Jean-Louis Chavy: Burgundy (Puligny-Montrachet)

“This domaine is a very dependable source.”  The Great Domaines of Burgundy – Remington Norman

Whilst Chavy’s have been living in Puligny Montrachet for over 200 years it was not until 1986 that Gerard Chavy started to estate bottle his own wine (previously the wines were sold to negotiants).

The estate of Gerard Chavy has now been split into 2 separate estates by his sons, Jean-Louis Chavy, and Alain Chavy. We import the wines from Jean-Louis who has built a brand new winemaking facility and a deep temperature controlled cellar at the bottom of the village.

Vinification is classic with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 20 to 40 years old. For the elevage of the wines the use of new oak is restrained with the village  Puligny seeing only 15% new oak and the 1er cru’s just 25%. Unfortunately there are no Grand cru vineyards among his holdings, however his 1er cru’s are located very close to some of the best vineyards in Puligny.

Jean-Louis’ wines show fine fruit purity, with mineral notes giving an extra dimension. These are wines of classic style that age and develop gracefully.

2008 Puligny Montrachet AC

From 20-60 year old vines. “Les Tremblot, (“more Puligny in character, as the soil is argileous,” says Jean-Louis); Les Meix, Les Levrons (“more rounded wine for there are more stones and gravel here and it is not so heavy), Corvée des Vignes and Les Reuchaux. He also has Les Charmes, which is made separately. Lifted, slightly crystalised lemon aroma and an edge of honey on the attack. Silky and seductive, it flows gently across the palate and has some very attractive fresh acidity and a touch of smooth minerality on the finish.” Sarah Marsh The Burgundy Briefing #11

2008 Puligny Montrachet 1er cru “Folatieres”

From 20-35 year old vines. This superbly sited 1er cru shows wonderful intensity and generosity.

“It has a cooler and more reserved aroma. There is a coiled energy in the palate. It is dense, taut and has well defined, tightly layered mineral and fruit. Cool, dark and mineral here too. It is a firm and slightly edgy wine, but with lovely deep fruit. The finish is long and slightly savoury. Delicious.” Sarah Marsh The Burgundy Briefing #11

2008 Puligny Montrachet 1er cru “Perrieres”

From 22 year old vines. 25% new oak is all but invisible in this tightly wound wine.

“In the lower part, over towards Referts, just under the trees. Expressive and sleek aroma. Satin rich attack. Smoothly rounded at the edges, but again this has good energy, refinement and a long, fresh and juicy palate. There is polished minerality which carries this wine with persistence and refinement.”Sarah Marsh The Burgundy Briefing #11

2007 Puligny Montrachet 1er cru “Champ Gains”

47 yo vines. This 1er cru is located high on the slope, just above Folatieres. Jean-Louis describes this wine as always showing very well from a young age. “More restrained on the nose, but really quite expressive on the palate. This has a direct attack, a savoury minerality and really quite lush, generous fruit. Decent concentration here. Finishes long  and expressive, with white peach and apricot fruit.”  Sarah Marsh The Burgundy Briefing July 2009