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Wine Description
The Story
Le Montrachet Grand Cru covers only 8 hectares between Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. This particular area was known during the 13th century as 'Mont Rachas'.'La rache' in the Burgundian dialect is commonly known as ringworm, a skin disease that causes hair loss. This baldness gives its name to the bare and stony hillside, which grew only thorny bushes until vines were planted. The terroir of Montrachet is a notable exception because its brown soils, usually reserved for Pinot Noir, transform here the Chardonnay into one of the greatest white wines in the world. The east exposure captures sunlight later in the evening. These factors are critical to achieve optimal ripeness. Our grapes come from a parcel with an area of 0.80 hectares which extends from the top to the bottom of the slope in the central part of North Montrachet, situated on the Puligny-Montrachet side.
Vinification & Ageing
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Fermentation
Traditional in oak barrels with complete malolactic fermentation -
Ageing
10 to 12 months ageing in oak barrels, 100% new -
Barrels
Louis Latour cooperage, french oak, medium toasted
Vintage 1996
1996 VINTAGE in Burgundy
Maturity levels were in general high following a long hot summer. The wines from the famous Pinot Noir have an intense ruby red colour with lush red fruit aromas. They are wines that are comparable with the outstanding 88s and 89s. The whites are just as outstanding full-bodied with elegant vibrant Chardonnay fruit and sweet white flower and grilled nut aromas. These are wines that have the potential to age magnificently.
Each harvest we hope for three things, favorable weather conditions, healthy grape clusters and high sugar levels. The 1996 harvest provided all of these. April was particularly sunny and brought about an early bud burst (18th of April). Following this we had what can be described as a flash flowering which leads to good pollination, creating high yields.
Arean had low rainfall levels, a sturdy breeze (which kept rot to a minimum) and a long ripening period. These factors created high sugar levels and good acidity within the grapes. Cloud cover in August, combined with the coldest September on record meant that the sugar levels were exceptionally high and so was the acidity: 12% potential alcohol with 5.5g of acidity for Corton Reds and 13%-14% potential alcohol with 6g of acidity for Corton Charlemagne.
As a result, most are very pleased with the 1996 vintage. The reds have an intense color, good tannin structure and concentrated Pinot Noir flavor. The white wines are also impressive, containing plenty of rich fruit character, a crisp acidity and are already showing an attractive bouquet.
Recommended glass shape
Average Bottle Price
| 2016 | 2010 |
|---|---|
| 621€ +36.2% | 456€ |
This data comes from the FINE Auction Index, a composite of average prices for wines sold at commercial auctions in 20 countries. The average prices from each year have been collected since 1990. This chart plots the index value of the average price of the wines.