2021 Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny-Montrachet

Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy was formed in the mid-2000's following the retirement of Gerard Chavy. Jean-Louis and his brother Alain divided the family holdings, with Jean-Louis now bottling his share of Bourgogne Blanc, Puligny-Montrachet village including a separate cuvée from the lieu-dit Les Charmes, along with the premier crus of Folatieres, Perrieres, Champ Gains, and Clavoillons.

Working in his spacious brand new winemaking facility and temperature controlled cellar, vinification is classic whole bunch press with cool settling for 24 hours before fermentation using only natural yeasts. New oak use is restrained with the village wine receiving 15% new oak, and the premier crus only 25%. These are effortless and unforced wines with the emphasis squarely on purity of fruit and vineyard definition.

From ten small parcels of 20-60 year old vines. Les Tremblot, ("more Puligny in character, as the soil is argileous," says Jean-Louis); Les Meix, Les Levrons (more rounded wine for there are more stones and gravel here and it is not so heavy), Corvée des Vignes and Les Reuchaux. These small vineyard holdings are all just below the premier cru’s close to the village and cover the diversity of Puligny from north to south. Just 20% new oak for this wine which always shows excellent balance and drinking pleasure from an early age.

Other Reviews....
Cask sample. Deep, mealy citrus nose marked by oak spice and oatmeal, but not dominated by that. Gently chewy and deliciously fresh. Straightforward, clean-cut, all present and correct with a long, tangy finish. Drink 2024-2029.
16.5/20 points
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com