2014 Chassagne Montrachet Chaumees Clos de la Truffiere

More evident reduction on the nose – smoky struck match – but attractive not excessive. Elegant, subtle and yet with plenty of flavour that brings together ripe but subtle fruit and restrained winemaking. Has a little more depth and intensity than the Vieilles Vignes but less creamy. More purist, perhaps. (JH)

More evident reduction on the nose – smoky struck match – but attractive not excessive. Elegant, subtle and yet with plenty of flavour that brings together ripe but subtle fruit and restrained winemaking. Has a little more depth and intensity than the Vieilles Vignes but less creamy. More purist, perhaps. Jan 16, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2017-2024

The 2014 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées Clos de la Tuffière has a very precise, mineral-driven bouquet that is pure class. A more intellectual, cerebral nose from Jouard, this is one where you have to be patient and pick out the aromas: limestone, chalk, Granny Smith apples and later, peach skin and nectarine. The palate is taut and tensile right from the start: there is wonderful acidity, real complexity and tension with an intensity on the finish worthy of a grand cru. This is simply and outstanding Chassagne-Montrachet from Jouard and it has the substance to age long-term. || Having tracked Domaine Jouard's for the last three of four vintages, I regretted not being able to visit this Chassagne-based domaine late last year. With that being said, the wait was worthwhile, because this was an exemplary set of 2014s that exploited a vintage that favored the white over the reds and also, this particular Côte de Beaune appéllation over others. I commented to Vincent Jouard that this was perhaps the best set of wines that I had tasted from his cellar, replete with nervosité, complexity and vivacity. Jouard is a name that is still a little under the radar at the moment and so this is an opportune moment to grab some of these fabulous wines. Apr 16, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2018-2035