Domaine Paul Pillot, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru AOC Les Caillerets
2006, Bourgogne, France
Classification Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru AOC
Colour / Type White
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 13%
Grape Chardonnay
Average score 90
For many years, this young grower has been operating at the very highest level, exhibiting the kind of maturity and astuteness well beyond his years. Across the board, his pulpy, crystalline 2016 wines took our breath away this Bourgogne is indicative of the quality of white Burgundy this address is now capable of. This silky-textured, mouth-watering white Burgundy is the antithesis of the richer, honeyed white Burgundies that abound in 2016. The fruit is grown on a 0.6-hectare, northeast facing hillside vineyard in Remigny, just south of Chassagne Montrachet. The soil is a mix of clay and chalk and the vines are 20 years old. The grapes are handpicked, pressed, left to settle, and then fermented on lees for 12 months in small stainless-steel vats as well as some barrels (with a small percentage of new wood). Low yields, early picking and Pillot s aversion to the le matchstick reductive style of winemaking combine here to glorious effect; jostling with zesty energy, aromas and flavours of crystallized citrus fruits, lemon pith, and mineral salts, this elegant and restrained Bourgogne will have few peers in 2016. Just by talking about the winery, or even the wine itself, makes anyone's thirst escalate to the havens. Do not miss out on this white burgundy bargain it really is a baby Chassagne Montrachet .
About Domaine Paul Pillot
Domaine Paul Pillot is a family-run estate located in Chassagne-Montrachet, in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Founded in 1900 by Jean-Baptiste Pillot, the domaine has evolved through four generations, each building on the legacy of their predecessors. Today, the estate is led by Thierry Pillot, who brings a modern sensibility and meticulous approach to both viticulture and winemaking, while respecting the traditions established by his forebears.
The domaine covers approximately 13 hectares, with a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Its holdings are impressive, including prized parcels in Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, and Santenay. Among its most celebrated vineyards are Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Crus such as Les Grandes Ruchottes, La Grande Montagne, Clos Saint-Jean, and Les Caillerets. The estate’s white wines, in particular, have garnered attention for their purity, elegance, and ability to express the nuanced terroirs of Chassagne-Montrachet.
In the vineyard, Domaine Paul Pillot practices lutte raisonnée, an approach that minimizes chemical intervention and prioritizes the health of the vines and the soil. Manual harvesting is standard, ensuring only the best fruit makes it to the cellar. Thierry Pillot has continued to refine these practices, reducing yields and increasing the age of the vines through careful selection and replanting, which has contributed to greater concentration and complexity in the wines.
Winemaking at Domaine Paul Pillot is characterized by a light touch and a commitment to letting the terroir speak. Whites are pressed gently and fermented with indigenous yeasts, then aged in oak barrels with a restrained use of new wood, typically around 10-15%. The wines are often bottled without fining or filtration, preserving their natural texture and vibrancy. The reds are handled with equal care, with gentle extraction and a focus on freshness and finesse rather than power.
Under Thierry Pillot’s guidance, the domaine has seen a steady rise in reputation, with critics and collectors alike praising the clarity, precision, and mineral drive of the wines. The whites, in particular, are noted for their tension and energy, with a crystalline quality that makes them stand out among their peers. The reds, though less numerous, offer a supple, aromatic profile with fine tannins and a sense of place that reflects the domaine’s philosophy.
Domaine Paul Pillot remains a true family endeavor, with Thierry’s sister Chrystelle also involved in the business. The estate continues to balance innovation and tradition, producing wines that are both true to their origins and attuned to the demands of contemporary wine lovers. With a commitment to sustainable practices, a deep respect for Burgundy’s heritage, and an unwavering focus on quality, Domaine Paul Pillot exemplifies the best of Chassagne-Montrachet and the wider Côte de Beaune.