Since 1831, The Bichot family has been at the forefront of Burgundy wines. Over the course of 6 generations, the house style has become more and more refined and distinct in elegance.With Albéric Bichot at the helm since 1996, the house has focused its future on quality, minimal intervention winemaking and organic farming. The embodiment of this approach resulted in their 6 domaines being fully organically certified since 2018, while receiving praise and awards on the quality of the wines.

“La Moutonne” is a vineyard nestled in a natural amphitheatre at the heart of the Grand Cru sector of the historic age-old Chablis wine country. Its shape and ideal location make it a natural solar receptor. Sitting 95% in “Vaudésir” and 5% in “Les Preuses” (formerly owned by the Pontigny monks), “La Moutonne” is a monopole meaning Domaine Long-Depaquit is the sole owner. With its south/south-eastern exposure and a steep slope of almost 40%, this vineyard is protected from north winds.

Parcel size: 2.35 ha (5.8 acre) plot

Soil: Calcareous and Kimmeridgian clay
Average age of the vine: 46 years

Vatting: In stainless steel vats (75%) ; In 1 to 5-year-old oak barrels (25%)

Ageing: In oak barrels 25%, and final ageing in stainless steel vats (100%). 10 months in oak barrels ; Final ageing in stainless steel vats 6 months, on fine lees

Tasting

The nose is evocative of fleshy fruit (peach, nectarine) with discreet citrus and floral notes (jasmine, violet). Full-bodied and generous on the palate with very distinct marly minerality due to the micro-terroir. Immensely fresh, light, and supple with hints of oak and exceptional length.

Food/wine pairing

“La Moutonne” Grand Cru is the perfect match for the noblest fish or shellfish, lightly pan-fried or in a cream sauce. If enjoyed when aged, this Grand Cru is a fine accompaniment for farm-raised chicken in cream sauce.

Serving and keeping

Serve between 10 and 12°C (50°F – 53°F).
This exceptional Grand Cru may be cellared for approximately 15 years.

Decanter – 96 points

The unofficial ‘eight grand cru climat’, Moutonne is a very exciting wine in 2022. Very sophisticated, with purity, lift and precision on nose and palate, freshened with saltiness and iodine notes to finish. Concentrated with ripe fruit character and a lovely balance between power and elegance. Needs time before broaching. Drink 2026-2037

Inside Burgundy Jasper Morris – 93-96 points

Mid lemon yellow. A chiselled nose, powerful yet without perfumed. Picked on the right day. A little suggestion of passion fruit here, which adds complexity without taking us over the top. Moutonne has harnessed the ripeness very well and delivers a clear-cut intensity, as well as the ripeness of the fruit. Drink from 2030-2040.

Jancis Robinson – 17 points/20

Surprisingly ripe nose. Though deep-breathing reveals some of the stony character and fine acidity. Chalky finish. Vibrant. Drink 2024-2030.

Burghound – 91-94 points

More moderate wood influence more easily allows the softly exotic aromas of white and yellow peach, apricot and sweet almond paste along with limited Chablis typicity. The rich and quite full-bodied flavors also possess a beautiful texture that is succulent and generously proportioned while retaining good punch and balanced on the sneaky long finish. This is very much built-to-age and it’s a wine with a proven track record for successfully doing so. 2032+