1996 Marc Colin Puligny-Montrachet Le Trézin

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils is in Saint-Aubin. It was founded in 1970 by Marc Colin, who retired in 1995 after having turned the domaine into one of the appellation’s most admired producers. Today the domaine is run by three of his children, Caroline, Joseph and Damien. A third son, Pierre-Yves, has started his own domaine nearby. The 47-acre Domaine Marc Colin et Fils has parcels in 26 appellations in the communes of Saint-Aubin, Chassange-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and Santenay, producing about 120,000 bottles annually. Seventy percent of the wines are white and 30% red. Some 50% of the wines are exported, mostly throughout Europe. The family’s portfolio includes nearly 30 wines, mostly Premier Crus, though there are also Grand Crus and village appellations. Reviewers have been highly complimentary. Wine Advocate’s reviewer wrote in late 2014: “There is just an honesty, a deceptive simplicity to (the wines) because on the surface they are so delicious, yet underneath are some articulate expressions of terroir, stunning mineralité and hidden complexity…. I have heaped praise upon Domaine Marc Colin in previous years. This is no different. Domaine Marc Colin is one of the best growers in the Côte de Beaune...”

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.