2002 Chevalier Montrachet

Supremely elegant, moderately ripe and incredibly pure white flower and green apple fruit aromas of haunting complexity merge seamlessly into classy, pure, gorgeous textured, firm and refined flavors that possess razor sharp definition and a finish of crystalline minerality. This is a classic Chevalier that will require at least a decade to be at its best though it's certain to be one of the greats of the vintage.

Loads of minerals, gravel, and crisp pears can be found in the aromatic profile of the 2002 Chevalier-Montrachet. This fleshy, light to medium-bodied wine is soft, satiny-textured, and deep. Its tangy mineral-laced personality lingers in its long, pure finish. Projected maturity: 2005-2012. Michel Niellon began harvesting on the 21st of September. “It’s the first Saturday after the ban de vendange. That’s when I always harvest.” His natural potential alcohols ranged from 12.5 to 12.8%, and he describes 2002 as a year with “loads of flesh, a year to drink young or age six to eight years.” On this latest point, Niellon stressed that he enjoys his wines when they are young. “I like them on the fruit. Others can drink them however they want, but I drink wine to drink fruit. In fact,” he went on, “even though everybody loves the 1996s, I don’t like them. I like supple wines.” Niellon, like Alsace’s Olivier Humbrecht, believes that all whites should be decanted, something that readers should try at home. Personally, I have found that this is the way to go, as it allows the wines to blossom. Importer: Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Company, New York, NY; tel. (212) 572-7725

Loads of minerals, gravel, and crisp pears can be found in the aromatic profile of the 2002 Chevalier-Montrachet. This fleshy, light to medium-bodied wine is soft, satiny-textured, and deep. Its tangy mineral-laced personality lingers in its long, pure finish. Projected maturity: 2005-2012. ||Michel Niellon began harvesting on the 21st of September. “It’s the first Saturday after the ban de vendange. That’s when I always harvest.” His natural potential alcohols ranged from 12.5 to 12.8%, and he describes 2002 as a year with “loads of flesh, a year to drink young or age six to eight years.” On this latest point, Niellon stressed that he enjoys his wines when they are young. “I like them on the fruit. Others can drink them however they want, but I drink wine to drink fruit. In fact,” he went on, “even though everybody loves the 1996s, I don’t like them. I like supple wines.” Niellon, like Alsace’s Olivier Humbrecht, believes that all whites should be decanted, something that readers should try at home. Personally, I have found that this is the way to go, as it allows the wines to blossom. Wine Advocate.February, 2004