Alain Chavy 'Les Charmes' Puligny-Montrachet 2023 - 750ml

91pts Vinous

The 2023 Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes is quite pungent on the nose, a little algae-like as green asparagus mixes with pear and flint. It has fine definition and is, again, almost Chablis-like. The palate is well balanced with a delineated lemon-zest and orange-rind entry. The 2023 is not long or deep, but remains fresh with a little more cohesion on the finish than the Les 8 Climats. Fine.

Winemaker Notes

Wines from Puligny-Montrachet are typified by aromas and flavors of green apple and lemon and tend to be tauter and firmer on the palate compared to wines from neighboring villages. Aging in a small percentage of new French oak barrels lends accents of toast and vanilla. Structured white wines with high acid and grip, Puligny-Montrachet is destined for long aging.

White Burgundy, with its rich texture and toasted flavors, pairs well with white fish and shellfish and its naturally high acidity can counterbalance cream-based sauces. Oak-aged Chardonnay from warmer climates lends itself well to grilled fish, starches, butter, and toasted nuts.

Tasting Notes

Wines from Puligny-Montrachet are typified by aromas and flavors of green apple and lemon and tend to be tauter and firmer on the palate compared to wines from neighboring villages. Aging in a small percentage of new French oak barrels lends accents of toast and vanilla. Structured white wines with high acid and grip, Puligny-Montrachet is destined for long aging.

White Burgundy, with its rich texture and toasted flavors, pairs well with white fish and shellfish and its naturally high acidity can counterbalance cream-based sauces. Oak-aged Chardonnay from warmer climates lends itself well to grilled fish, starches, butter, and toasted nuts.

About the Winery

Alain Chavy produces restrained, structured, and long-lived white Burgundies from 17 acres of vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, with small holdings in the neighboring villages of Chassagne and Meursault. Alain established Domaine Alain Chavy in 2003 with vineyards inherited from his father and includes some of Puligny's top premier crus.

Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes is a lieu-dit well-situated next to Meursault’s Premier Cru Les Charmes. The name charmes likely derives from champs, and means simply field or meadow. Here, heavier clay soils mix with limestone to deliver a wine that combines the richness and spiciness of Meursault with the elegance and minerality of Puligny.