2011 Chassagne Montrachet

Boillot's 2011 Chassagne-Montrachet shows the pretty, delicate side of the village. Dried pears, apricots and crushed flowers all meld together. The Chassagne is elegant, refined and impeccably polished. Burnished overtones add complexity on the finish.

Boillot’s 2011 Chassagne-Montrachet shows the pretty, delicate side of the village. Dried pears, apricots and crushed flowers all meld together. The Chassagne is elegant, refined and impeccably polished. Burnished overtones add complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012+. (Not yet released) Henri Boillot recently finished his move to a new modern cellar in Champ Lins, one of the industrial sections of Meursault. Boillot describes his 2011s as having a bit more richness and better balance of fruit and acidity than the 2010s. Based on what I tasted, it’s hard to argue that point. Boillot seems to be one case where the 2011s have the potential to be better across the board than the 2010s. As is often the case here, the village wines are particularly strong. Importers: Massanois Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 470-6769, Cynthia Hurley French Wines, West Newton, MA Tel 617-965-4251 www.cynthiahurley.com and Chelsea Ventures, LLC, 1601 South Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616 tel. 847-920-5052

Here too there is a strong note of resin along with notes of apricot, white peach and citrus rind. There is a real sense of underlying tension as well as a touch of wood on the extract-rich middle weight flavors that terminate in a well-detailed, focused and delicious finish. As is usually the case, this is not particularly refined but there is good character and overall depth. One to consider. Tasted: Jun 11, 2013. Drink: 2017+