MAISON ALBERT BICHOT
BURGUNDY, FRANCE
In a region where hype sometimes outpaces substance, Albert Bichot has outlasted fad and fashion. And why? Because it stands for consistency and integrity, and, above all, because it delivers the terroir-specificity, restrained elegance, and mineral precision that makes Chablis, in our minds, absolutely indispensable to any serious collection.
Case in point: this stellar portfolio of nine Chablis expressions that span the full appellation hierarchy, from village-level expressions at just $33 to venerable Grand Crus, including the marvelous, 95-point 2023 vintage of Moutonne, the crown jewel of this collection.
More than just a Grand Cru Chablis, Moutonne is one of the most singular white wines in all of Burgundy. This is Chablis at its pinnacle, folks, and a reference point for serious white Burgundy lovers.
The fruit is sourced from a unique, 2.35-hectare, historic monopole, owned entirely by Bichot, and sitting in an amphitheater mostly within Vaudésir but overlapping into Les Preuses, where the grapes are hand-harvested, gently crushed, and fermented in stainless steel and old cask before extended maturation.
If ever there were a wine of gravitas and nobility, this is it.
Just as impressive as the pedigree and polish on display in all of these wines, is the ability of Bichot to deliver quality at every price point.
The $33 Chablis is exactly what you want from Chablis. The $300 Grand Cru Moutonne more than justifies its price tag. And everything in between hits its mark and then some.
Reputation is everything in Burgundy, as you know, and pedigree in this region can be traced back further than most American cities have existed. Bichot is as establishment as they come (the house was founded in 1831, and has been run by six generations of the same family), but this is also an estate that has embraced innovation, and one that has managed, somehow, to stay relevant without turning to consultants or chasing scores. Credit the head winemaker, Alain Serveau, who is blessed not just with a perfect palate, but who has also proven himself nimble and adaptable. And who, for both of those reasons, has been named Red Winemaker of the Year twice and White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge — no easy feat to accomplish.
What strikes us most about these wines is how clearly they speak of their specific sites. The minerality is not just a note in these expressions; it all but defines their personalities. These are wines, above all, of proportion and charm and elegance; wines that anchor you in time and place. If that makes them throwback, then we could do with a lot more throwback.
The critics are right there with us. The Grand Cru Les Clos 2023 took home an impressive 94 points from James Suckling (remember, white wine scores from the critics are unaccountably suppressed); he praised its "rich and really well-structured" character with "excellent stony freshness" and "exciting energy." Decanter went even higher in its appraisal of the Grand Cru Moutonne 2023, awarding 95 points and calling it "a classic wine" with "marvellous concentration and depth of flavor, balanced acidity and superb elegance and finesse."
Under the current leadership of Albéric Bichot, the house has pursued organic and sustainable viticulture with real commitment and passion. Many of their top estates now carry organic certification. A core component of this philosophy is the insistence upon minimal intervention, which allows each vineyard's character to express itself without winemaker interference.
I already talked about value, but I would be remiss if I didn't also talk about versatility.
These are wines that are meant for immediate enjoyment (the village Chablis is sublime with oysters, whether raw or grilled, and the Premier Crus will shine in just about any circumstance), but they’re built for the long haul. The Moutonne, you could lay down for a decade or more, if you so choose, and that applies, as well, to every bottle here.
One last thing, and it surely cannot be emphasized enough: life might be full of disappointments, but Bichot is not one of them. It will never, ever let you down.
So, secure your bottles today, and get yourself ready for Chablis bliss.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2026. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. 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 KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer will expire on Sunday, February 1st, 2026.