In 1988, Chavy-Chouet was named Puligny-Montrachet’s ‘domaine to watch’ by Jasper Morris. With prime parcels in both Puligny and Meursault, it was perfectly placed to rise to the top. Hubert Chavy, its hell-raising owner vigneron, never delivered on that early promise, but since 2014 his son Romaric has succeeded in re-establishing Chavy-Chouet as one of Burgundy’s most exciting prospects.
The vineyards are as well-sited as they ever were, and everything else is now at the level they deserve. Grapes are no longer sold off, there is a new winery, and vinifications are traditional, with fermentation and maturation of most wines in oak barrels for 12 months. New sites have also been added in Saint-Aubin, Pommard, Volnay and Maranges. The wines from the top vineyards are elegant and beautifully balanced, while the entry-level village wines from single vineyards are among Burgundy’s best bargains.
Thanks to its lost years, Chavy-Chouet’s reputation hasn’t yet caught up with the quality of the wines. They are undervalued across the range.
