Paul Pillot, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint Jean 2022

Variety: Chardonnay

Thierry Pillot is the fourth generation of the Pillot legacy in the legendary Côtes de Beaune of southern Burgundy. Even though the domain began with Thierry’s great grandfather—Jean-Baptist —the domain was named after Paul Pillot—Thierry’s father. Jean-Baptiste was a barrel maker by trade and began focusing on his vines full time in 1900; the estate was born then. Today the estate is run by the energetic Thierry, who spends most of his time in the vineyards, but is a non-interventionist in the cellar with discreet usage of new wood. The family are artists in the cellar when it comes to oak usage; it is very well integrated into the wines. Thierry is one of the finest winemakers in the Côtes de Beaune; if one should come across any of his bottles, don’t hesitate to snatch them up.

These vines are from the Premier Cru plot of Clos Saint Jean, one of the highest altitudes in Chassagne. Vines are 40-50 years old. The wine is fermented and aged in 350L barrels, 10% of which are new, for 12 months, followed by 6 months in tank.