This Burgundian domaine has been a family estate for nearly 200 years. Erwan Faiveley, 7th generation, took the reins in 2006 from his father when he was only 25. They have earned their reputation as one of Burgundy’s finest and most trusted, with an unparalleled selection from the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise totalling over 120 hectares.
The story tells how the Lord of Puligny divided out his lands between his children, giving his son what became the ‘Chevalier-Montrachet’ and his daughters inheriting ‘Les Pucelles’. Yet the story also tells how he held his illegitimate ‘bastard’ son in great affection. This son received, in addition to a plot like his half-brother and his two half-sisters, two other plots including ‘Bienvenues’ (Welcome), which in the choice of its name shows the really special endearment the Lord had for this child.
Total Surface Area: 3ha 73a
Exposition: East
Soil: White Marls, Clay
Surface Area: 0ha 50a
Year the vines were planted: 1961, 1988
The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand. The musts are extracted using a pneumatic press before being settled. Vinification lasts 4 weeks and takes place in French oak barrels (50-60% of which are new oak) in our hygrometry-controlled cellars at consistent, natural temperatures. The wines are stirred frequently in order to keep the wine in contact with the lees and then aged for 18 months. This enables them to retain excellent tension and aromatic complexity as well as a smooth, delicate palate
A classic winter, with average temperatures and rainfall, was followed by a much warmer March with temperatures around 27C. This brought bud burst forward by 10 days on the 4th April which proved to be catastrophic when temperatures dropped to -8C between the 5th and 7th April. The Chardonnay vines of Corton-Charlemagne and Puligny-Montrachet were badly impacted by the frost, given they were at a more advanced stage. Flowering took place between the 10th and 21st June, and it was fast and heterogeneous. May through to the end of July was cool and humid, with twice the average rainfall, but August saw warm and sunny weather which continued through to harvest.
Harvest started on 21st September in the Côte Chalonniase with white Mercurey, and in the Côte de Beaune with Corton-Charlemagne, Bâtard-Montrachet and Puligny 1er Crus. Volnay, Monthélie and Beaune Clos de l’Ecu. Picking began in the Côte de Nuits on the 23rd September with Grand Cru parcels being picked between the 24th and 26th September. Harvest finished on the 30th September with Mercurey Rouge, Marsannay and Gevrey Chambertin Village. The frosts reduced the yields considerably, harvesting around 20hl/ha for Chardonnay and 25hl/ha for Pinot Noir.
Pale, clear yellow colour and an elegant yet powerful nose combining white and yellow fruits, white flowers (acacia and orange blossom) and freshly baked brioche. The palate is delicate yet distinctive and characterised by aromas of stewed fruits and candied lemon. The finish is fresh and lively with exceptional length.
Crayfish, Lobster, Truffle Soup
Serve at 10°C. Cellaring Potential: 10+ years
Côte de Beaune, Grand Cru
100% Chardonnay
Cork
Yes
Yes
