The 2020 Louis Jadot Heritiers Chevalier Montrachet les Demoiselles is a distinguished Chardonnay from the renowned Burgundy region of France. This white wine hails from the prestigious Puligny Montrachet appellation, specifically the Chevalier Montrachet sub-appellation. Produced by Louis Jadot, this wine showcases the exceptional quality that can be achieved from a vineyard plot recently upgraded to grand cru status from premier cru Caillerets.
Decanter awarded this wine an impressive score of 95, noting its "impressive tension and length." The review highlights the wine's evolving aromas, starting with lemon peel and saline minerality, and growing to include fresh quince and ripe apricots. The wine's balance of acidity and richness is particularly praised, making it a standout among the best whites of 2020. The review also mentions that the vineyard's location at the top of the slope is ideal for Chardonnay, especially in the context of global warming.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this wine its highest score, with a range of 95-97 points. Reviewer WK describes it as "the king of the cellar on the white side of the ledger," emphasizing its complexity and multidimensional character. Aromas of citrus oil, white flowers, buttered popcorn, and chalky soil tones are complemented by beeswax and spices. The wine is noted for its full-bodied, muscular, and concentrated profile, with racy acids and a long, resonant finish. The review concludes that this wine is "worth a special effort to seek out."
Jasper Morris of Inside Burgundy awarded the wine a score of 94-96 points, describing it as having a pale color with a lively reflection. The nose is elegant, showing pure white fruit with a light vanilla overlay. The wine is characterized by "effortless intensity with no seeming weight" and a finely chiselled mineral acidity to finish. Morris emphasizes the wine's classical Chevalier purity and intensity without undue weight or alcohol.
Vinous also rated the wine highly, with a score of 93-95 points. Neal Martin describes the wine as fresh and vibrant, with aromas of yellow plum, white flowers, crushed stone, and wild peach. The palate is well-balanced with fine acidity, featuring hints of white peach and citrus fruit. Martin notes that the wine develops more "bite" with aeration, although he would have preferred more sustain on the aftertaste.
Overall, the 2020 Louis Jadot Heritiers Chevalier Montrachet les Demoiselles is a remarkable Chardonnay that has garnered high praise for its complexity, balance, and exceptional quality.