Domaine Ballot Millot & Fils - Bourgogne Blanc 2020

"Charles Ballot took the helm of his family's already respected domaine, and began to make his mark by moving to more natural farming methods, reducing yields, buying a triage table, and updating the press. Today, the estate is comprised of 10 hectares of vineyards, seven of which are in Meursault proper. The holdings are reputable and the relative vine age is old: Perrières (40+ years), Genevrières (70+ years), Narvaux (45-60year), etc. Charles's wines tend toward the so-called “Roulot-school” of Meursault, more tensile and racy, as opposed to the fatter, honeyed and nutty style that dominated the landscape 20-30 years ago." -Polaner Selections

To me there is simply no expression of the chardonnay grape that is as complex, layered, and delicious as the wines made from this grape grown in and around the famed Burgundian villages of Puligny, Chassagne and Meursalt. Here the moderate continental climate and clay, marl and limestone soils conspire to create these inimitable wines. But with that superb quality comes a steep price, $50-$80 is typically the price of admission for village level wines, into the hundreds per bottle for top Premier Crus, and thousands for a few producer’s rare and exquisite Grand Crus. But if you want true Meursault character at a fraction of the price today’s offer is for you! I find the best values are found in the Bourgogne Blanc cuvees from the region’s top producers, and that is what I am typically drinking around the house. While Bourgogne Blanc can technically come from anywhere in Burgundy; the top producers, like Charles Ballot’s Bourgogne Blanc, are sourced from vines in or on the border of these famed villages - with the grapes for this wine source from 20-30 year old vines in Puligny and Meursault. Farming and winemaking is very similar to their wines selling for 2-3 times the price, the vines are of a respectable age, and soils and climate are very similar as well. What you get is an incredible bargain! As far as the wine, the Ballot Millot style suits me very well, more in the Roulot style - racy, mineral, rich but very focused with incredible tension from start to finish. And that is quite a compliment given that Roulot’s Bourgogne Blanc is over $80, his Meursault starts at around $175 per bottle, and the 1er Crus can go $400-500 per bottle. Today’s offer is a true bargain by comparison! Country: France Region: Meursault, Burgundy Variety: Chardonnay Terroir: 20-50 year old vines spread among 7 parcels in Meursault, South-southeast clay-limestone soils Winemaking: 12 months ageing in barrels (10-15% new) with little of no battonage, followed by 6 months in tank.