Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Premier Cru Côte de Beaune Chardonnay; subtle, mineral-focused and built to reveal itself over time.

In the quiet hills of Pernand-Vergelesses — a village often overshadowed by its famous neighbours yet rich in terroir — Maison Champy’s “En Caradeaux” bottling stands out as a statement of clarity and precision. The 2022 vintage brings together bright acidity, finely tuned structure and a mineral spine that echoes the slope’s chalky roots.

After gentle pressing and native-yeast fermentation, the wine is matured in fine French oak (a modest fraction new) and allowed time to refine while preserving the vineyard’s character. The result is Chardonnay with both composure and drive — not inflated, but confident.

On the nose: lemon oil, white peach and a hint of crushed gravel rise first. On the palate: orchard-fruit core meets crisp citrus, whispering almond skin and bright minerality. The finish stretches with chalk and sea-salt air, leaving the impression of lightness sculpted by soil and slope.

James Suckling: 95 Points