2022 Paul Chavy Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur Gamay, Cote de Beaune

Perched high above the limestone slopes of the Côte de Beaune, the 1er Cru vineyard Sur Gamay in Saint Aubin produces Chardonnay of tension and striking mineral clarity. Paul Chavy comes from a long line of Burgundian vignerons, the son of Gérard Chavy of Puligny Montrachet, and has steadily built his own reputation for precise, terroir driven white Burgundy. Working small parcels with meticulous vineyard care and restrained élevage, he allows site and vintage to lead. Saint Aubin, once overshadowed by its famous neighbours Puligny and Chassagne, has emerged as one of the most exciting appellations for Premier Cru Chardonnay, particularly from well exposed limestone rich sites like Sur Gamay.

Pale gold with brilliant clarity, the aromatics are focused and expressive. Lemon zest, white peach and green apple unfold alongside citrus blossom and crushed stone. There is a fine flinty nuance that adds complexity without overpowering the purity of fruit.

The palate is medium bodied yet tightly coiled, driven by vibrant natural acidity and chalky minerality. Stone fruit and citrus glide across a lightly creamy mid palate shaped by careful oak integration. The limestone backbone gives precision and length, finishing long and saline with lingering notes of lemon curd and toasted almond. It has the finesse of Saint Aubin with the structure expected of Premier Cru.

Pair with seared scallops, lobster with beurre blanc, roast chicken with tarragon or turbot with brown butter. While beautifully expressive now with a short decant, it will reward cellaring for eight to fifteen years, developing deeper nutty, honeyed and savoury complexity.