2014 Henri Boillot Puligny Montrachet

Maison Henri Boillot is owned and operated by Henri Boillot, a fifth-generation vigneron in the Côte d’Or and the proprietor of one of Burgundy’s most impressive estates. In 1984 Henri left the family estate to start his own negociant business. He later rejoined the estate and bought out his brother and sister, changing the name of the estate to reflect his sole ownership. His brother owns the similarly-named Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot. Maison Henri Boillot owns a total of 35 acres, mostly in premier cru vineyards in Volnay, Beaune, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Boillot does not use pesticides or chemicals in his vineyards, and vines are heavily pruned for low yields. The vineyards are evenly split between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wine Advocate has noted that Boillot wines are “excellent representatives of the fundamental character one has come to expect” from the legendary premier cru vineyards of Volnay, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet.

Puligny-Montrachet, according to Burgundy writer Clive Coates, “is the greatest white wine commune on earth.” Though other reviewers are not always as extravagant in their praise, there is no question that the appellation’s wines are generally the most lauded Chardonnays in the world. Puligny-Montrachet the commune is tiny, with fewer than 500 residents. Yet the appellation named for it has 1,250 acres of vineyards, including 76 acres of Grands Crus and 247 acres of Premiers Crus. Its four famous Grands Crus are Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. There are 26 Premiers Crus completely or partly in the appellation. The Premiers and Grands Crus vineyards are on slopes that eventually rise to 1,300 feet and become total rock. In his admiration for this appellation, Coates added “The top Montrachets, Chevaliers and Bâtards are wines to drink on bended knees, with heartfelt and humble thanks.”

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.