This wine was bottled only two weeks before I tasted it; as such it's not surprising that some would display some residual sulfur. There is still some unabsorbed sulfur that pushes the notably ripe fruit of dried yellow orchard fruit and petrol aromas to the background. The solidly concentrated and punchy flavors possess good power as well as fine depth on the balanced and attractively persistent finish. This is not quite as complex as the Caillerets but the mouth feel is definitely more seductive. Moreover, unlike the Caillerets this should be approachable young if desired.

Tasted blind at the annual “Burgfest” tasting in Bouilland. The 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Vide Bourse has a fragrant bouquet with good fruit concentration, light honeyed tones, orange zest and a touch of white pepper. The palate is well balanced with a sharp acidic line that renders this quite linear. There is plenty of energy here, but I would have liked more complexity towards the finish. Still, looking back this is a pretty Chassagne-Montrachet that should give 12-15 years worth of pleasure, even if it does not meet my high expectations from barrel. Tasted May 2016. - NM