2011 Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault

8/23/13 -

Meursault.  Puligny Montrachet.  Chassagne Montrachet.  These three villages produce some of the best Chardonnays on the Cote D'Or – at the top of the list of the finest, most age-worthy wines of France.

The 2011 white Burgundies are fantastic: there is great fruit and balance and roundness coupled with minerality and lively acidity. They are not as acidic as the 2010's and they are not as fat as the 2009's.  One Puligny producer expressed the opinion that these wines epitomized the best attributes of both vintages.  They are accessible now and are very enjoyable, and will only improve with age.  If you like great white Burgundies you should stock up on these 2011's. Along with 2010, it should be noted that 2012 was yet another small vintage in Burgundy, especially in Puligny and Chassagne - some of the Puligny vineyards at the top of the slope lost 90% of their crop in 2012. This only puts more pressure on supply and demand, and we’re lucky to have these fine 2011s to help fill the gap.

Do not hesitate to cellar these great 2011 white Burgundies.  They will reward you for years to come. JBT