2023 Domaine Michel Magnien Chardonnay Coteaux Bourguignons 750 ml

Frédéric Magnien is one of the most famous names in Burgundy. An evangelist for biodynamic farming, Frédéric’s eponymous négociant house is acclaimed for rich, silky textured wines from some of the region’s most famous vineyards.

But the Magnien wines we covet the most bear the name of Frédéric’s father, Michel. These bottles hail from vines that Frédéric tends on his family’s estate, and only a fraction of the winery’s overall production is bottled under this label. They represent some of the most sumptuous, vibrant wines in any vintage, and can be some of the most expensive bottles in their class.

But the Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc is a secret star hidden in the Michel Magnien lineup: Priced like an entry level négoce Bourgogne, but made entirely from Magnien’s estate vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, it’s a beautiful bottle of white Burgundy that’s a special occasion in itself.

Domaine Michel Magnien stands as a testament to patience, terroir, and transformation. Once content to sell their prized fruit to local cooperatives, the family's journey took a significant turn in 1993, when Frédéric Magnien joined his father Michel and convinced him to estate-bottle their entire harvest.

Under Frédéric's meticulous stewardship, this family-run domaine embraced the ancient rhythms of biodynamic viticulture. They banished herbicides and synthetic fertilizers from their vineyards to allow for a more authentic expression of terroir.

That exceptional attention to detail translates to brilliant Grand Cru bottlings—but also elevates more humble terroirs like this one. The Coteaux Bourguignons is a large appellation that’s historically not the most prestigious, but the Magnien’s vineyards for this are in the Côte de Nuits. The result is a wine that drinks far above its official appellated level.

This shows beautiful crisp green apple, dried mango, and peach aromas, layered with notes of white tea, a touch of fresh golden cider, and hints of fresh mushrooms. The palate is dynamite, with plenty of orchard fruit, a patina of tropical tones, and a giant mineral core. There’s a beautiful dialectic between creaminess and vibrant acidity. What a beautiful Burgundy!