Domaine Bachelet-Monnot
It has been a very long time since the wine world has had an outstanding new Puligny Domaine emerge from the Cote d’Or firmament. Thanks to the fresh faced Bachelet brothers we do now!
This young duo not only have outstanding Puligny holdings where they are fast establishing themselves as a benchmark, they also make delicious Santenay and are setting new quality standards in Maranges, an appellation rarely sighted on our shores.
Bachelet Monnot was only formed in 2005 but it has been cranking out the hits from the get go, with each subsequent release outdoing the last.
"The Bachelets make wines that are classically styled, emphasizing the inherent freshness, complexity and minerality in each cuvée... This is a new producer to follow." Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept/Oct 2007
“The Whites are exceptionally fine.” Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
"Domaine Bachelet-Monnot is quickly becoming one of the best white wine estates in the Cote de Beaune." Burgschnauzer.com
2009 Bachelet Monnot Bourgogne Blanc @ $39.99 each
The Bachelet boys own 1.3 hectares of Bourgogne in Puligny (30 feet from the edge of the AOC). The vines are between 20 and 50 years old, and this wine is made in a mixture of old and new (roughly 25%) oak. This more than lives up to the standard set by the outstanding 2008. Really lively, creamy textured yet piercingly fresh, minerally and floral white. Very Puligny and brilliant value.
2009 Bachelet Monnot Maranges ler Cru La Fussière @ $64.99 each
The lesser known appellations of the Cote d’Or are now providing some outstanding values as talented winemakers are moving in and showing just what can be done. Here’s an example, a seductive, creamy textured, 1er cru, packed with crisp, apple and white peach fruit, a lovely tangy finish. The price is remarkably fair. The “Fussière" vineyard covers an area of almost 35 ha, which makes it the most extensive 1er cru of the Maranges appellation. It is predominantly planted to Pinot, so this is a rarity, but what a tasty one! Brilliant value.
“Bright pale yellow. Aromas of peach and butter. Creamy, rich and soft, but with a calcaire underpinning and the acidity characteristic of a high-altitude site giving surprising lift to the back end. These vines are 35 years old, according to Marc Bachelet.”
2009 Bachelet Monnot Puligny Montrachet @ $89.99 each
This is an absolute cracker for its level. It comes from a very well placed site, tucked right up amongst the 1er crus. And the terroir sings loudly - offering a lovely, chalky, refined Puligny with racy, fresh stone fruits, lime blossom and a long, taut, tangy close. Classic Puligny.
“Bright green-tinged yellow. Aromatic nose combines peach, minerals and spices. In a suave and more elegant style than the Chassagne villages, with juicy acidity framing sweet fruits and spices. Very nicely balanced, flavourful village wine with noteworthy persistence.” Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar.
2009 Bachelet Monnot Santenay Les Charmes @ $59.99 each
Les Charmes is a site just under the Clos Rousseau 1er cru on the western slopes of the Santenay Hill. It tends to produce a textured red and this supple example, from 45 year old vines, is very smart. Crunchy blueberry fruits, huge intensity and a fresh, long finish. Another brilliant bargain from the Bachelet boys; ultra impressive for this commune.