The 2023 Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes is a magnificent Chardonnay from one of Puligny-Montrachet’s most prized Premier Cru vineyards. Located on the border with Meursault, Les Combettes is renowned for producing wines that combine the richness and texture of Meursault with the precision, elegance and mineral finesse of Puligny-Montrachet. Vincent Girardin’s meticulous vineyard management and 18 months of lees ageing allow this exceptional terroir to express itself with remarkable clarity.
The nose reveals white peach, pear and citrus blossom alongside notes of toasted hazelnut, lemon balm and flinty minerality. The palate is beautifully layered, with ripe orchard fruit supported by vibrant acidity and a chalky limestone backbone. Hints of citrus curd, almond and crushed stone add complexity, while the finish is long, saline and exceptionally refined. The 2023 vintage highlights the vineyard’s hallmark balance of power, elegance and finesse.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A superb Premier Cru Puligny-Montrachet that showcases one of the Côte de Beaune’s most prestigious vineyards. Elegant, mineral and highly age-worthy, it pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, turbot, truffle pasta and fine poultry dishes. Enjoy now with a brief decant, or cellar through 2040–2045 as it develops greater complexity, texture and nuance.