2017 Albert Bichot Meursault

If there are two trends you can count on, it’s Meursault commanding wallet-emptying prices and member-favorite Albert Bichot over-delivering. But today, one of them breaks. Hint: It’s not Bichot.

With three Winemaker of the Year titles under their belt, Albert Bichot is a Burgundy stalwart that Decanter called “one of the region’s most dynamic, quality-focused” domaines. That’s seriously impressive praise, considering Burgundy’s host of internationally-renowned estates, ones that produce some of the world’s most famous wines. 

This 2017 shows off that laser-focus on quality, capturing the classic Meursault combination of richness and raciness that collectors covet. It opens with layers upon layers of citrus, orange zest, honeysuckle, crisp limestone, and chamomile, giving way to an invigorating energy and mineral complexity. From a vintage that Vinous called “A Modern Classic,” it’s equal to its single-vineyard peers in quality, but miles ahead in value—proof positive of why we keep coming back to Bichot wines.

Called “the heartland of white burgundy” by Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, Meursault’s top wines can go for up to four digits. But because the region has no Grand Cru vineyards, smart buyers know that village-level wines like this one could garner Premier Cru status elsewhere, and a price tag to match. 

Even smarter buyers know that Albert Bichot, a Côte d’Or landowner since the 14th century, has access to in-demand vineyards and an uncanny knack for getting amazing value from sought-after regions, without sacrificing quality.

On the sun-blanketed patio of a tiny Meursault café, this wine stole our attention. We’d arrived in town that afternoon and were craving a fresh, crisp wine to usher in an evening of tastings. And whenever we find Albert Bichot on a menu, we don’t hesitate. As restaurant-goers lingered at the tables around us, sipping espresso and chatting their way through the late afternoon lull, we let the wine guide our conversation, an endless refrain of “mmm” and “wow.” The ensuing night brought us high-profile white Burgundies from acclaimed estates, but the end of the night left us still chatting excitedly about Albert Bichot. 

Every year, we’re thoroughly impressed with how an estate that perennially delivers Wine Access favorites can continue to surprise us—a testament to how Albéric Bichot, of the family’s sixth generation, continues to push the envelope on quality, collecting Winemaker of the Year awards from Le Journal de Paris and International Wine Challenge, as well as the prestigious International Trophies from the Decanter World Wine Awards. 

This Meursault proudly continues the trend. After drawing bright acidity from calcareous clay with white marls, the wine spent over 14 months in up to 35% new French oak, rounding out its flavors and adding the depth that marks Meursault standouts. It’s Meursault prestige meets Bichot value in spectacular fashion.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Sweetness
• Acidity

• ABV 13.00%
• Enjoy right away
• Now – 2028
• % Chardonnay
• Serving temperature – 50°
• Cork