| Burgschnauzer.com |
|
Domaine Bachelet-Monnot (Dezize-les-Maranges)
It is not very often that an excellent source of Puligny-Montrachet suddenly appears on the scene overnight, but that is what happened when Marc and Alexandre Bachelet formed their domaine in 2005. Although just in their twenties, the brothers came from a family with a long history of winemaking. Alexandre and Marc’s grandfather had founded the Chassagne estate Bernard Bachelet et Fils and their father, Jean-Francois Bachelet, worked at the domaine for many years. Upon retiring, Jean-Francois provided the financial support for his sons to create Domaine Bachelet-Monnot. The family home and winemaking facility are located in Dezize-les-Maranges, southwest of Santenay.
Marc and Alexandre are fortunate to have an excellent range of vineyards to work with. A piece of Maranges premier cru La Fussiere was incorporated from Jean-Francois’ inheritance. The rich, ripe La Fussiere blanc shows red fruit flavors, while the rouge from the same vineyard is slightly rustic and shows good depth. But, the domaine really took shape when a long term (15 year) lease was signed with a grower in Puligny. The grower owns old vines in well situated plots and had previously sold his crop to Louis Latour. In addition to a basic Puligny-Montrachet bottling, the estate bottles two premier crus from the village. The full-bodied, richly flavored Referts reflects its proximity to the Meursault border. With its bouquet of white flowers and a mineral laden palate, the Folatieres is a classic example of Puligny. This domaine also makes two of the famous grand crus from the village. The aromas of the elegant Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet are very floral and pretty. In contrast, the Batard-Montrachet is a wine of great power and intensity. The Bachelet brothers work a plot at the top of each vineyard, both planted in the late 1950’s. These old vines help produce a strong presence of minerals that lift each wine on the palate.
At this estate, the grapes are picked at full ripeness in order to maximize the concentration of each cuvee. The winemaking, however, stresses that the terroir is preserved. New oak is used, but not in excess. Despite their youth, Alexandre and March Bachelet have displayed superior skills in the cellar and are producing terrific wines. Domaine Bachelet-Monnot is quickly becoming one of the best white wine estates in the Cote de Beaune.
Marc and Alexandre are fortunate to have an excellent range of vineyards to work with. A piece of Maranges premier cru La Fussiere was incorporated from Jean-Francois’ inheritance. The rich, ripe La Fussiere blanc shows red fruit flavors, while the rouge from the same vineyard is slightly rustic and shows good depth. But, the domaine really took shape when a long term (15 year) lease was signed with a grower in Puligny. The grower owns old vines in well situated plots and had previously sold his crop to Louis Latour. In addition to a basic Puligny-Montrachet bottling, the estate bottles two premier crus from the village. The full-bodied, richly flavored Referts reflects its proximity to the Meursault border. With its bouquet of white flowers and a mineral laden palate, the Folatieres is a classic example of Puligny. This domaine also makes two of the famous grand crus from the village. The aromas of the elegant Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet are very floral and pretty. In contrast, the Batard-Montrachet is a wine of great power and intensity. The Bachelet brothers work a plot at the top of each vineyard, both planted in the late 1950’s. These old vines help produce a strong presence of minerals that lift each wine on the palate.
At this estate, the grapes are picked at full ripeness in order to maximize the concentration of each cuvee. The winemaking, however, stresses that the terroir is preserved. New oak is used, but not in excess. Despite their youth, Alexandre and March Bachelet have displayed superior skills in the cellar and are producing terrific wines. Domaine Bachelet-Monnot is quickly becoming one of the best white wine estates in the Cote de Beaune.