2022 Les Heritiers Saint-Genys Bourgogne Blanc Burgundy

What do Château Talbot, Smith Haut Lafitte, and Napa’s Inglenook have in common? 

These world-class estates all share a secret weapon: Stéphane Derenoncourt. Known as the "wine whisperer," Derenoncourt is the consultant of choice for legendary wineries looking to elevate their craft even further. Today, BHW is thrilled to introduce you to the latest estate to benefit from the Derenoncourt touch: Les Héritiers de Saint-Genys.

Based in the prestigious heart of Chassagne-Montrachet, Les Héritiers de Saint-Genys produces exceptional rouge et blanc selections. However, their true crown jewel lies in Mercurey: Le Clos Marcilly. In 2011, the winery acquired this historic Premier Cru vineyard, and following years of meticulous restoration and replanting, it has achieved the rarest status in Burgundy: a Monopole.

In the complex world of French terroir, a Monopole is an appellation controlled entirely by a single estate. This unique distinction places Les Héritiers de Saint-Genys in the same conversation as icons like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, who famously hold the monopoles of Romanée-Conti and La Tâche. To own and farm a Monopole is a responsibility of the highest order—a privilege that requires absolute dedication to the land.

Under the expert guidance of Derenoncourt, Les Héritiers de Saint-Genys focuses on producing only a tiny, highly allocated amount of the best wines their soil can offer, ensuring that every bottle is a pure expression of this unique Premier Cru site.

The results of this dedication are evident in the glass, with critics noting that the quality far exceeds its classification. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, calling the wine "heroic in the context of the basic appellation for Burgundian Chardonnay." He describes it as "ripe and juicy yet elegant and silky," noting the "excellent balance of creaminess and mineral acidity" that carries through to a long finish.