DOMAINE MICHEL NIELLON CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET 1ER CRU 'LES CHAMPGAINS' 2022

Chassagne-Montrachet's hallowed limestone soils speak eloquently through Michel Niellon's Les Champgains, a premier cru exemplifying this benchmark producer's classic style. Farmed using sustainable "lutte raisonnée" methods by three generations working in harmony, this vineyard's carefully selected multiple clones contribute remarkable balance and complexity. After stainless steel fermentation, the wine completes its journey in small oak barrels (20-30% new) for 8-9 months with judicious batônnage to preserve Chassagne's natural richness. The resulting golden lemon-hued beauty captivates with white blossom, pear, and subtle resinous aromatics, enhanced by a distinctive matchstick character. On the palate, ripe juicy yellow pear and apple flavors intertwine seamlessly with pronounced minerality—the signature balance of sumptuous fruit and crystalline precision that has distinguished the Niellon family's wines throughout their five-decade legacy.

Burghound (91): This is aromatically similar to the Maltroie though with evident floral elements. There is slightly better volume and mid-palate density to the delicious and caressing but punchy medium weight flavors that possess a healthy amount of sappy dry extract while exhibiting better overall depth and persistence. This too should be approachable young but easily repay mid-term keeping.