Alain Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 2018

Pale lemon, gold hues; tight rim. First nose that of cool, dried white flowers, lime, green apple and lemon. The second nose of riper stone fruits, peach and apricots. Quite a spectrum, with friendly stage-by-stage development- articulate, layered, neat. The palate reflects the nose and is tauter, firmer and slightly more edging(fully fermented out on the specifications!)on the palate compared to wines from neighbouring villages Chassagne and Meursault next doors. Folatières sits high up on the hill above Clavoillons with meagre soil. So, the finish is mineral-driven and stony, of high acidity leading to over 10+seconds of fruit length. 'Normal' ABV 13% -fermented out(!)- quite bodied! Winemaking is non-intervention; very few lees stirring. Ageing in 25% of new French oak big barrels of 400 L lends some toast and vanilla accents; hence, the style. It is pretty balanced. Still good valued.

Rightly put by Neal Martin, this is a 'catwalk' wine. We also believe it is the best from Alain CHavy, The score is consistent. Well-liked by international tasters. 2018 is a reasonably good vintage.

Critical Acclaim is as follows:

WS94 Wine Spectator

There are ripe elements of white and yellow flowers, apricot, mango and banana, but also terrific cut, a seashore, mineral note and a long toasty finish. The lingering aftertaste of ripe fruit, mineral and spice indicates this white's potential. Best from 2023 through 2030.

RP92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Folatières reveals aromas of citrus oil, yellow orchard fruit, blanched almonds and fresh pastry. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and fleshy, this is the tightest-knit wine in the range, holding the most in reserve——even in this forward, demonstrative vintage. I consider that a good sign, and would pick this as Chavy's finest 2018 premier cru