2002 Jean-Marc Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet Caillerets

Jean-Marc Pillot is a fourth-generation winemaker in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. He worked with his father, Jean, until the mid-1990s, when he took over the estate, expanding it to 35 acres. Jean-Marc Pillot produces many Premier Cru whites in Chassagne-Montrachet, as well as a few Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet reds, including Clos Saint-Jean, Les Macherelles and Morgeot. Since taking over from his father, Jean-Marc has built a new cellar and updated the domaine. Clive Coates notes that “These are very good wines.”

En Cailleret is a 50-acre Premier Cru vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. It is one of 51 Premier Crus in the appellation and it lies between 250 and 300 meters. The vineyard faces southeast. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “Chassagne-Montrachet is a treasure trove for outstanding Premier Cru vineyards. In fact, certain Premiers Crus…often achieve Grand Cru status in quality if not in name.”

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.