Domaine Florent Garaudet Bourgogne Blanc 2017

Florent Garaudet started in the tiny Burgundian village of Monthelie in 2008 at the tender age of 23. He was cash-strapped but energized by a passion that only comes when your work is a labor of love. Oh yeah, he also happened to have some of the oldest vines in his region of Burgundy, a distinct advantage when pitching business plans to wine savvy Burgundian bankers. Florent insists with such great raw material to work with, his main job is just to not mess it up. Believe me, he is not messing it up…

Florent’s 2017 Bourgogne Blanc is a spectacular white Burgundy. Sourced from 60 year old vines, the nose is redolent of mineral-laced lemon-lime rind, hazelnut and pear fruit. It’s rich wine, loaded with flavors of citron custard and brioche but perfectly balanced by a fresh, vibrant acidity that makes for a crazy long finish. I’ve tasted countless Puligny and Chassagne Montrachets over the last year that are at least double Florent’s relatively humble Bourgogne price. Just a few match it for elegance, complexity and food friendliness. This opulent yet high toned white Burg, a steal at $35. Don’t miss it, there are a precious few bottles to go around