Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, Criots-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2008

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, based in Chassagne-Montrachet, makes mostly white Burgundy from about 13 ha owned plus leased parcels, centred on Saint-Aubin premiers crus (La Chatenière, En Remilly, Champlots) and Chassagne premiers crus such as Caillerets and Chenevottes, plus bought fruit for Meursault, Corton-Charlemagne, Bâtard- and Chevalier-Montrachet. Whites are whole-bunch pressed slowly, fermented on native yeasts mostly in 350-litre barrels with about 20–25% new oak, and left on their lees up to 18 months without stirring, fining or filtration. The result is pure, precise, mineral-driven Chardonnay with some natural reduction, built to age a decade or more. Red cuvées, from Chassagne and Monthelie, use about 30% whole bunches.

Region

Côte de Beaune, Burgundy (Chassagne-Montrachet base; Saint-Aubin)

Owner

Pierre-Yves Colin and Caroline Morey

Vineyards

About 13 ha owned plus leased parcels; Saint-Aubin (Chatenière, Remilly, Champlots), Chassagne (Caillerets, Chenevottes)

Grapes

Chardonnay; Pinot Noir

Wines

Saint-Aubin and Chassagne premiers crus; Meursault Perrières; Puligny Chalumaux; Corton-Charlemagne, Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet; Chassagne and Monthelie reds

Style

Native yeasts, 350-litre barrels, ~20–25% new oak, long lees ageing, no bâtonnage, unfined and unfiltered

Sources: hedonism.co.uk, vintageandvine.com, thatcherswine.com