La Chatenière 8.45 hectares including 1.29ha Le Bas de Gamay à l’Est AOC : Saint Aubin Premier Cru JTCM: Premier Cru
A south and south-west facing vineyard, blocked from the morning sun by the Remilly/Dents de Chien hillside but enjoying the evening rays to the last minute. As a result Chatenière tends to make quite an opulent style of St Aubin. The name would appear to refer to horse chestnut trees, châtaignes, though I have heard it suggested that it is a corruption of oak trees, chênes, instead. This is the view of Olivier Lamy who owns the Clos de la Chatenière. Other noted Chatenière producers include Jean-Claude Bachelet, Henri Prudhon and Gérard Thomas.
Back in the fold after its obliteration last year. From the steep, south-facing vineyard opposite the winery (the Bachelets are in the lower section, Bas de Gamay), this is tight and pure, with lots of grip. Only two barrels, but serious and bordering on fine. Drink 2022-2028.
Despite the localised frosts in 2017, Bachelets yields this year are similar to 2015 and close to the average of recent years. Benot and Jean-Baptiste began the harvest on 30th August with the warmer sites of En Remilly, Blanchot Dessus and Bienvenues, and finished on 8th September in the lower-lying Derrire la Tour. Benot commented on how clean and healthy the fruit was this year; there was a little bit of mildew in the spring, but otherwise the year was problem-free. An honest, precise vintage, inhis view.
Despite the localised frosts in 2017, Bachelets yields this year are similar to 2015 and close to the average of recent years. Benot and Jean-Baptiste began the harvest on 30th August with the warmer sites of En Remilly, Blanchot Dessus and Bienvenues, and finished on 8th September in the lower-lying Derrire la Tour. Benot commented on how clean and healthy the fruit was this year; there was a little bit of mildew in the spring, but otherwise the year was problem-free. An honest, precise vintage, inhis view.