Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumees Clos de la Truffiere 1er Cru 2020 (750ML)

96 DE / 94 BH / 94 WA

Complex nose of lime peel, green apple, mineral and flint. The texture is intensely fresh, but there is a marvellous old-vine richness as well that lends density and length. Definitely near grand cru quality. Niellon has a half-hectare of century-old vines here at the top of the slope just before St-Aubin. In the words of winemaker Lucie Coutoux, these old vines can give you some very good surprises. She crushes the grapes lightly before pressing them slowly, then starting the fermentation in tank before running them into cask to finish.--Charles Curtis MW, Decanter

Note: from a .54 ha parcel of leased vines that the domaine has exploited since 1988 and believed to have been planted in 1939

Tasting note: This too is markedly restrained and only grudgingly reveals its aromas of cool citrus, anise, essence of pear and a pretty range of floral elements. The succulent but decidedly punchy and powerful larger-scaled flavors possess a strikingly gorgeous texture while displaying stunningly good length on the beautifully well-balanced finale. This tightly wound stunner of the Chaumées could use better depth but there is so much underlying material that it is almost certain to progressively improve. If you can find it, buy it. Sweet Spot. Outstanding.—Allen Meadows, Burghound

The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Truffière mingles aromas of orange rind and pear with hints of fresh bread, buttered pastry, toasted nuts and dried white flowers in an inviting bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, bright and ample, with fine depth at the core, lively acids and a chalky finish, it's a fine success.—William Kelley, The Wine Advocate