Faiveley's white wines are grossly underestimated. Having said that, the 1991s are an undistinguished group except for a few wines. Among them is a solid, chunky, fleshy 1991 Montagny-Premier Cru. Importer: Ideal Wines & Spirits, Medford, MA and Henry Cavalier Selections, Boulder, CO.

Faiveley has enjoyed such a well-established reputation for turning out some of the most elegant red burgundies, that few people have noticed the enormous strides in quality the young Francois Faiveley has made with this firm's white wine program. Although only available in limited quantities, these wines are among the finest white burgundies of the vintage. Curiously, I did not have the opportunity to taste any of their whites from Mercurey, of which their Clos Rochette is usually an excellent wine and a top bargain. Additionally, the firm has invested heavily in the appellation of Montagny in the Chalonnais, which would appear to be a smart move as the Montagny appellation is an up and coming source for good Chardonnay. The 1989 Montagny-Premier Cru possessed a stony, floral, apple-like fruitiness in its aroma and taste. In the mouth, there is vivid purity, good acidity, and an excellent crisp finish. Importer: Henry Cavalier Selections, Boulder, CO.