2006 Bourgogne Blanc

Ente’s 2006 Bourgogne comes from plots in Meursault and Puligny. Its creamy richness of texture augmented by hints of barrel, yet never lacking in primary fresh fruit sap, this aromatically discreet Chardonnay finishes with admirable clarity; a pointed, pithy sense of chalky minerality and toasted nuttiness; and surprising grip for its appellation. Ente began picking September 13, finishing in six days. The result is wines of consistent clarity and refreshment, as well as full of nuances that call forth a mineral vocabulary. Use of demi-muids rather than barriques to raise many of the wines here helps ward off any overt woodiness. Eighty percent of Ente’s wine is exported, most of that to the U.S. and U.K. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524