1997 Domaine Michel Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet Les Vergers 1er Cru

There were no previously opened bottles of the Chassagne-Montrachet Vergers so I had to taste one that was overpowered by sulfur. After a good deal of cajoling, the wine revealed aromas of stones, gravel, minerals, and crisp pears. The sulfur had tightened up the palate yet candied lemon peels, poached pears, and a richly thick texture could be discerned. My inclination is that (with air if readers intend to open this wine in the next year) this wine will certainly merit a rating in the upper range of excellence. Drink it over the next 5 years. Importer: Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company, New York, NY; tel (212) 572-7725.