Domaine Coffinet-Duvernay, Chassagne-Montrachet (Burgundy, France) 2014

($64, Esprit du Vin):  The Domaine Coffinet, established in 1860 in Chassagne-Montrachet, has been passed from one generation of the Coffinet family to the next.  In 1989, Fernand and Cécile Coffinet split their 30-acre domaine between their two daughters, giving rise to Domaine Coffinet-Duverney, now run by Laura Coffinet and Philippe Duvernay. They make an exceptional line-up of wines from Chassagne, including this village one, several premier crus, and a Bâtard-Montrachet.  Tasting their wines side-by-side is a lesson in Burgundy in general and Chassagne-Montrachet in particular.  Les Blanchots Dessous (lower Blanchots) lies immediately adjacent to the Grand Cru vineyard, Criots Bâtard Montrachet.  It lies in a bit of a gully, so despite the proximity to its famous neighbor, it carries only a village appellation.  But in Coffinet-Duvernay’s hands, it makes a sensational village wine–the equal of other producers’ premier cru–conveying a chalky minerality, a hint of creamy charm and great verve.   The latter is the 2014 vintage speaking. 91 Michael Apstein Oct 11, 2016