Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Clos de la Pucelle" Monopole 2011, Jean Chartron

Les Pucelles is a 5 hectare vineyard next to Bâtard-Montrachet in the heartlands of the Puligny premiers crus, and the Clos de la Pucelle is more than 1 hectare of the entire premier cru. I often find that at this size of production the quality is higher because the wine-maker has more latitude to make a stricter triage and more flexibility over assemblage as well as vinification. For instance, if you have only 2 fûts of 228 litres then your choices for new oak are 0%, 50% and 100%. Suggesting a relatively early-developing vintage this Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Clos de la Pucelle" 2011 starts on vanilla and honey then develops to a fascinating bee hive aromas which combines honey and wax. There is fig, apricot and clementine fruit; then acrons and artichokes on the palate. A core minerality swaddled in ripe citrus and yellow stone fruit. Excellent length and a very enjoyable wine indeed. "Very good" as Clive Coates would say. Scores 27/30 for a Puligny premier cru. Photo shows the doorway of temptation with Clos de la Pucelle on the other side.