2009 Louis Carillon

Tradition is the watchword here - hardly surprising for a family that can trace its viticultural genealogy back to 1632. Today brothers Jacques and Francois Carillon are responsible for winemaking and the vineyards.

The domaine consists of 12 hectares of vineyards, the vast majority lying in Puligny Montrachet, with small parcels of vines in 5 Puligny 1ers Crus and a tiny holding in the Grand Cru Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. This domaine produces some of the most impressive wines in the village. Low yields, minimum racking and judicious use of new oak are what give the wines their intensity and discreet elegance.

The wines have a striking purity of fruit, are beautifully understated, and last and last. When compared to the strength in depth to be found in Meursault and Chassagne, there are relatively few producers in the first division in Puligny. Sauzet and Leflaive may have the aura, but the wines from Jacques Carillon and his brother François are their equal and often the best of their type.