2016 Chassagne Montrachet Les Chaumees

Reticent on the nose but shows typical Chassagne notes of pear, citrus zest, flowers and stone. Juicy on entry, then quite withdrawn and dry in the middle palate, showing limited fruit sweetness or generosity of texture. Finishes slightly bitter-edged but with some late-arriving lift. I'm not wild for the balance here but this wine is quite backward and in need of patience.

Bright yellow. Buttery aromas and flavors of pear and yellow peach. A moderately juicy midweight with decent orchard fruit and menthol intensity but less texture and vivacity than the Champgains. This, too, has the slight bitter edge that characterizes a number of these 2016s, which shortens its finish.