2011 Domaine Michel Niellon Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

Exotic white flowers, lychee, mint and lime blossom in the glass as the 2011 Chevalier-Montrachet shows off its compelling personality. Impeccably pure and layered throughout, the 2011 impresses for its exceptional balance and class. There is plenty of Chevalier richness and honey, but no excess weight or sense of heaviness at all.

(from vines planted in 1962): Bright yellow. Sexy, exotic high-toned aromas of candied peach, marmalade and pineapple liqueur; smells a bit like a riesling vendange tardive. Sweet and glyceral but with very well integrated acidity energizing and lifting the mid-palate flavors of tangerine, orange, lemon and passion fruit. The sexy exotic quality carries through to the very long, juicy, nicely focused finish. There's a suggestion of surmaturite here in the wine's fat and exotic character, but the package works.

A discreet touch of wood sets off the impressively ripe aromas of Granny Smith apples, pear and white peach along with spice and wet stone nuances. There is a highly sophisticated mouth feel to the racy, intense and distinctly mineral-driven middle weight plus flavors that possess outstanding depth on the wonderfully persistent finish. There is a perceptible trace of warmth but there is so much punch to the finale that this is little more than a nit. Tasted: Jun 11, 2013. Drink: 2018+