Domaine Sylvain Cathiard & Fils

Domaine Cathiard was established in the 1930s when its fruit was sold to local négociants, as was common in those days. Sylvain’s father, André, ran the estate from 1969 until 1985, with his son becoming more involved in the latter years. Sylvain began to rent the family’s vines through fermage agreements before taking over his father’s vines when André retired in 1995. Since the late 2000s, Sylvain’s son Sébastien has joined him at the domaine. Prior to that, Sébastien received training in Chablis, at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and in New Zealand. His first vintage fully in charge was 2011. During these years, he oversaw the construction of a new winery and cellars, which were completed in 2008.

The domaine has an impressive array of vineyards centered around Vosne-Romanée, including Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts and a prime parcel of Romanée-Saint-Vivant. The domaine’s vineyards are renowned in Burgundy for their condition, due to the hard work invested in them. Sébastien’s philosophy has always been that diligent work in the vineyards is the key to making great wines. Upon arrival at the domaine, the fruit is completely destemmed after rigorous sorting. Following Sébastien’s belief that less new wood would create more terroir-driven wines, the use of new oak in all cuvées is being gradually reduced (except for the Romanée-Saint-Vivant, where 100% new wood is still employed).

Cathiard’s wines exhibit youthfulness, exceptional energy, and purity of fruit throughout the entire range. The flagship wines are the Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts, which is known for its unmatched depth of flavor and exceptional persistence.