2018 Domaine Lamy-Caillat Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 750ml

The 2018 Domaine Lamy-Caillat Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is an ultra-rare white Burgundy of immense prestige. Furthermore, Sébastien Caillat and Florence Lamy have attained legendary status among serious collectors. Their micro-domaine produces minuscule quantities with fanatical precision. Consequently, this benchmark Premier Cru allocation remains one of the most elusive bottles in the Côte de Beaune.

Additionally, Les Caillerets is widely considered the crown jewel of Chassagne-Montrachet. Caillat’s signature cold-cellar elevage preserves staggering tension and reductive energy. Therefore, this 2018 release effortlessly balances the generous vintage sunshine with electric limestone minerality.

Terroir & Viticulture

Les Caillerets sits perched on the superior mid-slope south of Chassagne village. Specifically, the parcel features stony, shallow clay-limestone soils directly over compact bedrock. The name derives from “cailles,” referring to the intense concentration of fractured limestone stones. As a result, the vineyard enjoys exceptional natural drainage and radiant solar exposure.

Meanwhile, the domaine manages its old vines through meticulous, non-certified organic viticulture. Sébastien Caillat prunes severely in spring to maintain naturally tiny yields. Furthermore, deep root systems pierce the bedrock to extract vital mineral nutrients. Thus, the hand-harvested fruit achieved optimal physiological ripeness alongside vital acidity during 2018.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

In the cuverie, Sébastien Caillat practices an obsessive, artisan winemaking philosophy. First, whole bunches undergo slow, gentle pneumatic pressing without sulfur additions. Spontaneous fermentation begins in neutral and low-toast French oak casks using exclusively indigenous yeasts.

Moreover, Caillat limits new oak to roughly 20% to safeguard site transparency. The wine matures undisturbed on fine lees in deep, cold cellars for up to two full years. He strictly avoids bâtonnage or temperature manipulation. Finally, the wine is bottled by hand under high natural dissolved CO2 without fining or filtration.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the wine presents a luminous pale straw hue with vivid green glints. Immediately, the nose opens with aromas of lemon oil, white peach, and fresh orchard blossom. In addition, Caillat’s signature struck match reduction, crushed chalk, and wet river stones unfold with air.

On the palate, the wine delivers colossal dry extract, razor-sharp velocity, and weightless power. A vibrant spine of limestone acidity drives cleanly through the dense citrus core. Meanwhile, a profound chalky grip defines the mid-palate. Consequently, the finish conclusion is exceptionally long, lingering with intense salinity and smoky flint minerality.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Domaine Lamy-Caillat
• Winemaker: Sébastien Caillat
• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
• Climat: Les Caillerets
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2018
• Farming: Organic practices (non-certified)
• Maturation: ~24 months in French oak casks (~20% new oak) on fine lees
• Alcohol: ~13.5% ABV
• Volume: 750ml

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this Premier Cru between 11°C–13°C (52°F–55°F) in large Burgundy stemware. Additionally, we strongly advise decanting this bottle for 45 to 60 minutes prior to service. This extended aeration allows the firm reductive framework to soften and reveal opulent floral depth.

Pair this bottle with roasted langoustines, turbot in butter sauce, or Bresse chicken with morels. Furthermore, the 2018 vintage possesses legendary structural stamina. As a result, collectors can cellar this masterpiece with total confidence through 2038 and beyond.