2016 Chevalier Montrachet
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Tasting notes
(frost losses in the estate's vines above Le Cailleret were down 30% in 2016): The freshest nose of these 2016s, offering scents of stone fruits, nutmeats and minerals. Thick and ripe on the palate but sappy too, with its apple and citrus flavors given definition and drive by salty minerality. Finishes saline, energetic and long, with a strong floral quality and no rough edges. This is superb.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru was touched 40% by frost and what survived matured in 20-25% new oak. It had a subtle bouquet at first and required coaxing from the glass, eventually revealing lovely scents of linseed, citrus peel and cold wet stone, later a subtle sea spray scent. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, fine salinity in the mouth with impressive depth, although I would like to see more terroir and mineralité on the last third. Hopefully that will manifest by the time this is in bottle.
Made with all the lees and about one-third large-format oak and the rest 228-litre barrels. Racked end of October into tank. To be bottled by April 2018. Lost almost 40% of the Chevalier, and they cut off the second growth, a little more lees stirring than in the Folatières. Gorgeous, dusty, mineral, rocky nose with a very very slight touch of smoky reduction. The fruit is all citrus. Firm and a little richer in texture than the Chalumaux, but quite cool. Not hugely concentrated but has nice length. Smoky and crunchy. Lovely fresh character. (JH)
About the producer
Volnay’s Domaine de Montille is one of the most historic in the Côte d’Or. Founded in 1730, the property remains family-owned and run, with Etienne de Montille – the ninth generation – at the helm today.