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Jean-Louis Chavy - Spotlessly Pure Puligny-Montrachet

by Hugh French | Aug 21, 2025

The Chavy family has proudly called Puligny-Montrachet home for over 200 years. Estate-bottling commenced in 1986, and following Gérard Chavy's retirement in 2005, he thoughtfully divided the estate between his sons, Jean-Louis and Alain. Since joining the family business in 2020, Jean-Louis's son Paul has enriched their offerings with exciting new appellations.

Their vinification process reflects a deep respect for tradition, incorporating whole bunch pressing and natural yeast fermentation. Notably, they limit new oak usage to 15% for village wines and 25% for 1er Crus. The vineyards, which primarily feature 30 to 50-year-old vines, also include some cherished vines dating back to 1952.

Jean-Louis’s wines, celebrated for their expression of terroir, emphasise fruit purity and elegance, showcasing the estate's identity. With Paul’s contributions, the wines have achieved remarkable precision. These classic-style wines are produced in limited quantities and are highly sought after, often selling out quickly.

2023 Bourgogne Blanc

Usually $99

Now $92

From vines bordering on to Puligny AC vineyards. Shows wonderful perfume and depth for this level. Aged 3/4 in barrel (none new) and 1/4 in stainless steel. This wine shows great aromas and very clear fruit expression and offers a lot of pleasure from an early age. Aged for eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. Ageing in barrels that have seen between one and five wines. This is an outstanding value and a great introduction to the spotlessly pure wines of Jean-Louis Chavy.

Mineral and crystalline with a touch of acidity. This wine is beautifully aromatic with notes of ripe fruit and hazelnut.

Importer Notes

2023 Puligny-Montrachet

Usually $255

Now $226

From ten small parcels of 20-60 year old vines (average 50 yo). Les Tremblot, (‘more Puligny in character, as the soil is argileous’, says Jean-Louis); Les Meix, Les Levrons (more rounded wine for there are more stones and gravel here and it is not so heavy), Corvée des Vignes and Les Reuchaux. These small vineyard holdings are all just below the Premier Crus close to the village and cover the diversity of Puligny from north to south. Eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. 15-20% new barrels for this wine which always shows excellent balance and drinking pleasure from an early age.

Fresh and aromatic on the nose with mineral and saline notes. Pure, precise, and lively in the mouth, along with touches of butter and brioche.

Importer Notes

2023 Puligny-Montrachet 'Les Charmes'

Usually $265

Now $242

From a small parcel of vines (average 46 yo) on the border of Meursault. Some very old vines and some newer after replanting which meant that we were not able to buy this cuvee for many years until the younger vines came “of age” to be added to the cuvee. This small beautifully sited vineyard lies next to the Premier Cru Meursault Charmes and shares some of that charm and generosity. Aged for eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. 20% new barrels for this wine which gives great drinking pleasure from an early age.

Its proximity to the Meursault Charmes premier cru ensures this wine has a strong presence on the nose and in the mouth, with aromas of ripe fruit. A touch of minerality is enhanced with buttery and fatty notes.

Importer Notes

2023 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Champs Gains'

Usually $365

Now $339

50+ year-old vines. This 1er Cru is located high on the slope, just above Folatieres. Jean-Louis describes this wine as always showing very well from a young age.

Fresh, bright orchard aromas; as always, quite floral and high-toned. Bright citric fruit on the palate with lively acid structure and excellent length. More discrete and tightly woven than the 2 above 1er cru’s, but with excellent potential as the structure and balance are impressive. Very promising.

Importer Notes

2023 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Clavoillons'

Usually $379

Now $349

Only 2 families have ownership in this tiny 5.5855 ha vineyard, Chavy family have 0.7895 ha and the rest belonging to the various branches of the illustrious Leflaive family (replanting their plot in 1970s). Here Jean-Louis has 0.32 ha of vines planted in 1952 just below Folatieres. Premier Cru Clavoillons lies right in the middle of the Puligny Appellation between Perrières to the north and Les Pucelles bordering on the south side. This ideal site gives a roundness and generosity compared to higher sites like Folatières which is just above on a slightly steeper slope.

There is a lovely density to the aromas and to the core of this wine. The palate is lively and the minerality zesty, which lightens the concentrated character. Bright, citrus fruits linger on the finish.

Importer Notes

2023 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Perrieres'

Usually $379

Now $349

From 0.146 ha of vines planted in 1986 which were purchased by Jean-Louis. Aged for eleven months in the barrel followed by a further seven in stainless-steel tanks. 25-30% new barrels. The 2023 vintage of this wine is showing particularly well and very complete.

Has a lifted mineral nose with subtle scents of honeysuckle and almond, certainly endowed with the vigour one expects from this vineyard. The palate is fine, harmonious and svelte on the entry. This is a Perrieres demonstrating typical fine mineral nuance, though it needs more time to develop and show its best.

Importer Notes

2023 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Folatieres'

Usually $399

Now $369

From 0.51 ha of vines in 2 separate plots planted 1993 and 1965, one in the steepest stoniest part close to Blagny which contributes excellent acidity and structure, the other part is from lower down where the soil is richer and this part gives greater richness and depth to the wine. This shows wonderful intensity and generosity.

Fine bright pale straw with a very good weight of fruit, more fruit than floral on the nose. This stretches out beautifully across the palate, white fruit along with a hint of Mirabelle, acidity present but folded into the fruit, very good persistence. Shows real old vine intensity and depth and very complete even at this early stage.

Importer Notes