'These are wines that have life and soul, they are an evolving experience'
With a successful career in M&A behind him, it perhaps comes as little surprise that Patrick Johnston has approached winemaking with the same ambition, precision and determination that defined his former profession. Yet Si tu Sais is far from a corporate venture. The name itself remains deliberately enigmatic, with Patrick insisting that it is open to interpretation, though it subtly alludes to the tiny scale of production: wines known only to those who know him and his wife, Sara. Together, they form part of Burgundy's growing micro-négociant movement. Leaving London behind in pursuit of a different life, they honed their craft at Maison Harbour, where they developed a deep appreciation for nature, the changing seasons and the skies above. That connection to the natural world runs through every bottle they produce. The labels pay homage to the heavens, while the wines themselves express a profound respect for Burgundy's history and terroir.
Si tu Sais is unlike many négociant projects in Burgundy today. Patrick and Sara represent a new generation of winemakers: thoughtful, independent and quietly ambitious. This is not a tourist attraction or a vanity project; it is the work of two individuals driven by scientific curiosity, relentless learning and an enduring love of wine. Speaking to a room full of sommeliers, Patrick explained the principles that underpin both his white and red wines. Production takes place in the cellar of a former classic car dealership, now home to thirty barrels. Remarkably, only a few years ago production consisted of just four barrels, illustrating the rapid evolution of the domaine while remaining resolutely small-scale.
The wines themselves are equally compelling. The whites, whether Chardonnay or Aligoté, are vibrant, textured and driven by freshness and acidity. The Pinot Noir cuvées are expressive and fruit-forward, combining ripe berry fruit with an appealing savoury complexity that makes them distinctly Burgundian. Above all, these are wines with energy, character and authenticity; wines that evolve in the glass and reward attention.
2023 Si tu Sais, Bourgogne Aligote, Les Vris
Bottle: £32.50 IB | £47 Home
Located on the border of the Hautes-Côtes at the southern end of the Côte de Nuits, Les Vris produces a distinctive and terroir-driven expression of Aligoté.
Aromas of orange blossom, green apple and quince are complemented by notes of flint and delicate pastry. The palate is lean, precise and restrained, with bright, refreshing acidity carrying through to a finish of ripe lemon and lingering minerality.
2023 Si tu Sais, Bourgogne Chardonnay
Bottle: £40 IB | £55 Home
Produced from fruit sourced in the Mâconnais, this Bourgogne Chardonnay displays a slightly more tropical profile, with notes of guava and pineapple alongside delicate florals, ripe lemon and red apple.
On the palate, pronounced pastry and clove notes add depth and complexity, while a distinct saline minerality brings freshness and precision. Harmonious and expressive, this is a Chardonnay of both character and balance.
2023 Pernand-Vergelesses, Les Belles Filles
Bottle: £65 IB | £84 Home
Si tu Sais' Pernand-Vergelesses is produced with a subtle touch of oak influence. Sourced from an east-facing parcel at the southern entrance to the village, this is a wine that continues to charm as it evolves and gains complexity with time.
Aromas of lemon, wet stone and flint lead into a palate layered with green apple, gentle smoke and saline minerality. Bright with refreshing acidity and impressive length, provide both energy and structure, with further integration and development to come.
2022 Si tu Sais, Côte de Nuits Village, En Chantemerle
Bottle: £60 IB | £78 Home
Produced using 100% whole-cluster fermentation, this Côte de Nuits-Villages displays distinctive savoury and herbaceous character. The fruit is sourced from a gently sloping vineyard near the entrance to Corgoloin, at the southern end of the Côte de Nuits.
Aromas of black cherry, plum and blackcurrant unfurl from the glass, layered with subtle toasty spice. Well-balanced and refined, the wine is supported by silky tannins and an elegant structure.
