2020 Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Les Encégnières

the domain Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils

Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils is one of the discreet yet highly regarded producers of the Côte de Beaune. The family-run winery, located in Gamay near Saint-Aubin, is led by brothers Jean-Baptiste and Benoît Bachelet. They work with great precision and patience, and are known for their understated, pure, and highly terroir-driven style.

The estate owns small parcels in Saint-Aubin, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet. The brothers employ an approach that emphasizes low yields, hand harvesting, and gentle vinification. The wines typically exhibit subtle tension, transparency, and a very elegant oak integration, characteristics that are also convincingly present in this 2020 Les Encégnières.

the terroir of Les Encégnières

Les Encégnières lies just below the renowned Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet, on sandy and chalky soil known for producing wines with considerable breadth and remarkable refinement. The plot is situated on relatively flat terrain with excellent drainage, ideal for Chardonnay in warm years like 2020.

The combination of limestone, fine clay, and good exposure produces wines that are expressive in their fruit, yet always underpinned by a mineral structure. Les Encégnières is therefore a beloved lieu-dit among connoisseurs: often less well-known than the Premier Crus, but with a quality that closely matches them.

the 2020 wine year in Chassagne-Montrachet

The 2020 vintage was warm, dry, and early, but the cool nights preserved sufficient freshness in the grapes. For plots like Les Encégnières, which naturally possess structure and tension, this year produced wines with a perfect combination of ripeness and clarity.

The grapes reached excellent physiological ripeness, and the year is characterized by full structures, ripe stone fruit, and a nervous acidity that provides balance. Domaine Bachelet's style enhances these qualities through a conscious choice for restrained use of oak and a calm aging process.

vinification and maturation

The grapes are hand-picked and immediately taken to the cellar. After a gentle, slow pressing, natural fermentation takes place in oak barrels of varying ages. The brothers generally use minimal new wood to ensure the terroir remains the dominant feature.

Maturation lasts approximately twelve months in barrels, followed by several more months in tank to allow the wine to harmonize. This slow process results in wines with depth, purity, and subtle texture, without any excess.

color, aroma and taste of the 2020 Les Encégnières

The color is bright pale yellow with a soft sheen. The aroma opens with ripe pear and melon, followed by white flowers and an elegant spicy note. These aromas closely match what The Wine Advocate described in its review. The spicy hint of nutmeg adds nuance without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.

On the palate, the wine displays a full, soft attack with ripe white fruit and a subtle creaminess. The texture is satiny, yet the lively acidity keeps the wine energetic and precise. The mid-palate is generous, with notes of peach, pear, and light citrus. The texture is supple and refined, without becoming heavy.

The freshness balances the generous fruit expression. This is precisely what The Wine Advocate calls a wine with generous fruit but also clear tension thanks to the bright acidity that gives the wine strength and structure.

The finish is clean, slightly salty, and elegant, with a lovely combination of fruit, minerality, and a soft spiciness. The wine is easy to drink young, yet possesses sufficient structure to further develop over the next ten to fifteen years.

official assessment

The Wine Advocate : 90 points – William Kelley. He describes aromas of pear, melon, white flowers, and nutmeg, followed by a satiny texture, generous fruit, and lively acidity that provide balance. Drinkable from 2025 and with potential to at least 2040.

Would you like to order wines from Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet & Fils online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

• Cod with a light butter sauce and fennel. The tension in the wine perfectly complements the delicate texture of the fish.
• Scallops with lemon and soft herbs. The freshness of the wine complements the sweet elegance of the scallops.
• Chicken with tarragon and cream. The roundness of the dish complements the soft texture of the wine beautifully.
• Pasta with mushrooms and a light cream sauce. The earthy notes blend well with the minerality of the wine.
• Risotto with green asparagus. The wine keeps the dish fresh and light, while the creaminess complements it beautifully.
• Goat cheese with honey and thyme. The freshness and mild spiciness create a balanced combination with the creamy cheese.