Wine Advisor
Michel Niellon, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes 2022
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2022 Chassagne-Montrachet Chenevottes 1er Cru came from a bottle that had been opened the previous day. This is open and expressive. Pine and mint hints infuse the citrus fruit, though perhaps the Clos Saint-Jean is more complex. The palate is fresh on the entry and a little pithy in style, which I appreciate. The finish offers fine weight and density. This might drink sooner than its peers.
About the Producer
One of the figureheads of the appellation, Domaine Michel Niellon keeps on proving vintage after vintage that Chassagne is one of the greatest Chardonnay terroirs in Burgundy. The domaine started commercially in the 1960s and 3 generations now take care of the pro[erty: grandson Mathieu and son-in-law Michel Coutuox under the mentorship of 70-year old Michel Niellon. The style of the estate emphasizes the richness and the concentration which is the signature of Chassagne’s terroir yet preserving the intense mineralogy that defines all great Burgundies. Old vines (up yo 80 years in Clos truffière), low yields and attention to detail are the keys to success here and the winemaking only aims at preserving the potential acquired in the vineyard: new oak is limited to 20% max, the maturing is limited to 12 months and the results are expressive wines combining rich fruity aromas and intense mineral notes with beautiful overall balance.
