2011 Domaine de Montille, Beaune “Les Aigrots” Premier Cru, White Burgundy, France.
This majestic white burgundy from Domaine de Montille is almost as striking as their Grand Cru Corton and while not inexpensive, offers a tremendous value and class for the price. Etienne and Alix de Montille make the wines here in their late father’s cellars, with the recent passing of Hubert de Montille, who had retired a few years back, lead the next generation at this famous Cote de Beaune estate. Alix, being married to the famed jean-Marc Roulot of Meursault fame makes the signature white for the de Montille domaine and she is certainly very gifted in her own right, anyone who has tasted her last three or four vintages here can attest to her sublime talents with Chardonnay. 2011 has not been hyped, but it is a wonderful vintage for the Cote de Beaune whites and a vintage you can enjoy young, and or hold for many years, these wines have depth, generous fruit and classic character and quality, especially this 2011 Premier Cru Beaune Les Aigrots, one of my favorites of the vintage. The golden hued Beaune Aigrots starts with a nose that has hints of white flowers, smoke, straw, honeycomb and clove leading to a rich and dense palate showing lots of apple, pear and layers of lemon, melon, peach and a touch of tropical essence along with steely minerals, wet stones, a hint of toasty wood, hazelnuts and earthy notes. There is plenty of tension, vigor and life in this well balanced Burgundy and the acidity is a driving and lifting force behind the scenes, letting the texture to fill out in the mouth and delivers outstanding pure detailing in the wine. From start to finish this wine oozes elegance and grace, drink from 2015 to 2022, this is exquisite Chardonnay!
($60 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
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