Year after year, we must confess a fondness for this elegant and refined first cru from Saint-Aubin, which is also concentrated, intense, and particularly charming this year. With its superb structure, it rivals many first crus from Chassagne-Montrachet. On this ripe and vibrant 2017 vintage, it delights with a beautiful balance between vertical limestone finesse, floral elegance, and the voluptuous charm of creamy fruits and subtle milky and pastry notes.

The Charmois climate lies on the edge of the Chassagne region, adjacent to the 1er Cru Les Chaumées. It shares the same eastern exposure and shallow clay-limestone soils rich in iron oxide. Here, the Bachelet family cultivates a beautiful biodynamically farmed parcel of just under one hectare. The oldest vines were planted in 1974, while the newer ones date to 2000.

After an extended aging on fine lees (18 months in barrels followed by a few months in tanks, where the wine regains tension and finishes harmonizing), this Charmois already shines with a lovely mineral and floral brilliance, enveloped in sensual and indulgent fruit.

The nose offers a delightful balance between freshness and voluptuousness: it begins with fine, vertical notes reminiscent of immaculate limestone and rock dust. Then come white and yellow flowers, violet nectar, acacia honey, and a refreshing anise touch. Subtle milky and pastry notes round out the profile, evoking Montélimar nougat, almond and hazelnut biscuits, delicately scented gazelle horns with orange blossom, and churned yogurt. As it aerates, the fruit emerges in a sensual and charming register of poached pear, white fruit cream, ripe melon, and peach coulis.