2023 Paul Chavy Saint Romain Blanc La Perriere, Burgundy

Set high above the Côte de Beaune, Saint Romain brings a cooler, more alpine feel to Chardonnay, and La Perrière is one of its standout sites. Paul Chavy, from a Puligny family with generations of experience, keeps the approach precise and understated, letting the limestone and elevation shape the wine.

The 2023 opens with a fresh, lifted profile. Lemon zest, green apple and a hint of pear lead, with a touch of white peach softening the edges. There’s a clear mineral imprint, chalk and crushed stone, along with a subtle savoury note of almond and a flicker of spice.

The palate is all about energy and line. Medium bodied but very streamlined, driven by a bright, mouthwatering acidity that keeps everything tight and focused. Citrus and orchard fruit move quickly before narrowing into a long, clean, mineral finish that feels almost salty at the end.

Chavy’s winemaking is restrained and thoughtful, just enough élevage to build texture while preserving that natural tension and clarity.

This is made for clean, fresh flavours. Oysters with a squeeze of lemon, sashimi, or grilled whiting with herbs all work beautifully. It also handles dishes like prawn and chilli pasta, a simple roast chicken, or even a crisp potato dish with plenty of salt, where the wine’s acidity keeps everything sharp and lively.

Drinking beautifully now for its freshness and precision, it will continue to evolve over the next five to eight years, gaining a little more savoury complexity while holding its line.