A Montrachet Challenge: Puligny vs Chassagne

(June 11, 2014) —  Winetasters’ researchers have been unable to confirm rumours of a new religious cult whose adherents pray five times a day facing a particular slope in southern Burgundy: Montrachet. However, we can confirm that there is considerable agreement among white wine lovers the world over that this rocky patch of superbly-drained calcareous soil atop a hard limestone subsoil produces the most profound, complex and magnificent expression of Chardonnay in the world.

The Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards of Montrachet lie within two communes. Puligny-Montrachet to the north has the better reputation and commands higher prices than Chassagne-Montrachet, but astute wine buyers note that Chassagne is one of the few villages in all of France which has no hotel, restaurant or bar. Its slightly less glorious reputation could be a direct result of the fact that when negociants raise a glass and sing the praises of the vintage, any public toasting must take place in Puligny.

To help you decide for yourself we have assembled four vintages, each represented by a Puligny and a Chassagne from the same producer. Domaine du Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet provides 2003 wines of both communes. From 2004 we have Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Mouchere Jean Boillot, and Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Baudines Henri Boillot (Henri worked at Jean Boillot in 2004 but had his own negociant business, whose name stayed even after he bought out his brothers and sisters at the family firm in 2005). Remoissenet produced our 2007s: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Referts, and Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Morgeot. Our 2008s are also Premier Crus: Puligny-Montrachet La Garenne and Chassagne-Montrachet Cailleret, both from Louis Latour. Of Louis Latour, Robert Parker says, “…the white wines here are as good as one is likely to find.”

Our guest speaker for this tasting is Lloyd Evans, Burgundy aficionado, and wine importer at The Case for Wine.

As always with our tastings, this event will be strictly non-smoking, and we request your cooperation in not wearing any scented after-shave or perfume. Using public transit is strongly encouraged.

Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2014 North York Memorial Community Hall
Time: 6:30 p.m. 5110 Yonge St. (under library)
Limit: 88 people North York Centre Subway
Members: $65 Guests: $80

Cancellations accepted up to June 6, 2014. See the event form for cancellation contact details. No reservations by phone, please. No confirmations will be issued — you will be contacted only if we are sold out. First come basis. Non-members may attend at guest rates, but preference will be given to members.

Download the event form if you wish to mail in your reservation cheque.

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