Domaine Paul Pillot is a leading Burgundy estate based in Chassagne-Montrachet. It produces restrained, minerally wines made from Chardonnay as well as several wines from Pinot Noir.

And today, it is now run by Paul's children Chrystelle and Thierry (4th generation). Thierry and Chrystelle Pillot are the sibling team behind the wines of Domaine Paul Pillot and regarded as two of the most exciting winemakers in Burgundy. Thierry started working in the domaine in 1999, but got full control only in the 2004 vintage.

The estate was founded in 1900 by former barrel maker Jean-Baptiste Pillot, and was expand by his sons (Henri and Alphonse). From 1968, his grandson Paul Pillot (3rd generation) took over the reins in his early 20s and is credited with increasing holdings and buying more vineyards, including Caillerets and Grandes Ruchottes.

His philosophy is common among other young growers in Burgundy these days, mainly understanding that under Thierry, young and dynamic, the focus has been put squarely in the vineyards, with a minimal use of new wood and a non-interventionist approach in the cellar. The wine making approach is natural and straight forward. The result is in precise, terroir driven wines, wines of finesse and palate staining purity that perfectly reflect the finest terroirs of Chassagne-Montrachet. 

All of the 1er Cru and Grand Crus vineyards are worked exclusively by hand. Thierry trains his vines higher to maximize foliar surface and help with photosynthesis. During de-leafing, leaves are removed toward the bottom, to allow good aeration around the grape bunch, but kept at the top to protect the grapes from the sun. In the winery, Thierry opts for as little intervention as possible, using long, gentle ageing in large barrels to allow the refined character of his wines to shine through.

The 2011 vintage is the vintage Thierry Pillot started implementing some of his own ideas. His first decisions were to make the élévage last longer and to reduce the influence of oak.

There are better known Chassagne domaines, that may be true. And there are other quality Chassagne wines, certainly... But we're hard-pressed to think of many to put ahead of what is coming out of Paul Pillot lately. The elegance and finesse of these wines is truly sweeping - and they've got them for you!

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