Berthet-Bondet Balanoz

A barrel-fermented ouillé Chardonnay, aged in topped up barrels without flor, the 2016 Côtes du Jura Balanoz comes from a plot next to the Savagnin Savignier, also in the village of Lavigny, from a 30- to 40-year-old vineyard. The new oak is perhaps 5% of the volume now, and the effect of the wood is quite light, less than in previous vintages (a change introduced by Hélène Berthet-Bondet), with more citrus aromas and good freshness. The palate showed some chalky minerality and fresh flavors, ending with a tasty, saline note. I think this is the finest Balanoz I have tasted. 6,000 bottles produced. It was bottled after one year in barrel.

Chardonnay. Lightly herbal and cedary. Unusual Chardonnay that is much more about origin than variety. Tight, stony, mouth-watering and full of energy and zest.