Jean-Louis Chavy - Burgundian Excellence
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).
Vinification is classic with whole bunch pressing and 24 hours of settling with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. Jean-Louis has not used any battonage on any cuvees for some years now. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 20 to 40 years old though some in Folatieres and Clavoillons are more than 60 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%. Recent years have seen a move towards 350 litre barrels for ageing to have less oak influence. 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 the heart of Puligny.
Jean-Louis’ wines are effortless and unforced showing fine fruit purity and crystal clear terroir definition for each 1er cru. These are wines of classic style that age and develop gracefully. Importer Notes.
Jean-Louis Chavy Bourgogne Blanc 2022
From vines bordering on to Puligny AC vineyards. Shows wonderful perfume and depth for this level. Aged 3/4 in barrel (none new) and 1/4 in stainless steel. This wine shows great aromas and very clear fruit expression and offers a lot of pleasure from an early age. This is an outstanding value and a great introduction to the spotlessly pure wines of Jean-Louis Chavy. Importer Notes.
Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru 'Clavoillons' 2022
Only 2 families have ownership in this tiny 5.5855 ha vineyard, Chavy family have 0.7895 ha and the rest belonging to the various branches of the illustrious Leflaive family (replanting their plot in 1970's). Here Jean-Louis has 0.32 ha of vines planted in 1952 just below Folatieres. Premier cru Clavoilons lies right in the middle of the Puligny Appellation between Perrieres to the north and Les Pucelles bordering on the south side. This ideal site gives a roundness and generosity compared to higher sites like Folatieres which is just above on a slightly steeper slope.
"There is a lovely density to the aromas and to the core of this wine. The palate is lively and the minerality zesty, which lightens the concentrated character. Bright, citrus fruits linger on the finish." Importer Notes.
Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru 'Perrieres' 2022
From 0.146 ha of vines planted in 1986 which were purchased by Jean-Louis.
"Has a lifted mineral nose with subtle scents of honeysuckle and almond, certainly endowed with the vigour one expects from this vineyard. The palate is fine, harmonious and svelte on the entry. This is a Perrieres demonstrating typical fine mineral nuance, though it needs more time to develop and show its best." Importer Notes.
Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru 'Champs Gains' 2022
50+ 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.
"Fresh, bright orchard aromas; as always quite floral and high toned. Bright citric fruit on the palate with lively acid structure and excellent length. More discrete and tightly woven than the 2 above 1er cru's, but with excellent potential as the structure and balance are impressive. Very promising." Importer Notes.
Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru 'Folatieres' 2022
From 0.51 ha of vines in 2 separate plots planted 1993 and 1965, one in the steepest stoniest part close to Blagny which contributes excellent acidity and structure, the other part is from lower down where the soil is richer and this part gives greater richness and depth to the wine. This shows wonderful intensity and generosity.
"Fine bright pale straw with a very good weight of fruit, more fruit than floral on the nose. This stretches out beautifully across the palate, white fruit along with a hint of Mirabelle, acidity present but folded into the fruit, very good persistence. Shows real old vine intensity and depth and very complete even at this early stage." Importer Notes.
