2011 Chassagne Montrachet La Romanee

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée 2011 is austere and minerally on the nose, reticent at the moment, but unfolding in the glass with great precision and intent. The palate is clean and fresh with vibrant citrus fruit, a dash of lemongrass and a real prickle of spice toward the engaging and vivacious finish. There is very good persistence here, and it certainly put Pillot’s Grands Ruchottes completely in the shade.