Window: Do not open now unless you're professionally curious. Wait until 2028 to allow the wine's density to soften gently. With patience, Pinot Noir de Mur will reward you handsomely. It has extraordinary longevity—drink 2028-2040, likely beyond.
Peak drinking: 2030-2038
Food Pairing:
When the time comes (2028+), this wine demands rich, powerful preparations:
Perfect match: Winter duck confit with smashed potatoes and truffle oil. The wine's tight tannins and substantial body are perfectly counterbalanced by the confit's richness, creating harmonious balance. The truffle adds earthiness that mirrors the terroir.
Why it works: This wine's structure and intensity require equally powerful flavours. Light preparations will be overwhelmed. Rich, fatty proteins soften the tannins while the wine's acidity cuts through richness.
Cellar Conditions: This wine deserves proper storage:
Temperature: 12-14°C constant
Humidity: 70%
Darkness: Complete
Position: Horizontal
Vibration: None
Collector's Note:
This is a wine for serious collectors with proper cellars and genuine patience. It's almost indestructible—built to outlive most wines in your collection.
The contrast between Sur Chamba and de Mur from the same vintage perfectly illustrates Etienne's philosophy: allowing each terroir to express its unique personality without imposing a house style. One is approachable and generous; the other is structured and age-worthy. Both are excellent—just completely different.
If you have the patience and proper storage, buy this wine. Set a calendar reminder for 2030. Open it with people who appreciate serious, terroir-driven wine. This is the kind of bottle that creates memories and conversations.
Investment potential: As Etienne's reputation grows and collectors discover these single-parcel wines, expect significant appreciation. This is ground-floor access to something special.
COLLECTING & CELLARING GUIDE
Which Wines to Buy:
For Immediate Pleasure:
Chasselas "L'Origine"
Traminer "Savagnin Rose Aromatique"
Pinot Gris "Le son des Pierres"
Sauvignon Blanc
For Medium-Term Cellaring (5-15 years):
Pinot Noir "Aime Terre"
Pinot Noir "Sur Chamba"
For Long-Term Collection (15-25+ years):
Pinot Noir "de Mur"
Building Your Collection:
The Curious Explorer: Buy one of everything to understand Etienne's range and philosophy. Total: 7 bottles. This gives you the complete picture of what he's achieving across varieties and terroirs.
The Pinot Noir Enthusiast: Focus on all three reds from the same vintage. This allows direct comparison and shows how Etienne adapts his approach. Total: 3 bottles minimum, 6-9 if buying multiples.
The Serious Collector: Buy vertically across multiple vintages of de Mur and Sur Chamba. These single-parcel wines will appreciate and reputation. Also buy Aime Terre for comparison. Total: 9-12 bottles per vintage.
The Value Seeker: Focus on Aime Terre as everyday/special occasion Pinot Noir, with occasional bottles of Traminer and Chasselas for variety. These over-deliver for their price.
Storage Recommendations:
Critical for de Mur: This wine is too valuable and age-worthy to risk in suboptimal conditions. Professional storage is recommended if you lack a proper cellar.
Essential conditions:
Temperature: 12-14°C constant (variation is the enemy)
Humidity: 70%
Darkness: Complete
Position: Horizontal
Vibration: None
For whites: Can tolerate slightly cooler storage (11-13°C). The Traminer especially benefits from cool, stable conditions.
Serving & Opening Strategy:
Temperature is critical:
Whites: 10-13°C, depending on body
Aime Terre: 16-17°C
Sur Chamba: 16-18°C
de Mur: 17-18°C (warmer to show complexity)
Decanting:
Whites: Brief aeration (15-30 minutes)
Young reds (under 5 years): Essential, 2-4 hours
Middle-aged reds (5-10 years): Beneficial, 1-2 hours
Older reds: Careful, watch for degradation
Glassware matters: Invest in quality Burgundy stems for the reds. The wines are too good for standard glasses. Whites can use standard wine stems but benefit from quality glassware.
VALUE ASSESSMENT
Domaine Javet-Javet represents exceptional value at current pricing:
Quality-to-Price Ratio:
Whites: Outstanding value for biodynamic, terroir-driven wines
Aime Terre: Exceptional value for this quality level
Single-parcel wines: Significant value given rarity and ageing potential
Scarcity Factors:
Only 4 hectares total production
Etienne works primarily alone (limited output)
Single-parcel wines are of tiny production
Growing reputation (Rookie of the Year 2021)
Biodynamic certification adds value
Trajectory: Etienne is young (started at 19, currently mid-20s) with decades ahead. As his reputation grows:
Increased demand and allocation
Mostly released to the best fine dining places across Switzerland and abroad
Higher pricing
International distribution
Secondary market development
Investment Perspective:
The single-parcel Pinot Noirs have genuine appreciation potential:
Limited production
Exceptional ageing potential
Clear terroir expression
Young producer with a growing reputation
My Recommendation: If investing, focus on de Mur—it's the wine that will make Etienne's reputation long-term. But don't ignore Aime Terre and Sur Chamba for drinking pleasure.
For diversity and value, the whites are exceptional. The Traminer especially represents Vully's identity and deserves support.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why does Etienne make so many different wines?
A: Vully's diverse terroir supports multiple varieties, and Etienne sees each wine as expressing a different personality. The diversity is strategic and thoughtful, not dilettantism.
Q: Which wine should I start with?
A: For whites: Traminer (unique, versatile). For reds: Aime Terre (signature, approachable). For investment: de Mur (ageing potential, appreciation likely).
Q: Can de Mur really age 20+ years?
A: Yes. The structure, biodynamic viticulture, and terroir combine to create extraordinary longevity. Proper storage is essential.
Q: How does biodynamic farming affect the wines?
A: After 10+ years, the benefits are clear: expressive aromatics, vibrant energy, complexity, and ageing potential. The living soils create healthier vines and more terroir-transparent wines.
Q: Which wines are the best value?
A: All of them over-deliver, but Aime Terre especially represents an exceptional quality-to-price ratio. The Traminer is also an outstanding value for a regional speciality.
Q: Should I compare Sur Chamba and de Mur directly?
A: Absolutely. Buy both from the same vintage and taste side-by-side. The terroir contrast is revelatory and perfectly demonstrates Etienne's philosophy.
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Last Updated: October 2025
These notes represent my professional assessment based on extensive tasting with the producer. Your experience may vary based on storage conditions, serving temperature, and personal preferences.
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