2023 Jerome Fornerot Saint-Aubin 1er Cru, La Chateniere

The 2023 Jerome Fornerot Saint-Aubin 1er Cru La Chatenière is a quintessential white Burgundy, crafted entirely from Chardonnay, the emblematic grape of the region. This Premier Cru hails from a tiny, esteemed climat within the Saint-Aubin appellation in the Côte de Beaune. Situated on a steep, southwest-facing slope above the hamlet of Gamay, its chalky, pebbly marl soils with old vines, some dating to the 1920s, impart a profound mineral character. The 2023 growing season, marked by a warm spring and late-season heat, resulted in a generous, ripe crop for Chardonnay, which skillful producers like Fornerot balanced with freshness and concentration. Drawing on a family legacy in Saint-Aubin since 1618, Jérôme Fornerot meticulously hand-harvests and ferments with indigenous yeasts, aging the wine in French oak with judicious use of new barrels and gentle *bâtonnage* to enhance textural richness without masking terroir. This micro-cuvée stands as a notable expression of Saint-Aubin's potential, showcasing the complex interplay of its unique, ancient terroir and the producer's thoughtful, authenticity-driven approach, resulting in a white Burgundy with compelling vitality.