1987 Domaine Jean Chartron Chevalier-Montrachet

Domaine Jean Chartron was founded in 1859 by a cooper named Jean-Edouard Dupard. He became the town mayor and is credited with coming up with the idea of adding the name Montrachet to Puligny, thereby creating a name that is now synonymous with the world’s most prestigious dry white wines. Jean-Michel Chartron runs the 33-acre estate today. The estate was larger at one time when it was part of the Chartron et Trebuchet negociant, which made less complex wines. But today the estate is a single business, with no connection to the former negociant. Wine Advocate wrote this in 2015: “Readers of this publication will already be aware that I am a big fan of the work that Jean-Michel Chartron is doing at his winery in the heart of Puligny…I find his wines to be complex, terroir/vintage expressive, perhaps you could say more "serious" without losing the sheer pleasure they give.”

Chevalier-Montrachet is one of the four justly famous Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet appellation in Burgundy. The 18-acre vineyard is located up the slope from Le Montrachet and shares Le Montrachet’s excellent southern exposure, though Chevalier-Montrachet’s soil is considerably thinner and more rocky. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that Chevalier-Montrachet is “full, firm” and has “a great deal of depth and elegance.” The largest landholders are Bouchard Pere et Fils, 7.5 acres; Leflaive, 4 acres; and Louis Jadot, 1.5 acres.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.