"91 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
The 2022 Chassagne-Montrachet Champgains 1er Cru has more bite and nervosité than the La Maltroie: crushed limestone intermingling with citrus fruit, a light touch of Vervane in the background. This is nicely focused. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry, with plenty of weight on the mid-palate, but the pH seems lower than that of the La Maltroie, so there is more tension on the finish. The 2022 is a classy offering. Drinking Window 2025 - 2038, reviewed June 2024
91 Points - Allen Meadows, Burghound.com
Sweetspot - Outstanding
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."
This is an iconic 7.5 hectare domaine and we are delighted to secure an allocation of their impeccable wines. Michel Niellon began working with his father in the 1950s and was joined by his son-in-law, Michel Coutoux, in 1991 and grandson, Matthieu Bresson more recently. From their smart, new cellars on the outskirts of the village, they are making some of the finest wines in the Côte de Beaune.
They seek to preserve acidity and are often one of the first growers to begin picking. However, their style remains generous, ripe and concentrated, whilst retaining poise and precision. Of note:- Fermentation begins in stainless steel tanks and then oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation – 25-30% new oak. They like solids and only lightly settle the juice. No bâtonnage and no racking until bottling.
Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc 1er Cru Les Champgains 0.5 hectares planted in 1988.
