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2018 Domaine Jean Chartron Puligny Montrachet

2018 Domaine Jean Chartron Puligny Montrachet

91 JG

Featured Review
(Puligny-Montrachet- Domaine Jean Chartron) The 2018 Puligny AC from Jean-Michel Chartron is an excellent example in the making. The nose delivers a fine and youthful combination of white peach, apple, limestone soil tones, spring flowers and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is young, deep and nicely structured, with a good core, full-bodied format and excellent soil signature on the long, zesty and focused finish. This could use a year or two to blossom, but it will also be quite tasty right out of the blocks. (Drink between 2021-2045). John Gilman

Cellar Tracker | 91 JG

Critic Reviews

(Puligny-Montrachet- Domaine Jean Chartron) The 2018 Puligny AC from Jean-Michel Chartron is an excellent example in the making. The nose delivers a fine and youthful combination of white peach, apple, limestone soil tones, spring flowers and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is young, deep and nicely structured, with a good core, full-bodied format and excellent soil signature on the long, zesty and focused finish. This could use a year or two to blossom, but it will also be quite tasty right out of the blocks. (Drink between 2021-2045).

John Gilman | 91 JG
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Village comprises more purchased fruit than fruit from the domaine’s own vines. Nevertheless, it has an attractive bouquet of white peach, honeysuckle and light flinty aromas. The palate is fresh on the entry with pleasant weight and density. It needs a little more tension toward the finish, although there is a sapidity that comes across on the aftertaste. One to watch.

Vinous Media | 88-90 VM

Wine Details for 2018 Domaine Jean Chartron Puligny Montrachet

Type of Wine Burgundy White : No one can express the full potential of Chardonnay quite like the visionaries from Burgundy. With an almost entirely single-minded devotion to the noble varietal in question, they continue to push the boundaries of quality, to the joy of their many fans worldwide. Discover the nuances of every producer and come out changed forever.
Varietal Chardonnay : Chardonnay has carved its path towards the title “king of white grapes” in subtle yet striking fashion, playing instrumental roles throughout the course of history. It was the chosen grape variety which celebrated the inception of the very first Champagne house - Ruinart, which insists “Chardonnay is the golden thread that runs through the Ruinart taste. “ “Remember men, it’s not just France we’re fighting for, it’s Champagne,” Winston Churchill. The infamous and celebrated French author, Alexandre Dumas once declared a high quality chardonnay wine from Le Montrachet was one that is only appropriate to sip “on bended knees, with head bowed.” And of course, history was made once again when a bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was awarded first prize in the famous tasting of the “1976 Judgement of Paris,” changing the world’s view on California Chardonnay, inspiring vintners and altering the landscape of California winemaking forever.

The origin of the Chardonnay grape can be traced back to the small village of Macon in the Burgundy appellation of France. The varietal, whose name means “a place of thistles” in Latin, is the offspring of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Like most prominent grape varietals, the exact circumstances of its inception are unknown; however, it is interesting to note that Gouais Blanc originated in Germany. It is speculated that the ancient Romans, who successfully subdued the Germanic tribes in 6 AD, planted Gouais Blanc in French soil, unwittingly prompting the crossbreeding of the two varietals. If this is the case, the history of the Chardonnay grape goes back much further.

The Noble Chardonnay grape variety is most happy in the winegrowing appellation of Burgundy, its home and birth place. Burgundy’s grand Terroir of marl limestone soils and cool climate allows the Chardonnay grape to express itself to its full zenith. Interestingly, the varietal is extremely flexible and can adapt to a wide diversity of soils, allowing the terroir in which it grows to dictate the qualities of the grape and thus revealing a multitude of personalities. For instance, there are subtle yet distinguishing differences in terroir in the Burgundian villages of Puligny-Montrachet, Chablis, Meursault, Corton Charlemagne, Macon, etc. which are all fashioned in their own unique way. The difference in each Climat or Lieu-dit, such as Le Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet) and Valmur (Chablis) can take one further down the proverbial “rabbit-hole” and into the wonderful, yet complex world of Burgundy wines. However, Burgundy is but one prime growing location for this tremendously adaptable grape variety.

The spread of Chardonnay would eventually take root in Champagne, where it excelled in the region’s cool climate and chalky, sub-soils. For top Champagne producers, it became the main ingredient in their high quality, high profile Blanc de Blancs. It would also begin to be blended with the two other acceptable varietals of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (red skinned grapes). The chardonnay grape is now planted in 10,000 of the 34,000 hectares of Champagne.

Chardonnay would find its way to California in the late 1800’s but would remain obscure for more than a century due to ignorance of the varietal and lack of knowledge on how to marry it with appropriate terroir. Things changed in the 1970’s when Chardonnay saw a resurgence world-wide, mostly due to the 1976 Judgement of Paris. The unthinkable happened when a bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena bested some of Burgundy’s finest chardonnay offerings from Batard-Montrachet and Meursault. This event helped place California on the map, changing the face of California winemaking forever. It rejuvenated the cultivation of the Chardonnay grape variety, which saw an exponential growth world-wide.
Much like the climats of Burgundy which have their own unique terroir, Chardonnay’s adaptability has found a home in the diverse appellations, terroirs and climates of California. The cool climate locations produce crisp wines with Burgundian nuances, while warmer climates produce wines with opulent, ripe fruit reminiscent of pineapple, mango and papaya. Terroir also dictates the personality, steel and concrete tanks versus oak, and the list goes. From buttery, oak-infused heady wines to crisp, refreshing cool climate fashioned Chardonnays, the grape variety can be extremely modified. There are not enough letters in Microsoft Word to demonstrate all the different nuances, qualities, differences of terroir, climate and winemaking techniques that would encompass in full, the details of the Chardonnay grape.

