2011 Domaine Ramonet Bienvenues-Bâtard-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.”

Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet is the smallest of the four Puligny-Montrachet Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards at 9.1 acres. It is on the northeast slope of Puligny-Montrachet Grand Cru appellation. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that at its best, Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet “has a fatness, a honeyed or honeysuckle fragrance and certain delicacy.” The largest landholders are Leflaive, 2.7 acres; Ramonet, 1.4 acres; and Vincent Girardin, 1.2 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.