2011 Domaine Marc Morey et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets 1er Cru

The 2011 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets has a steelier, more terse bouquet when compared directly against the Chenevottes, but given an hour in the glass it blossoms with attractive scents of fresh, dewy green apples, lime, white peach and subtle flinty notes. The palate is underpinned by razor-sharp acidity that lends it the most tension of Marc Morey’s 2011 whites and I suspect for that reason may reward the longest cellaring. Still, there is much pleasure to be gained from broaching the bottle now: another superbly balanced, beautifully focused Chassagne that you will finish to the very last drop. Drink now-2019+. Fernand Morey founded this domaine back in 1919, when he acquired a couple of hectares in Chassagne plus a coaching house slap bang in the middle of the village. He was joined by his son, Marc, in 1944, and subsequently by his daughter and her husband, Bernard Mollard, who presently run the domaine with their daughter, Sabine. During that time, the family’s holdings were expanded so that there are now parcels in Saint Aubin, Puligny and Chassagne itself. The approach here is traditional with prudent use of batonnage, 11 months elevage and no more than 30% new oak. I have to say, I was very impressed by the quality of these wines that displayed precision, finesse and typicite. Most of these notes were written after about one hour of opening, so readers should note that they really come into their own with at least 60 minutes of aeration. Therefore, do not be alarmed if they seem a little “reticent” at first and do not be afraid of a short decant. I look forward to tasting the entire range chez Morey in the future. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083