The well-travelled grape varietal of Chardonnay has become the fascination of consumers around the world, becoming the most written about of all grapes. Today, it is planted in over 40 countries, amassing an impressive 211,000 hectares (500,000 acres) across the globe. From Burgundy to Champagne, Napa to Sonoma, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Chardonnay graces vineyards around the world, captivating its audience with its multiple personalities. “So powerful is the ‘C-word’ on a wine label,” as the famed Jancis Robinson exclaimed. Since its discovery in Macon, this C-word has become a dominant force in the world of wine, changing history, winemaking and the understanding of winegrowing and its powerful attributes to a single varietal.

Country France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world.



For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide.



France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity.



France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.



With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.


Region Burgundy : Situated just west of the beautiful river Saone, the hills and valleys of Burgundy stand as they have stood since medieval times, and you can almost hear the cheerful chatter of vineyard workers from miles away. Indeed, France's identity in the world of wine would be incomplete without the inclusion of Burgundy and its many viticultural achievements. Every little sub-region of the area boasts a unique soil composition, which, when combined with the area's climate conditions, creates an incredibly diverse and appealing selection of fine wines.

Every new bottle is an adventure of its own, and a snapshot of its birthplace. You could spend years sampling great Burgundian wines, and you would still have a lot to learn, which is what makes the region so compelling for veterans and novice wine lovers alike. No matter what your taste in wines may be, there is a winery in Burgundy that could mesmerize your mind and make your senses scream with joy. And what better way to spend a comfy summer afternoon with your friends and family than with a classy bottle from some of the region's most reputable wineries? From the noble slopes of Cote d'Or to the flatlands near various settlements, let us help you on your journey as we explore Burgundy's most delicious and renowned wines.
Subregion Cote de Beaune
Appellation Puligny Montrachet

Overview

Producer Domaine Jean Chartron : The appellation of Puligny-Montrachet in the Cote de Beaune of Burgundy has long held a stellar reputation for its production of high-quality Grand Cru and Premier Cru white wines. It is considered by many Burgundy fans as the finest possible expression of Chardonnay. In this land of unequaled terroir and rich history, resides Domaine Jean Chartron, a Burgundy house that has long cultivated the prime real-estate. The family has been closely linked to that of Burgundy and more specifically to that of Puligny-Montrachet.

Founded in 1859 by the journeyman cooper (one who builds wooden casks or barrels) Jean-Edouard Dupard, Domaine Jean Chartron has witnessed five generations succeed one another, all of whom have been very involved in the development and prosperity of the Domaine as well as the commune of Puligny-Montrachet and the Burgundy vineyards. In fact, prior to 1873, the appellation was simply named Puligny, but while he was the mayor, Jean-Edouard Dupard, had the municipal council pass a resolution authorizing the commune to add the name of its most prestigious wine, Montrachet to that of Puligny. Dupard’s daughter, Eugenie Dupard, married Jean-Edmund Chartron. It was she who brought the vines as a dowry for her marriage. This is how the Dupard and Chartron alliance was formed, and is now engraved in the stones of the doors of the vineyards.

Today, fifth generation Jean-Michel and Anne-Laure oversee their 14.5 hectare estate and continue their family’s tradition of fine winemaking in Puligny Montrachet and neighboring communes. Jean-Michel vinifies the wines of the domaine, which express their terroir admirably through a diverse range of aromas and flavors. As for his sister Anne-Laure, with the help of her team, looks after the family ‘gardens’ with the greatest respect for the environment and the land. Together, they have the privilege of exploiting some of the most prestigious parcels in burgundy, including Village, Appellation, Premier Crus and Grand Crus located among the best of the Cote de Beaune and the Cote Chalonnaise.

Domaine Jean Chartron has an impressive portfolio including Grand Cru parcels in Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet Clos des Chevalier, Batard-Montrachet, Corton Charlemagne and their monopole, Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Pucelle. Amidst these great white terroirs, the domaine also produces a few red wines including the exceptional Puligny Montrachet Premier Cru Clos Du Cailleret. This unique bottling is Pinot Noir that is harvested from the property’s clay and limestone soils.

Whether in the vineyard or in the cellar, everything at Domaine Jean Chartron is completed with the utmost respect for tradition and the environment. The domaine ensures the respect of the vines thanks to a meticulous work and the soil management program that occurs during the pruning process as well as precise green work until the harvest. The vines have an average age of 40 years, with some choice parcels dating back to before World War II. An extremely careful plantation management policy guarantees, in addition to quality of the wines, a regularity of the volumes produced.

The Chartrons have dedicated their lives to uphold the legacy of the family estate and are committed to not only producing some of the greatest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, but also in compliance with tradition and respect for nature. “Our complicity stems from the fraternal bond that unites us, which allows us to reveal the singularity of our great wines.” – Jean-Michel and Anne-Laure

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