2012 Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumées

Philippe Colin comes from a large, extended and much-admired winemaking family in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. Philippe is the younger son of Michel Colin, and Philippe’s first vintage was in 2004. He has nearly 17 acres of vineyards, including white Premier Cru parcels in Chassagne-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin. He also has red Premier Cru parcels in Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot and Santenay Les Gravieres.

Les Chaumes is a 19-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 faces east. 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.