Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Bourgogne Blanc 2023

Description

Product Description:Puligny poise without the postcode price. Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy’s Bourgogne Blanc 2023 draws fruit from vineyards bordering Puligny-Montrachet, capturing the village’s hallmark clarity and finesse in a more accessible guise. Sourced with the same care as the domaine’s more exalted bottlings, it offers immediate charm without sacrificing detail. The wine spent eleven months in older oak barrels (none new), followed by a further seven months in stainless steel to preserve freshness. This restrained elevage allows the Chardonnay’s natural perfume and mineral structure to shine through, making it a smart choice for those seeking a clear window into Chavy’s style. Jean-Louis, now joined by his son Paul, works with precision and patience, favouring natural fermentations, whole-bunch pressing, and minimal intervention in the cellar. The result is an unforced, terroir-driven white Burgundy that speaks of its origins with quiet confidence — ready to drink now but with the bones to evolve gracefully in the short term. The Maker The Chavy family has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet for over 200 years, but it was not until 1986 that Gerard Chavy began to estate-bottle his wines, previously selling them to negociants. Following Gerard’s retirement around 2005, the estate was divided into two separate entities managed by his sons, Jean-Louis and Alain Chavy. Jean-Louis Chavy has since developed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, complete with a temperature-controlled cellar situated at the base of the village. This allows him to work comfortably while ensuring the wines are stored in optimal conditions. His son, Paul Chavy, has been part of the estate since before the pandemic and has embarked on creating his own range of wines, sourcing fruit from regions including Saint-Aubin and as far as Gevrey-Chambertin. The Chavy family continues to uphold a legacy of quality and tradition in their winemaking, offering a tantalising glimpse into the heart of Burgundy. For father and son terroir expression is paramount, with wines crafted in a consistent manner allowing the unique soil and exposure to shine through. Jean-Louis and Paul Chavy’s wines are effortless and unforced, showcasing exceptional fruit purity and a clear expression of terroir in each 1er cru. With his son Paul now working full-time at the estate after completing his winemaking studies, the added support in both the vineyard and cellar translates to even greater precision and clarity in every bottle. These wines embody a classic style, aging and developing gracefully over time. Quantities are always limited, and they sell out quickly upon release. So best to grab them while you can. Philosophy Vinification is classic with whole bunch pressing and 24 hours of settling with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. Jean-Louis has not used any battonage on any cuvees for some years now. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 30 to 50 years old though some in Folatieres and Clavoillons amongst the oldest planted in 1952. For the elevage of the wines the use of new oak is restrained with the village Puligny seeing only 15% new oak and the 1er cru’s just 25%. Recent years have seen a move towards 350 litre barrels for ageing to have less oak influence. Unfortunately there are no Grand cru vineyards among his holdings, however his 1er cru’s are located very close to some of the best vineyards in the heart of Puligny. Tasting NotesNOSE– Fresh orchard fruitNotes of pear, white peach, and a hint of citrus zest over a chalky backdrop.PALATE– Supple and mineralRounded stone fruit and subtle nut tones glide over a clean, saline line.FINISH– Crisp and persistentLingering citrus and wet stone bring freshness to the close. Finer Details:Style – White WineVarietal – ChardonnayCountry – FranceRegion – BurgundyVintage – 2023