2014 Paul Pernot Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet

Domaine Paul Pernot et Fils is a 50-acre estate based in Puligny Montrachet. It was started in 1959 by Paul Pernot, who founded his enterprise with 25 acres that had been owned by the Pernot family for nearly 200 years. Today Paul Pernot has turned over much of the work to his three sons. The domain has two Puligny Montrachet Grand Crus, Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet, as well as several Premier Crus. The domaine also produces a limited amount of red wine from very old vines. Clive Coates has noted that at Domaine Paul Pernot et Fils “quality is very high…I have consistent enthusiastic notes of Pernot wines.”

Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet is the smallest of the four Puligny-Montrachet Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards at 9.1 acres. It is on the northeast slope of Puligny-Montrachet Grand Cru appellation. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that at its best, Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet “has a fatness, a honeyed or honeysuckle fragrance and certain delicacy.” The largest landholders are Leflaive, 2.7 acres; Ramonet, 1.4 acres; and Vincent Girardin, 1.2 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.