2013 Domaine Ramonet Chevalier-Montrachet

Domaine Ramonet is a 44-acre estate in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune, and it is considered one of the very finest producers of Chardonnay. Some collectors would say it is unequivocally the finest producer of Chardonnay in the world. The domain was founded by Pierre Ramonet in the 1930s and his grandsons Noel and Jean-Claude run it today. The estate owns Grand Cru parcels in Le Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet. Domaine Ramonet also produces highly regarded Premier Cru Chardonnays, and several red wines, including a Premier Cru Chassagne Montrachet Clos de la Boudriotte. Clive Coates has noted that “the beauty of Ramonet wines is that they are totally individual; more Ramonet than Chassagne. The work is done by instinct, not by the book.”

Chevalier-Montrachet is one of the four justly famous Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet appellation in Burgundy. The 18-acre vineyard is located up the slope from Le Montrachet and shares Le Montrachet’s excellent southern exposure, though Chevalier-Montrachet’s soil is considerably thinner and more rocky. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that Chevalier-Montrachet is “full, firm” and has “a great deal of depth and elegance.” The largest landholders are Bouchard Pere et Fils, 7.5 acres; Leflaive, 4 acres; and Louis Jadot, 1.5 acres.

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.