[Magnum] Domaine Henri Boillot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Clos de La Mouchere' (Monopole) 2016

Domaine Henri Boillot's Clos de La Mouchère represents one of Burgundy's rare monopole vineyards, where a single producer owns the entire designated climat. This exceptional 2016 vintage showcases the unique character of this precious 0.85-hectare parcel that Henri Boillot tends with meticulous care and passion. The monopole status allows for complete control over every aspect of viticulture and winemaking, resulting in wines of extraordinary consistency and terroir expression.

Henri Boillot, grandson of the legendary Henri Boillot who established the domaine in 1885, represents the third generation to steward this exceptional vineyard. His deep understanding of this specific terroir, combined with modern techniques and traditional Burgundian wisdom, creates wines that stand among the finest expressions of Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru.

The Clos de La Mouchère vineyard occupies a privileged position on the hillside of Puligny-Montrachet with southeastern exposure that ensures optimal sun exposure throughout the growing season. The vineyard's elevated position provides excellent drainage while the unique soil composition of limestone, clay, and fossilized oyster shells contributes distinctive mineral complexity to the wine. This terroir combination creates ideal conditions for producing Chardonnay of exceptional depth and longevity.

The 2016 vintage in Burgundy was marked by challenging spring conditions followed by an excellent summer and harvest period. Henri Boillot's careful vineyard management throughout the season, including precise timing of critical operations and meticulous attention to vine health, enabled the Clos de La Mouchère to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration while maintaining the natural acidity that defines great Burgundy.

The estate's biodynamic farming practices, implemented to respect the natural rhythms of the vineyard, contributed significantly to the 2016 vintage's success. The mature vines in Clos de La Mouchère, averaging 35 years in age, naturally produce lower yields while achieving exceptional fruit quality and complexity. These old vines access deep soil layers, contributing remarkable depth and mineral character to the wine.

Henri Boillot's winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention and maximum expression of terroir. The grapes were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness with careful selection ensuring only the finest fruit. Gentle pneumatic pressing preserved delicate aromatics while whole cluster pressing contributed additional complexity and structure to the wine.

Fermentation occurred in carefully selected French oak barrels, with approximately 30% new oak providing structure and complexity without overwhelming the wine's inherent character. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation and extended lees aging for 14 months, contributing to its signature texture and depth. Regular batonnage during the early aging period enhanced the wine's richness and mouthfeel.

The 2016 Clos de La Mouchère presents a brilliant golden color with subtle green reflections. The bouquet is immediately compelling, revealing layers of white stone fruits, citrus blossoms, and distinctive mineral notes unique to this vineyard. Aromas of ripe pear, lemon zest, and white flowers emerge with aeration, accompanied by subtle hints of toasted hazelnuts and honey.

On the palate, the wine demonstrates exceptional balance and complexity that mark it as a truly distinctive Burgundy. The texture is simultaneously rich and refined, with a creamy mouthfeel that carries flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and distinctive mineral notes. The finish reveals remarkable length and persistence with layers of flavor that continue to evolve, showcasing the wine's exceptional breeding and aging potential.

Harvest: Hand-harvested

Vineyard: Clos de La Mouchère (Monopole)

Aging: 14 months in 30% new French oak

Source: Henri-Boillot.com