DOMAINE MICHEL NIELLON CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET 1ER CRU 'CLOS ST JEAN' 2022

Limestone-rich soils of the historic Clos Saint-Jean vineyard imbue this premier cru with a distinctive Chassagne character, showcasing the Niellon family's five decades of winemaking excellence. The sustainably farmed ("lutte raisonnée") fruit undergoes initial fermentation in stainless steel before completing its journey in small oak barrels (20-30% new) over 8-9 months, with judicious batônnage preserving natural complexity. Shimmering golden lemon-yellow in the glass, it presents an aromatic profile of bright citrus, wet stone minerality, and subtle resinous notes. The palate delivers rich, opulent, medium-bodied flavors that gracefully caress the mouth while maintaining precise structure, culminating in a remarkably clear, lengthy, and vivacious finish. This expression exemplifies how careful clone selection across Niellon's parcels has elevated both balance and complexity throughout their portfolio.

Burghound (92): This is presently firmly reduced and revealing little so be sure to give it some air if you plan to open a bottle in the next year or so. Otherwise, the rich and generously proportioned medium-bodied flavors possess more power if not quite the same refinement on the impressively long, firm and well-balanced finale. This is worth a look provided it is given at least a few years of bottle aging.