Domaine Jean Chartron has a long historical background, having been established in 1859. It has a unique portfolio of vineyards that includes three famous clos: Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Pucelle, Puligny-Montrachet Clos du Caillerets, and Chevalier-Montrachet Clos des Chevaliers.
The estate is led by Jean-Michel Chartron, and under his direction, it has made tremendous improvements over the past several years. I’ve visited Domaine Chartron regularly, and it’s always a treat to meet up with Jean-Michel and taste his wines. I do like the 2021s here.
Vineyard profiles of Chartron
- Vineyard Insight: Puligny-Montrachet Le Cailleret
- Terroir Insight: Domaine Chartron Clos de la Pucelle
- Terroir Insight: Domaine Chartron Clos du Cailleret
- Terroir Insight: Domaine Chartron, Chevalier-Montrachet
Tasting the 2021s at Domaine Chartron
The 2021 vintage is lighter and cooler than the 2020s, although yields were low due to the terrible April frost. It is almost an old-school vintage, with cool fruit and vivid acidity: the type of vintage we knew before global warming.
The ’21s are not as dense and intense as the ’20s, and as such it is a lesser vintage. But remember: Lesser is not necessarily less interesting. Perspectives can be different, and while the 2020s seem to have good long-term potential, one can perhaps anticipate an earlier window for the 2021s.
So, to the notes! (You know the drill.)
Tasting notes from November 3
Domaine Jean Chartron Bourgogne Clos de la Combe Blanc 2021
The Chartron Bourgogne Côte d’Or Clos de la Combe Blanc is a lively, charming wine, despite its long, confusing name. This version is fresh, cool, and vivid; elegantly light-footed and fruity, with a charming glow.
(Drink from 2023) – Good – (85-86p) – Tasted 03/11/2022 – 
Domaine Jean Chartron Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc 2021
The Hautes-Côtes de Beaune has lovely tension in 2021, lovely vibrancy, and lovely balance. It’s lively, vivid, and beautifully balanced. I love this vintage’s energy.
(Drink from 2023) – Good – (86-87p) – Tasted 03/11/2022 –
Domaine Jean Chartron Rully Montmorin 2021
The Rully Montmorin is showing fine freshness and a cool, limestone character. It’s cooler than the previous vintages and thus quite enjoyable. For me, it’s more of a summer wine; not really meant for this dark, depressing November day. Still, a lovely Rully.
(Drink from 2020) – Good+ – (86-87p) –Tasted 03/11/2022
Domaine Jean Chartron Santenay Blanc 2021
I love the salinity of white Santenay. The minerality is firm and quite masculine here, and this would match well with moules marinieres perhaps: a simple meal and a great glass of white. Sometimes things can be too complex.
(Drink from 2020) – Good+ – (86-87p) – Tasted 03/11/2022 – 
Domaine Jean Chartron Pernand-Vergelesses 2021
An interesting terroir, as the cool rear side of the Corton hill provides excellent conditions. Quite reduced (as usual), it’s showing a cool note, and while stony, this is not really revealing much currently. Give it time.
(Drink from 2022) – Very Good – (86-88p) – Tasted 03/11/2022
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- A true vin d’émotion – a Burgundy of passion
- A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable