Domaine Guffens-Heynen - Mâcon-Pierreclos Le Chavigne 2016

The aromas are complex; on the palate, one wonders how a Chardonnay from the Mâconnais region can produce such a high-quality wine. It’s a concentrated expression of sunshine and candied citrus, carried by the vintage’s acidity. It’s truly exceptional.

While he has inspired many artisan winemakers in the Mâconnais region, Jean-Marie Guffens remains, even today, the artist capable of producing a “simple” Mâcon worthy of the finest wines of the Côte d’Or, without subscribing to the “terroir-caisse” system.He is a master of fractional pressing using a vertical press on very ripe grapes, a proponent of extended fermentation, a genius at aging, and an elite taster; this unparalleled winemaker continues to produce, on his small Mâconnais estate, quantities that are already too small to meet international demand.

There are a total of 8,000 bottles of this 2016 Mâcon-Pierreclos le Chavigne, a superb wine that unfolds in the glass with an elegant bouquet of Meyer lemon, candied lemon, and a smoky reduction. It is powerful, full-bodied, and silky, with a deep, rich, and tangy palate and a tantalizing finish. It is reminiscent of the lovely 2011 vintage.

Jean-Marie Guffens has mastered the art of winemaking and bringing out the best in Chardonnay. Tasting one of his vintages, even after ten years, is always a special experience. He divides his time between the estate’s “haute couture” winemaking, managing his wine merchant business Verget, his property Château des Tourettes in the Luberon, and Château Closiot in Barsac, where he produces great dry and sweet wines when the vintage allows. He has revealed the potential of the Mâconnais’ finest terroirs and sparked interest in them. His great wines are universally acclaimed, stand the test of time, and leave a lasting impression. The very low yields of the 2019 vintage allowed for the production of only three wines; the press wine will be included in the “Triangle” cuvée. The estate’s wines are sold en primeur. Our advice is to try your luck while also taking the time to explore the other properties of this exceptional winemaker.