2017 Domaine Chevalier Pere et Fils Ladoix Blanc 750 ml

The Hill of Corton, located in the north of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, produces some of the greatest Chardonnays in the world—and they’re priced as such. Because bottles from the hill’s blessed slopes cost $100 easy (and often closer to $200), we’ve long been on the lookout for Chardonnay from the tiny village of Ladoix.

Located at the very foot of Corton Hill, Ladoix is one of the hidden gems of the Chardonnay world, and it produces some of the most overachieving mineral-laden white wines in Burgundy. The catch is that they’re nearly impossible to find. For all our best efforts—and for as much as we love sipping the exquisite Chardonnays every time we visit—we’ve never had the chance to offer one to our Wine Access white-Burgundy lovers. 

Today, that changes, because we’ve scored Wine Access members the 2017 Domaine Chevalier Père & Fils Ladoix Blanc—the exact kind of bottle that earned Ladoix its reputation as one of Burgundy’s most overachieving appellations. Raised in the “modern classic” (Vinous) 2017 vintage on four acres that enjoy the same favored exposures as the greatest vineyards in the region, this Chardonnay teems with the best qualities of this Grand Cru-adjacent village, and the acumen of a family with decades of experience producing collector-level whites from area’s famed Grands Crus.

One sip and there’s no doubting the sensational pedigree. Showing a luminous gold color, the wine is awash in golden apple, quince, and Asian pear aromas, with flourishes of hazelnut, yellow flower, and allspice. Muscular and creamy on the palate, it shows ripe tree fruit and citrus integrated with beautifully toasted oak and baking spice, the richness balanced beautifully by refreshing acidity, the finish boasting a firm texture and a medley of complex flavors. 

A taste of this gorgeous Chardonnay will have you guessing at Premier Cru vineyards and Premier Cru-level prices. Today we’ve got it for half of what you’d expect to pay for such an impeccable Chardonnay.

The Chevalier family is firmly ensconced in some of Burgundy’s most sacred spots. On a family-run domaine inherited just after WWI, they have become increasingly specialized over the century, first selling their grapes, then bottling their own wines. Finally, in 1994, they started bottling estate wines exclusively.  

Their 2017 Ladoix comes from just four acres of east- and southeast-facing vines in the village of Ladoix. After crush, the 100% Chardonnay undergoes a 24-hour débourbage, during which solid particles are allowed to sink to the bottom of the tank, clarifying the must. The wine is fermented in barrels (25% new), then left to age for 11 months to pick up the gorgeous toasty oak and baking spice aromas that linger on the long, firm finish. 

This bottle expresses the luxury of the northern Côte de Beaune without commanding a triple-digit price. We’re thrilled to bring it to you for the first time ever.