There is only a single hectare of Chardonnay in the great Île des Vergelesses vineyard, all planted between 1985 and 1991 on the instruction of the Countess Nadine de Nicolay (mother of Claude and François de Nicolay who currently run the Estate). Madame de Nicolay was quite partial to a nice white Burgundy and was convinced that this site could produce outstanding whites. This turned out to be a masterstroke and this terroir is now the source of one of Burgundy’s most unique, textural whites. Clive Coates MW has always considered this as the Estate’s emblematic wine. And this is as good an example as we have shipped. Absolutely wonderful.
“The 2017 Chandon de Briailles Pernand-Vereglesses Ile de Vergelesses 1er Cru Blanc has a beautiful, comely bouquet, scents of freshly sliced white peach intermingling with pineapple chunks and a hint of apricot. The poised, harmonious palate is very well balanced, displaying a fine bead of acidity and a waxy, almost white-Rhône-like finish that lingers. Excellent.”
90-92 points, Neal Martin, Vinous
“Here too there is a discreet application of wood to be found on the nose of freshly sliced citrus, white flower and spiced apple scents. The much finer and more vibrant medium weight flavors exude evident minerality on the markedly dry but not really austere finale. Lovely.”