Producer | R. Ballot-Millot & Fils |
Country | France |
Region | Burgundy |
Subregion | Meursault |
Varietal | Chardonnay |
Vintage | 2017 |
Sku | 1351215 |
Size | 750ml |
The 2017 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes derives from an optimally located parcel that's surrounded by the holdings of Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Domaine Tessier. Displaying notes of crisp Anjou pear green apple warm pastry and a subtle touch of reduction the wine is medium to full-bodied concentrated and elegantly muscular with lively acids and a long precise finish. This was my first visit to Domaine Ballot-Millot where Charles Ballot is producing serious wines old-fashioned in the best sense that deserve to be better known. Ballot told me that he generally presses whole bunches without crushing his press cycle lasting three-and-a-half hours with some 15 rotations. Débourbage is brief to non-existent and the wines go to barrel without addition of yeasts enzymes or anything else. After 12 months in wood (from Tonnelleries Damy and Billon) they are fined in the event of any protein instability and remain in tank to digest any dissolved oxygen before bottling in January or February. The result is textural structured wines with lovely cut and concentration that often display a gently reductive personality. Everything I tasted comes recommended.
(from Charmes Dessus). The admirably pure nose displays essence of white orchard fruit aromas that are laced with hints of citrus floral and spice. There is first-rate intensity to the precise and stony medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine length on the balanced finish. This will need to add depth with age but it should do that. (91-93)/2025+
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