2017 Pierre Peters Les Montjolys

The 2017 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Spéciale Les Montjolys, from a vineyard in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, where higher percentages of clay and an deeper topsoil render rounder wines, was disgorged in July 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter. A year that was undeniably more favorable to Chardonnay than to red grapes, 2017 is defined by lower-than-average yields and delivered a concentration that Rodolphe Péters compares to 2019. Soaring from the glass with a bouquet of tangerine zest, red apple, spices and bread dough, it’s full-bodied and textural, capturing power without weight. Les Montjolys shares a similar signature with Les Chétillons; but they are certainly no twin brothers, as Les Montjolys is a slightly richer, more demonstrative and less electric wine. It’s a charming rendition that will offer a broad drinking window. It’s worth keeping Les Montjolys more easily accessible, as these bottles can be enjoyed in their full expression earlier than Les Chétillons of the same vintage.