Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru, “La Garenne”

“La Garenne” sits high on the slope, just above the great Puligny-Montrachet premier cru “Champs Gains,” and bordering Blagny to the south. This represents Prudhon’s smallest holding, a parcel of 60-year-old Chardonnay vines on less than a tenth of a hectare (!). As befits its premier cru status, the “Garenne” is broader than “Enseigneres”, with a richer, more viscous texture, but still with a characteristically scintillating acidity. Because they produce only two barrels per vintage, this wine sees 50% new oak, but the sheer grandeur and density of the wine prevents it from being at all obtrusive.