2012 Antoine Jobard Puligny-Montrachet Le Trézin

Domaine Antoine Jobard is a 15-acre estate in Meursault, Burgundy. Burgundy expert Clive Coates has called it “one of the great Meursault estates.” And Robert M. Parker Jr. notes that the estate “has long been known for crafting clear, complex, age-worthy Meursault.” Francois Jobard still works in the operation but the name on the bottles now is that of his son, Antoine. Known for their Meursault, they also have parcels in Puligny-Montrachet. About 3,000 cases are produced annually.

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.