On Sale: $109.94 (was: $119.94)*
With a special focus on Chassagne-Montrachet and Meursault, winemaker Charles Ballot is “producing serious wines, old-fashioned in the best sense” (Wine Advocate), and in this more fruit-forward and solar vintage, the balance here is remarkable. His old vine Morgeot 1er cru comes from one of the best portions of this sprawling cru and their 2018 is an absolute gem - a racy and profound style of Chardonnay that's utterly captivating.
Morgeot is the largest 1er cru in Chassagne-Montrachet, but it encompasses many other lieux-dits, including ‘Tete du Clos’. Aptly named, this vineyard sits at the top of the cru on rocky, limestone soils that are wonderfully expressed in its mineral complexity. 2018 was a warm vintage that surprised most critics with how balanced and fresh many white Burgundies turned out, though terroir made a big difference with the 1er and grand cru level outperforming. A “moderately powerful effort” (Burghound), Ballot’s ‘Tete du Clos’ comes from low yielding, 50+ year old vines, and is sure to develop nicely over a decade. Cheers!
93 points, Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy: "Fine and lively on its terres blanches, another excellent rendition of Tête du Clos, a vineyard which consistently delivers. There is impressive fruit weight but also some classy pure fruit too. Pleasing weight with a softer flesh behind, marries the clay and the limestone very well. Crisp finish after the flesh."
91♥ points, Burghound: "An expressive nose offers up notes of citrus, resin, petrol and a deft touch of wood where there is a background note of matchstick character. There is fine richness to the round and delicious middle weight flavors that deliver fine persistence on the citrusy, dry and crisp finale that delivers sneaky good length. This moderately powerful effort should reward up to a decade of keeping."
*Offer publication date March 27, 2022. Pricing and availability subject to change.