The 2022 Domaine Michel Niellon Chevalier Montrachet is a Chardonnay hailing from the prestigious Chevalier Montrachet sub-appellation in the Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France. This white wine is crafted by Domaine Michel Niellon, a renowned producer with a history of excellence.
Decanter awarded this vintage an impressive score of 98, highlighting its "intense concentration, tension and focus" despite the warm conditions of 2022. Notable aromas include ripe apple, peach, and quince, complemented by a balance of volume and density. Decanter emphasizes the wine's ability to age gracefully, stating it "will make old bones if you are so inclined."
Vinous also praises the wine with a score of 95, noting its production from vines planted in the early 1960s. The review describes a "crisp, intense bouquet" with aromas of crushed limestone, red apples, beeswax, almond, and white peach. According to Vinous, the wine's palate is balanced with substantial weight and density, maintaining "tension and poise" through its finely tuned acidity. The finish is described as having "impressive salinity" and a glorious expansion, indicating potential for excellent maturation in the bottle.
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy also scored the wine 95, noting its pale to mid-lemon color and a "light reduction on the nose." The review emphasizes the wine's fine tensile strength and limestone presence, suggesting it will blossom into a "really fine example" with time.
Burghound provided a score of 94, recognizing the subtle wood influence and a smoky nose with mineral reduction, acacia blossom, and spice elements. The review appreciates the wine's refined nature and strikingly long, well-balanced finish, though it suggests room for further depth development.
Overall, the 2022 Domaine Michel Niellon Chevalier Montrachet is a highly regarded Chardonnay, acclaimed for its concentration, balance, and aging potential.