DOMAINE JEAN MONNIER & FILS, PULIGNY-MONTRACHET

 

BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2016

 

When it comes to producing white wine, there may be very little debate that Puligny-Montrachet is “the greatest white wine commune on earth” (Clive Coates). Home to some of the best sections of Le Montrachet, where Chardonnay is “at its most perfect,” Puligny-Montrachet boasts a little over 200 hectares of vineyards, with more than half the land devoted to its 4 Grand Crus and 17 Premier Crus. With such concentration of quality, it is no surprise that bottle prices are extremely high, often making more value-driven village wines still fairly steep. So when 50 cases of Domaine Jean Monnier’s 2016 Puligny-Montrachet became available, with the price under $50 a bottle, we quickly pounced.

Very much familiar with the estate, whose wines are “beautifully proportioned, elegant, stylish” and “pleasing in their precision and balance” (Robert Parker), we knew that, even in a bountiful year, very little of Monnier’s wines are available for export. But the 2016 vintage – a “seriously delicious vintage” (Jancis Robinson) – had a serious shortage of wine, making our allocation even more precious.

Founded in 1720, the long-established property is Meursault-based, but is made up of 16 hectares under vine with parcels that spread out from Puligny to Beaune. Farmed and harvested by hand, the estate has been passed down through the generations from father to son, with the wines currently being crafted by owner Jean-Claude and his son Nicolas. In his book Burgundy: A Comprehensive Guide to the Producers, Appellations and Wines, Robert Parker highlighted Domaine Jean Monnier & Fils as having wines that “are cunningly delicious,” recommending the property “with much enthusiasm.”

It’s easy to see why. From soils of limestone mixed with marl and clay, the wine is elegant with excellent minerality. Creamy with bright and crisp acidity, classic flavors of green apple, hazelnut and lemon-grass make this a real treat from an extraordinary region. With up to 25% off on this outstanding Puligny-Montrachet, this is hands down one of the best values you can find at $46.97 a bottle. With such miniscule quantity available, don’t hesitate to grab your bottles before they’re gone.
  

 

 

 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. Offer is made pre-arrival, with the wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2019. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CO, KY, MA, MO, NY, TN and WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, March 14, 2019.