2018 Albert Bichot Vire-Clesse 750 ml

Albert Bichot’s 2018 Viré-Clessé is awash in four- and five-star reviews: Our file contains customer messages like “'Loved this wine. Wished I would have gotten more,” while another says “Can't imagine a better balanced white Burgundy” and dubs it the “Bargain of the century.”

Viré-Classé Chardonnay stands apart stylistically, not just from the Mâconnais region but from the whole of Burgundy. Nowhere else produces quite the same mix of smoky, gunflint definition and brisk acidity while somehow maintaining the wine’s signature rounded, creamy texture. Inching toward Premier Cru quality, this bottle is one of our favorite expressions of that unique southern identity.

In the limestone-strewn vineyard above the tiny village of Viré, lower levels of moisture and precipitation in combination with radiant streams of sunshine from morning till night push grapes to the peak of physiological ripeness while reducing the risk of rot and mildew. The warmth of the 2018 vintage pushed the honeysuckle richness in the wine into the next register.

Few capture this incomparable terroir better than Albert Bichot—little wonder when you consider the pedigree of the family. With ancestors residing in Burgundy since the 14th century and producing wine since 1831, quality and longevity are synonymous with the Bichot name. The current generation, led by Albéric Bichot, refuses to rest on their laurels. Albéric implemented organic viticulture in the family’s Cote d’Or vineyards and continues to push the envelope on quality, as the critics have noticed.

But we don’t just pay attention to the judging panel: The voices we listen to the most are yours. The unanimity of your support for this wine is rare—and considering we’re talking about white Burgundy, so is the price.