Older White Burgundy

With White Burgundy, I am always amazed at how the terroir really shines through again after the fruit & oak has had an opportunity to resolve itself with additional bottle age.  Furthermore, I also really enjoy how harmonious & even more delicious they can become.

Last night was a golden opprtunity to sample 3 slighly aged white Burgundies.

1996 Amiot Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru “Les Caillerets”

The Domaine is based in the village of Chassagne-Montrachet (in fact the Premier Cru Cailleret vineyard can be seen directly out their winery’s window) with a smidgeon of holding in Puligny Montrachet (3/4’s of a hectare in Les Demoiselles) & 1/4 of a hectare in Montrachet.  The 1996 on this night was very pretty, ethereal, remarkably light & minerally on the palate.  It is a wine, however, I suggest you drink up.

1998 Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne

This Grand Cru smelled & tasted Grand Cru in breed & pedigree, with power, depth & a profound stoniness.  It was so amazingly harmonious & seamless & therefore was a terrific drink to say the least.

1997 Ramonet Puligny Montrachet “Champs Canet”

Although this wine was still alive & kicking, it is another I suggest drinking up.  It probably should have been served before the Grand Cru Corton Charlemagne.