Wine Advisor
Michel Niellon, Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru 2022
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2022 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru comes from vines planted in 1961 or 1962 and comprises of five barrels this year (two new). It has a crisp, intense bouquet. Crushed limestone, red apples and a touch of beeswax appear on the nose. Later, almond and white peach aromas lend more complexity. The palate is nicely balanced with real weight and density on the entry, though the acidity is finely tuned and maintains tension and poise. There is impressive salinity on the finish as it fans out gloriously; this wonderful Chevalier should mature extremely well in bottle.
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.
