75cl
Philippe Colin Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2022
Vendor code : 1369
This Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru is the choice of hedonists, epitomizing the terroir-driven character and precision expected from a Burgundy Grand Cru. It is perfect for those looking for an exceptional wine to age in their collection. The 2022 vintage will reward patience with depth and complexity. Drinking window: 2025–2042.
Color
White
Country
France
Grape
Chardonnay
Region
Burgundy
Vintage
2022
Producer
Domaine Philippe Colin
Not available
Philippe Colin Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2022 is a representative of one of Burgundy's finest terroirs. Only three barrels of this wine were produced this year, including one from new oak. This limited release shows a unique character reminiscent of Puligny Demoiselles, with an unexpectedly austere aroma that contrasts with the warmth of the 2022 summer. On the palate, it has excellent structure and balance, offering well-calibrated acidity that enhances its complexity. While the finish may not fully unfold immediately, the wine promises excellent development over time. For optimum enjoyment, give it 4–5 years of bottle ageing to unlock its full potential.
Chevalier-Montrachet is one of the elite grand cru vineyards in Burgundy, France, known for producing some of the most esteemed Chardonnay wines. Positioned on the Mont-Rachet hill at the southern end of the Côte d'Or, it is part of a select group of five grand cru vineyards in this prestigious region. Located in the Côte de Beaune, Chevalier-Montrachet produces structured, full-bodied white wines renowned as an iconic expression of Chardonnay. The vineyard lies on the southeast-facing mid-slope of Mont-Rachet, a unique position that situates it as the highest grand cru vineyard in Puligny-Montrachet. Rising up to an impressive 300 meters above sea level, it stands above the revered Montrachet vineyard, which slopes down to meet Bâtard-Montrachet below. This strategic elevation plays a crucial role in defining the vineyard’s unique terroir, with proximity to the forested hillside above and bordered by premier cru and village-level vineyards to the north and south. Covering roughly 7.3 hectares, Chevalier-Montrachet is one of the two grand cru vineyards entirely situated within the boundaries of the Puligny-Montrachet commune. Its location, paired with specific topographical characteristics, provides the vineyard with a microclimate and terroir distinct from its neighbors. Chevalier-Montrachet’s terroir is celebrated for its mineral-rich limestone soils, distinct from the Montrachet vineyard below. The higher elevation means the soil here is thinner, with a greater concentration of marl, lending a notable influence on the vineyard’s viticulture. This unique composition of the soil encourages the vines to establish deep, resilient root systems that reach into the mineral-laden limestone, enabling them to absorb valuable nutrients that contribute to the wine’s complexity. The shallow soil also has excellent drainage, essential for high-quality viticulture, as it prevents waterlogging and encourages the vines to concentrate their resources on fruit production. Furthermore, the limestone in Chevalier-Montrachet reflects sunlight onto the vine canopy, optimizing grape ripening. This south-easterly slope orientation maximizes morning sunlight, aiding in the development of phenolic ripeness and contributing to the vineyard’s signature balanced acidity and robust flavor profile. Wines from Chevalier-Montrachet are celebrated for their intensity, balance, and aging potential. Known for an austere, mineral-laden aroma, these wines can develop remarkable depth and complexity with age, rivaling those of Montrachet itself. The wines often exhibit a powerful structure, yet maintain a delicately balanced acidity, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate long-aging, full-bodied white wines. As these wines mature, they reveal layers of flavor, offering a multi-dimensional tasting experience that showcases the Chardonnay grape in its most refined form. Collectors and enthusiasts highly regard Chevalier-Montrachet wines for their mineral complexity and nuanced finish, with many vintages aging gracefully over decades. This aging process allows the wine’s full potential to unfold, transitioning from youthful vibrancy to an elegantly structured maturity. Chevalier-Montrachet’s historical roots run deep, with a lineage that stretches back centuries. It earned grand cru status in 1937, solidifying its place among Burgundy’s most elite vineyards. The vineyard’s name translates to "the knight of Montrachet," part of a local legend tied to the noble families of the area. According to lore, the Seigneur de Puligny divided his estate between his children: his eldest son, the Chevalier (or knight), inherited the prime vineyard, while his illegitimate son, known as the Bâtard, and his daughters (pucelles, or maidens) received adjacent parcels. This romantic history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the vineyard and its wines, celebrating a legacy of Burgundy nobility. The viticultural practices in Chevalier-Montrachet aim to preserve the terroir-driven qualities of the vineyard, emphasizing sustainable practices and minimal intervention to let the Chardonnay grape express its true character. The vines benefit from the high mineral content in the soil, which is reflected in the final wine, imparting a distinctive stony or flinty minerality. Grapes harvested from Chevalier-Montrachet are typically hand-picked to ensure only the finest clusters are selected. Winemakers often employ gentle pressing techniques and temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the wine's fresh acidity and inherent fruitiness. Barrel aging, commonly done with a proportion of new oak, adds complexity without overwhelming the wine’s natural attributes, giving Chevalier-Montrachet wines a harmonious blend of structure and finesse. Chevalier-Montrachet wines are highly sought after by collectors, not only for their exceptional quality but also for their impressive aging potential. These wines can age gracefully for several decades, with many experts recommending cellaring for at least 10–15 years to allow their full complexity to emerge. As they mature, Chevalier-Montrachet wines develop secondary characteristics that add depth to the already complex layers of minerality, fruit, and subtle oak influences. The 2022 vintage of Chevalier-Montrachet, for example, showcases the exceptional conditions of that year, where warm summer temperatures helped produce concentrated fruit flavors balanced by the vineyard's signature minerality. These wines promise an incredible tasting journey for those who can patiently let them mature, and they are an ideal choice for investment or special occasions. In the world of Burgundy white wines, Chevalier-Montrachet is revered for its unique expression of Chardonnay. Often considered second only to Montrachet itself, it stands as one of the region’s crowning achievements in viticulture and winemaking. With each bottle, Chevalier-Montrachet offers a taste of Burgundy’s rich terroir, history, and dedication to excellence. The vineyard’s altitude, exposure, and soil composition contribute to wines that are not only a pleasure to drink young but reveal their ultimate expression with time. For connoisseurs, Chevalier-Montrachet represents more than just a wine; it embodies a lineage, a story, and an ongoing legacy of the art of winemaking in Burgundy.
Reviews from critics
92/100
1 points
95-100
0
90-94
1
85-89
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80-84
0
75-79
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0-74
0
Vinous
Not available