2009 Henri Boillot Bienvenues-Bâtard-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.

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.