2017 Albert Bichot Secret de Famille Chardonnay Bourgogne Cote D'Or 750 ml

Quality and longevity are synonymous with the Bichot name, and we don’t expect these bottles to last—so we’ll cut right to the chase: This little "Family Secret" is culled from grape sources “around extremely well-located vineyards” on the outskirts of some pretty famous white Burgundy villages—St. Aubin, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet. Treated to the same winemaking script as these famous villages in the Côte de Beaune, low yields are gently pressed and the juice is aged in half stainless steel and half French oak, lending this value Chardonnay the creaminess and complexity of bottles 3x the price.

Our last vintage of Albert Bichot Secret de Famille Chardonnay sold out within 24 hours, so when the 2017 vintage performed even better than its predecessor on our tasting panel—and received an even more impressive triple 90-point score to boot—we didn’t hesitate. Decanter “Top Value” Burgundy for $20 isn't exactly a regular occurrence after all.

We agree with Decanter that Bichot’s Secret de Famille is “always an enjoyable cuvée,” but the 2017 is an especially remarkable white Burgundy for the money. Expressive notes of enchanting acacia flower, Meyer lemon peel, and juicy nectarine are laced with an elegant layer of toasted hazelnut praline and butterscotch. Rich, voluptuous, and satisfying with a lingering and memorable finish, which James Suckling characterized as having a “nice freshness that pulls you back for more.” Wine Spectator endorsed its “lovely texture,” calling it “charming…Fresh and harmonious.”

The Bichot family has lived in Burgundy since the 14th century and has been making outstanding wines there since 1831, giving them access to the region’s best vineyard sources—which allows them to offer wines like this at incredible prices. The current generation, led by Albéric Bichot, refuses to rest on its laurels, however. Albéric introduced organic viticulture in the family’s Côte d’Or vineyards and continues to push the envelope on quality. His efforts are tasteable even in this exquisite value white.

The Bichot family’s “Secret” white Burgundy demonstrates precisely how the storied terroir of the Côte d'Or, harnessed to its greatest potential through Bichot’s winegrowing and winemaking techniques, makes for one of the greatest value-driven gems of the 2017 vintage. Thanks to our longstanding relationship with the Bichots, and the fact that these are the last bottles in the country, we snagged this secret cuvée at $20. 

Whether you’re a collector, or a wine lover with perpetual empty-wine-fridge syndrome, this is a great wine at a great price—a classic that never goes out of style, no matter the season or the occasion.