2019 Albert Bichot Vire-Clesse 750 ml

Albert Bichot’s Viré-Clessé is our biggest white-Burgundy hit of the last five years. 

This outstanding Chardonnay, which one of our members has dubbed, the “bargain of the century,” is awash in four- and five-star reviews from Wine Access white-wine lovers, who’ve sent us messages like “Can't imagine a better balanced white Burgundy”—and that was BEFORE we got our hands on the 2019, which hails from a season winemakers there are comparing to 2005, 2015, and other all-time greats.

Viré-Clessé 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. 

The village of Viré was first planted by the monks of Cluny in the 1500s, and the men of the cloth may have been as well-versed in Chardonnay as they were in scripture. After much careful study of Mâcon’s east-facing hillsides, the land near one village stood out from all others: The slopes above the tiny hamlet of Viré.  

Few capture the qualities of Viré-Clessé better than Albert Bichot—little wonder when you consider the pedigree of the family. Their ancestors began residing in Burgundy in the 14th century, and the family has produced wine since 1831, so 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 Côte d’Or vineyards while continuing to push the envelope on quality, and the critics have noticed.

But we don’t just pay attention to the judging panel: The voices we listen to the most are yours.