Jean Philippe Fichet Bourgogne Chardonnay
Not all Bourgogne is created equal - especially when the wines come from the magical soils of Meursault. I don’t know about you, but the one category I’m always searching for is Bourgogne. In today's world, it's a category that can over deliver – and usually does from the top producers.
Fifteen years ago, on a cold January morning I visited Fichet and still remember the first wines Jean Phiippe poured. There was a 2007 Bourgogne from cask - the citrus leaning, green apple, mineral infused flavors were so precise and persistent that I thought we must have started with one of the lieu dits. Rarely do you encounter the first wine in the lineup with such punch and energy. I just shook my head in disbelief at how a simple Bourgogne could offer so much. It all made a little more sense when Jean Phiippe explained that the vines were actually planted in Meursault.
There are two Bourgogne cuvees, well actually three if you count the red wine. The Bourgogne Chardonnay is grown in deeper clay soil and the Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes is grown in a more rocky terroir. It's really about splitting hairs as to which cuvee is better. In a cool vintage like 2021, the Bourgogne Chardonnay is a little rounder and more Meursault like, compared to the tighter, more compact Vieilles Vignes. I find both to be absolutely delicious and the type of wine any white burgundy drinker can really appreciate - especially when you consider the price.
These have been a Burghound Outstanding, Top Value for just about every vintage I can remember. The smart Burgundy buyer is jumping all over these. I put 6 aside for myself!
Firm reduction masks the nuances of the white orchard fruit and soft floral scents. Here too there is a lovely sense of vibrancy to the nicely detailed yet rich and voluminous flavors that also conclude in a dry, sneaky long and slightly firmer finale. Also worth a look.
- Burghound, 86-89 Outstanding!
BH Note: from Meursault vines planted in high clay content soil
Firm reduction masks the nuances of the white orchard fruit and soft floral scents. Here too there is a lovely sense of vibrancy to the nicely detailed yet rich and voluminous flavors that also conclude in a dry, sneaky long and slightly firmer finale. Also worth a look.
- Burghound, 86-89 Outstanding!
BH Note: from Meursault vines planted in high clay content soil
The extended malo shows as the nose is quite lactic in character and presently dominates the fruit. More interesting are the slightly denser medium weight flavors that are firmer still. This too should be very good for its level.
- Burghound, 86-89 Outstanding!
VR Note: also from Meursault vines but from soil with more gravel and rock content.
