Domaine Paul Pernot, Grand Vins de Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France, 2015

Overview of the Wine
Paul Pernot has run the domaine since 1955 and now his three sons are assisting him. They own 19 hectares of fantastic vineyards in the Cote de Beaune, but sell a vast majority of it to negociants, including Drouhin. The 20% or so that they bottle themselves are pure, elegant and delicious representations of their best parcels. While most wines see some new oak and they only use barrels for three years, he bottles early in order to preserve freshness and avoid any noticeable oakiness.

The top wines, which always make a great comparison, are the Grand Crus Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet. Two Chassagne parcels and one Puligny parcel (.61 ha total) with vine ages of 10-30 years go into the Batard. The Bienvenues comes from two parcels (.37 ha total) with 10 and 40 year old vines, respectively. As great as both wines have been over the years, they only get more distinct and complex as the vines age. Pernot also owns great plots in some of the Puligny Premiers Crus, including Pucelles (.28 ha of 35 year old vines), Folatieres (45 year old vines) and Clos de la Garenne (in Champ-Canet adjacent to Folatieres). Their Puligny villages is also excellent and comes from 4 different parcels with vines as old as 50 years. It is vinified in steel but aged oak. The Bougogne Blanc, which comes from vines within Puligny on the Meursault border, is also vinified in steel and is an excellent value. Both wines achieve remarkable complexity given their appellations and oak treatment.

One of the largest domaine in Puligny Montrachet started by the family but Paul extended and re planted slowly many vineyards like Clos des Folatieres despite the hard work which had to be done. He said now it will be easier with the new tractors/ machines.

The top value of the domaine: If we ask to Paul Pernot what are the important points Farming - Sustainable with a control of production by de-buding - Plowing. No herbicide - Anticipation on sickness and due treatment to have no risk. Too difficult to cure

Grape / Blend
100% Chardonnay

Origin
Burgundy, France

Tasting Notes
A deeply layered nose of floral, citrus, pear and hints of cream. Like the man himself, this wine sternly drives at perfection, and that leads to an intense drinking experience: The palate is tightly woven, focused, linear and pure, with its driving intensity being the most noticeable part before you get to the everlasting finish. There are notes of spice, pear, honeysuckle and orange blossom that come in layers upon layers, leading to a fresh and vibrant finish. This goes down so beautifully that some nights you may just have to get in trouble and go for that second bottle – or an entire case!

Product size: 750mL

From a private seller.