The Bachelet brothers, Alec and Marc, are a bit new to the winemaking scene having started their endeavor in 2005. They cut their teeth working for other winemakers until, with the help of their father and uncle, they purchased 10 hectares and rented another few, all of which they farm with no insecticides.
They are known for terroir driven Chardonnay with great acidity and minerality. They choose to pick fairly early and use 350 liter barrels to maintain the freshness of the wine. It remains in the barrel for a year before it is racked into stainless steel on the lees where it remains for another 8 months, being bottled in April. The results are very focused, sophisticated wines that have gained the attention of critics, importers, merchants and collectors alike.
“Their 2013s reaffirmed my position that these boys know exactly what they are doing: mineral-driven, terroir-defined expressions of Chardonnay with a knack for sending tingles down the spine.” - Neal Martin
After reading Martin’s notes of his visits and tastings with the Bachelet brothers, I was anxious to try their wines, and the 2013 Bachelet Monnot Puligny Montrachet seemed a perfect choice on a hot summer evening where acidity seemed especially appealing. I chilled it briefly, just 30-45 minutes or so, the perfect length of time to enhance, not mask the palate. The pale greenish-yellow color alone seemed refreshing and that was just a prelude the citrus and flinty nose – wow! No wonder this is a Neal Martin favorite! It is not an overstatement to say that the aroma is mouthwatering, perfectly setting the tone for the first sip. On the palate, it is focused though delivers no sharp edges and the acidity and minerality mingle nicely enhancing each other beautifully. There is a very appealing balance here and a beautiful finish that leads toward the next sip and the next… the bottle was empty much too soon.
Stephen Tanzer was equally impressed when he gave it 91 points and noted –
“Aromas of white peach and minerals, with a touch of reduction. Juicy, supple and sweet, offering lovely density of material; higher-pitched than the Chassagne-Montrachet, with floral, mineral and spice notes carrying through on the extract-rich finish...”
This is a Puligny Montrachet I highly recommend for your summer sipping and one I know your friends and family will enjoy. At just $57.99 a bottle, it is a wine that you can pop and pour for a crowd. I know my guests will be happy when I do just that!