Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet Clavoillons 2023

Description

Product Description:Old vines and a prime Puligny slope in perfect conversation. From 0.32 hectares of vines planted in 1952, Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy’s Puligny-Montrachet Clavoillons 2023 captures the breadth and generosity of this mid-slope premier cru. Nestled between Perrieres to the north and Les Pucelles to the south, Clavoillons offers a subtly richer profile than the higher Folatieres just above, with ripe fruit depth balanced by a measured Puligny line of freshness. The 2023 vintage spent eleven months in oak, 25–30% new, before a further seven months in stainless steel. This restrained elevage shapes a wine of layered texture and length, where ripe citrus and candied fruit notes meet a mineral spine that persists well into the finish. Old vine concentration and careful handling in both vineyard and cellar result in a premier cru that is open in youth yet built to develop gracefully. Jean-Louis and Paul Chavy’s approach — whole-bunch pressing, native yeasts, no batonnage, and subtle oak — keeps the focus firmly on terroir. Here, that means a wine of quiet power, rounded but never heavy, carrying the signature precision of Puligny with an extra measure of mid-palate generosity. 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– Ripe citrus and candied peelAromas of lemon curd, white peach, and preserved lemon with a hint of hazelnut.PALATE– Full yet poisedGenerous stone fruit and citrus oil wrapped in a silky, mineral-edged texture.FINISH– Long and refinedPersistent saline freshness balanced by subtle toasted almond. Finer Details:Style – White WineVarietal – Chardonnay