2016 Chassagne Montrachet
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Tasting notes
Gold-tinged yellow. Rather exaggerated aromas of hazelnut and almond. Fat yellow fruit flavors are supported by decent acidity but could use more definition. Finishes a bit dry-edged, with hints of nutmeats and oatmeal. Not a great showing, and likely to evolve quickly. (Incidentally, I found the Bourgogne Blanc Le Clos du Château de Puligny-Montrachet a bit too tropical and liqueur-like, with its nutty oak element amplifying its hint of oxidation.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chassagne Montrachet consists of Les Houllières below Bâtard-Montrachet and Les Chêne. The nose is slightly tertiary in style, perhaps needing a little more fruit to come through. The palate is well balanced with light nutmeg and hazelnut notes on the entry, nice acidity here but it just needs more terroir expression on the finish.
(made from two parcels close to Puligny-Montrachet): Palish yellow. Bright aromas of lemon and stone show a slight reduction. Pear and menthol flavors are quite fresh but convey an early-picked peppery quality. This moderately herbal wine finishes with a tart streak. This wine finished its sugar fermentation very late. (Incidentally, I liked the Bourgogne Le Clos du Château de Puligny-Montrachet almost as much for its ripe peach, pear and lemon drop flavors, juicy freshness and lively herbal lift, rating it 86-87.)
About the producer
Volnay’s Domaine de Montille is one of the most historic in the Côte d’Or. Founded in 1730, the property remains family-owned and run, with Etienne de Montille – the ninth generation – at the helm today.