Joseph Drouhin Puligny Montrachet 2019

1. Winery Background

Maison Joseph Drouhin is one of Burgundy’s most respected and historic wine producers, founded in 1880. Over the years, the Drouhin family has built an impressive reputation for producing wines that express the unique terroirs of Burgundy, with a focus on quality and precision. The house is known for its elegant, terroir-driven wines that span both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. The estate practices organic and biodynamic viticulture to preserve the health of the soils and vines, ensuring the highest quality grapes.

2. The Producer

Today, Maison Joseph Drouhin is run by the fourth generation of the Drouhin family, who continue the tradition of producing wines with finesse and balance. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking, which allows the terroir to shine through in every bottle.

3. The Vineyard

The Puligny-Montrachet appellation is located in the Côte de Beaune and is one of the most prestigious villages for Chardonnay in the world. It is known for its unique terroir of limestone-rich soils that contribute to the distinctive minerality and elegance of the wines. Puligny-Montrachet is home to several Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, though this wine comes from village-level vineyards, which still produce exceptional Chardonnay that reflects the terroir’s quality.

4. The Wine

The Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet 2019 is a white Burgundy made from 100% Chardonnay. It represents the essence of the Puligny-Montrachet appellation, offering a fine balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality, with a touch of oak that enhances the wine’s complexity without overwhelming its finesse.

5. The Vintage (2019)

The 2019 vintage in Burgundy was marked by hot and dry conditions, resulting in lower yields but producing highly concentrated, balanced wines. For white wines, the vintage brought out vibrant fruit flavors with excellent ripeness, balanced by fresh acidity, making 2019 an outstanding year for white Burgundy.

6. Vinification and Aging

The winemaking process at Maison Joseph Drouhin emphasizes minimal intervention to ensure that the purity of the fruit and terroir are fully expressed. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in French oak barrels (20% new) for about 12 months to add subtle complexity and texture, with the oak carefully integrated to preserve the freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay.

7. The Grapes

• Chardonnay (100%)

Chardonnay from Puligny-Montrachet is known for producing wines with finesse, precision, and a distinct minerality, making it one of the most sought-after appellations for white Burgundy.

8. Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale gold with bright, luminous reflections.

• Nose: Aromas of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), green apple, and white peach mingle with hints of acacia flowers, hazelnuts, and a touch of vanilla and toast from the oak aging.

• Palate: On the palate, the wine is crisp and vibrant, with flavors of citrus, pear, and apple, complemented by a subtle creaminess. The wine has a strong mineral backbone, characteristic of Puligny-Montrachet, with a finely tuned acidity that balances the richness of the fruit. There is a gentle touch of oak that enhances the texture without overpowering the wine’s purity.

• Finish: Long, clean, and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of citrus zest and subtle toasted nuts.

9. Food and Wine Pairing

Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet 2019 is a versatile food wine, pairing beautifully with a range of dishes, especially those that complement its acidity and minerality:

• Seafood such as oysters, crab, lobster, and grilled white fish

• Roasted poultry with light herb sauces

• Creamy risottos or pasta with seafood

• Mild cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese

• Vegetable-based dishes like roasted asparagus or artichokes with lemon

10. Service

• Serving Temperature: Best served slightly chilled at 12°C (54°F) to fully express the wine’s aromatic complexity and vibrant acidity.

• Decanting: This wine can be enjoyed immediately but benefits from some time to open up. Allow it to breathe for 20-30 minutes before serving to enhance its aromas.

11. Storage

• Aging Potential: While delicious in its youth, the 2019 Puligny-Montrachet has the structure and balance to age gracefully for 5-8 years. Over time, the wine will develop additional layers of complexity, with the fruit softening and more tertiary notes (hazelnut, honey, and flint) emerging.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature around 12°C (55°F) to ensure the wine matures properly.

12. Scores

• Wine Advocate: 90-92 points

• Vinous: 91 points

• Burghound: 90 points

Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet 2019 is an elegant and mineral-driven white Burgundy, showcasing the balance and finesse that has made the Puligny-Montrachet appellation world-famous. With vibrant acidity, precise fruit, and a subtle touch of oak, this wine is perfect for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring for added complexity.