2016 Chassagne Montrachet

(80% frosted): Very pure aromas of white peach, pear and flowers. Nicely concentrated, slightly tart-edged flavors of herbs, spices, menthol and stone are complicated by a saline element. Moderately ripe but a bit disjointed. Finishes spicy and dry, with a faint bitterness. The portion of this wine from frosted vines needed longer élevage , noted Marc Bachelet. But this village wine seems to be a bit short on fruit.

Orange peel, ripe green apple, and a lovely stony character on the palate which gives authentic burgundian minerality. Ripe and generous fruit, lovely chalky mouthfeel. (RH)

The 2016 Chassagne Montrachet Village comes from eight plots, some of them affected by the frost that reduced the quantity by 50%, all raised in a single vat. It has a light but agreeable honeysuckle and lanolin-tinged bouquet that took some coaxing from the glass. Later, there is a hint of white chocolate. The palate is well balanced with good weight in the mouth, quite fresh and coming into its own toward the harmonious, orange pith and quince-driven finish with a shimmering spicy aftertaste. Considering how this appellation was affected by frost, this is a great success.