Less famous than the legendary Montrachet but no less captivating, the Chevalier-Montrachet represents, for many enthusiasts, the ultimate expression of Burgundian Chardonnay’s finesse. An extremely rare Grand Cru, produced in minimal quantities and capable of fetching astronomical prices. Vinogodi continues its story.
A Grand Cru Beyond Legend
We have already recounted the legendary origin of the name Montrachet. Chevalier-Montrachet It is located immediately above the famous “divine hill,” surrounded by a lush belt of woodland. The soil and climate conditions are not very different from those of Montrachet, but this Grand Cru stands out for the presence of a a significant proportion of pre-phylloxera vineyardsthat are still ungrafted.
The characteristics of the Chevalier-Montrachet are unique in their elegance, charm, and refinement. Many connoisseurs even consider it superior to Montrachet in terms of finesse, though it lacks the same opulence.
The privilege of owning a plot of land
The vineyard area is minimal, just over 7 hectares, and land fragmentation is extreme.
Five main owners control nearly 80% of the appellation, while numerous other vignerons share no more than one and a half hectares in total among tiny plots. For many manufacturers, annual production does not exceed bottle, amounting to fewer than 300 bottles.
Owning a vineyard in Chevalier-Montrachet is therefore a rare privilege, but also a great responsibility for the legendary name and the almost unique terroir. The resulting value, from a commercial standpoint, is impressive and surpassed (though not in all cases) only by the wines of Montrachet.
In practice, the The prestige of the terroir and the scarcity of available quantities result in extremely high prices, second only to those of the most famous Montrachets. Given the vastness of the global market and the scarcity of these wines, it is very difficult to provide reliable average prices; it depends on the channels one is able to access. For this reason, we have chosen to provide price ranges.
Six memorable interpretations of Chevalier-Montrachet
Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2013 Etienne Sauzet
Score: 96/100
Average price: Approx. €700–900
100% Chardonnay from vines over 60 years old. Aged for approximately 14 months in French oak barrels, on average 50% new.
Intense yellow with greenish highlights, appearing almost translucent due to its lightness. Ethereal and delicate aromas, without any peaks of intensity but with a very broad and complex spectrum. It ranges from wildflowers to white rose, from flint to pine needles. On the palate, it impresses with its elegance, depth, and persistence—truly surprising.
Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2005 Marc Morey
Score: 95/100
Average price: Approx. €1,000–1,300
100% Chardonnay. About 18 months in French oak barrels.
Strikingly pure: a light, bright, and transparent gold. Aromas of candied citrus, chamomile, and subtle hints of honey and vanilla, complemented by white pepper and delicate spices. The palate is vibrant, exceptionally fresh, and highly complex, with a long and satisfying finish.
Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 1999 Jean Chartron
Score: 95/100
Average price: Approx. €700–900
100% Chardonnay. About 12–18 months in French oak barrels.
Deep golden yellow. The nose reveals aromas of ripe, almost candied fruit—or rather, fruit in jam—resulting in a beautifully developed tertiary bouquet. Notes of honey, vanilla, and toasted hazelnut round out the profile. On the palate, it is smooth, enveloping, and perfectly matured, without losing its balance.
Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2009, Domaine Ramonet
Score: 97/100
PAverage price: Approx. €2,000–2,500
100% Chardonnay. About 18–20 months in Burgundy barrels.
A deep yellow with golden highlights, showing no signs of fading. The aromas are extraordinarily complex and elegant, featuring spring flowers, alpine butter, medicinal herbs, and subtle tropical notes. On the palate, it combines energy, balance, and great sensuality.
Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2007, Domaine Leflaive
Score: 99/100
Average price: Approx. €4,000–6,000
100% Chardonnay. Aged for about 12 months in oak barrels, followed by aging in stainless steel.
Relatively high gold content. Its unparalleled strength lies in the intensity of its aromas. Very Intense and complex, with notes of medicinal herbs, cedar, candied lime, a distinct balsamic quality, and gunpowder. On the palate, it is the very essence of harmony and pleasure, combining powerful, enveloping energy with practically infinite persistence.
The Leflaive family has lived in Puligny since 1717. This wine is considered one of the absolute pinnacles of the appellation (Leroy aside) due to characteristics that make it remarkably similar to a great Montrachet.
Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2005 Domaine d’Auvenay – Leroy
Score: 100/100
Average price: Approx. €20,000–30,000
100% Chardonnay from a vineyard plot of just 0.16 hectares. Aged for approximately 18–24 months in barriques.
Stunning to the eye, with an intense, luminous gold color. An explosive nose of balsamic notes and incense, tropical fruit, and spices. As it breathes, delicate hints of chamomile and citrus zest emerge. The palate is monumental in its density, depth, and length.
One of the finest examples of Chardonnay in the world. A “virtual” wine due to the extremely limited number of bottles produced and its prohibitive price, but truly an experience of a lifetime.
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