2010 Domaine des Lambrays Puligny-Montrachet Clos du Caillerets

Domaine des Lambrays in Morey-Saint-Denis, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits, traces its history to vineyards in the 14th century that belonged to an abbey. After the French revolution the property was sold off to private owners. The estate was bought and sold several times in the 20th century, and in the 1980s Thierry Brouin became the winemaker, a step that meant great improvements to the estate and the wines. Today the estate is owned by Bernard Arnault’s Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) luxury group. LVMH bought the estate in 2014 from Ruth Freund, who, with her late husband Gunter, were Chevaliers du Tastevin, making them members of Burgundy's most prestigious organization of wine enthusiasts. Domaine des Lambrays owns 27 acres, including 21 acres in Clos des Lambrays, a grand cru monopole. The Clos des Lambrays was promoted from Premier Cru to Grand Cru in 1981, and is also notable because it is one of the largest Grand Cru monopoles in Burgundy. The domaine also has a red Premier Cru parcel in Morey-Saint-James and white Premier Crus in Puligny-Montrachet.

Le Cailleret is a 7.8-acre Premier Cru vineyard in the appellation of Puligny-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. Le Cailleret is just above the Grand Cru Le Montrachet. Burgundy writer Clive Coates notes that at its best, Le Cailleret and its diminutive neighbor Les Demoiselles “make exquisite wines: not as powerful as Le Montrachet itself, but of pure breed, excellent grip and beautiful balance.”

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.