2012 Chassagne Montrachet Les Ancegnieres

Strong sulfur-based aromas presently dominate the nose. By contrast there is a lovely sense of purity to the broad-shouldered and robust medium weight flavors that brim with dry extract on the very generously proportioned, long and well-balanced finish. This is a big wine by the typical standards of villages level wines and one that should also be approachable after only a few years of bottle age.

The 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Enseignieres has a crisp floral nose with hints of jasmine emerging with rigorous aeration. The palate is harmonious on the entry suggesting scents of white peach in the far distance, while the sides of the mouth detect ginger. It builds nicely toward a powerful finish that also manages to convey a sense of tenderness. This is a fine Chassagne Village that should drink well after a couple of years in bottle. Readers should check out my video taken with Pierre-Yves onwww.erobertparker.com, where he discusses his impression of the 2012 vintage. He is the prime example of a vigneron that might not possess his own vines, yet creates wines that surpass many of those who do. The bottom line is that volume was approximately 40% to 50% down compared to 2011 (apart from St. Aubin that was only 20% to 25% down.) Pierre-Yves explained that his 2012s displayed much higher acid levels compared to 2011 and opined that they will be shy at the beginning. He expressed the importance of not wishing to “push” the wines, so that he could stay true to what he feels is a more classic vintage in the mold of 2007 and 2010. Tasting through the complete set of 2012s, Pierre-Yves clearly had a firm grasp on the vintage and his wines were (again) a cut above the rest, from his generic white Burgundy to his clutch of grand crus. Importer: A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; also imported by Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 N.W. 21st Street, Unit 180, Doral, Florida 33172 tel: (305) 343-4054

Bright yellow. Aromas of candied lemon peel, menthol and licorice, with a slightly metallic quality. Tactile, rich and concentrated, with a dusty extract-rich quality to the pear, white peach, medicinal herb and licorice flavors. This chewy wine should offer early pleasure.