DOMAINE MICHEL NIELLON CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET 1ER CRU 'CLOS DE LA MALTROIE' 2022

Vibrant energy distinguishes the premier cru Clos de la Maltroie, where multi-generational expertise translates Chassagne-Montrachet's celebrated terroir into liquid artistry. Following the domaine's meticulous approach, initial stainless steel fermentation gives way to small oak barrels (20-30% new) for 8-9 months with minimal batônnage to preserve the wine's natural richness. Glowing golden lemon-yellow in the glass, it bursts with succulent aromas of juicy peach, fresh pears, exotic fruits, and bright citrus. The palate delivers concentrated flavors with remarkable vibrancy and a distinctive lemon zest finish, displaying a slightly firmer structure than its Champgains sibling. Sustainable "lutte raisonnée" farming practices and the family's careful clone selection across generations contribute to this wine's exceptional balance and complexity, embodying the Niellon commitment to expressing each vineyard's unique character.

Burghound (90): Here too there is a smoky component subtly suffusing the ever-so-vaguely exotic aromas of white peach, citrus confit and rosemary oil. There is good vibrancy and a lovely texture to the medium-bodied flavors that are also not particularly dense (though by no means dilute), all wrapped in a rich, youthfully austere and bitter zest-inflected finale that is agreeably dry. This could easily be enjoyed young or cellared for 5-ish or so years first.