While Burgundy is renowned as the home of Pinot Noir, it is also the source for the ubiquitous Chardonnay grape. In these gently rolling hills Chardonnay achieves some of its most profound expressions. Appellations such as Meursault, Montrachet, and Corton Charlemagne proudly take their place among the most sought-after in all the world of wine. With a richness and complexity few wines can match, Chardonnay from Burgundy adds classic hints of flinty and chalky soil with nuances tones of nuts, cinnamon, honey and butter to the rich, sometimes unctuous but rarely heavy, ripe orchard fruits that the grapes are capable of providing. White Burgundy can improve in the bottle for decades and is arguably the most age-worthy dry white wine in the world.

Any casual inquiry into Burgundy will invariably reveal the Drouhin name. This leading négociant and vineyard owner maintains vines in Chablis, Côte de Nuits, and Côte de Beaune. With wines coming from a wide variety of vineyards, Drouhin's output varies widely, with regard to both character and price. But, speaking generally, their reputation is for gentle, perfumed wines that impress more for their elegance and aromatic complexity than for their size or brute strength.

2007 Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet

Tanzer 91, Parker 92.  Pale, bright yellow. Lovely lift to the aromas of white peach, flowers, spices and white pepper. A step up in texture and concentration from the village offerings, with lovely intensity and focus to the flavors of peach, flowers and spices. A harmonious fruit-driven midweight with an echoing aftertaste.

2007 Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine on 10/09. There's a touch of petillance to this wine, adding to the brisk feel and emphasizing the malic acidity. It's youthful, all tart apple and honeysuckle in flavor, with an underlying forest floor character that shows the depths read more...that should develop with a few years of age. A fine, fresh Puligny to serve with an oyster pan roast.