Chassagne Montrachet 1er cru En Remilly by Domaine Bouard Bonnefoy 2022

The family’s sustainably farmed parcel in “En Remilly” contains vines averaging 35 years of age, in soils characterized by very thin topsoils over the limestone “mother rock.” Unlike the various Montrachet Grand Crus, into which you can gaze from En Remilly’s upslope perch, the orientation of En Remilly is more full-south rather than east/southeast, and that ample sun exposure is readily evident. The hand-harvested fruit for the 2020 “En Remilly” was pressed in Fabrice’s hand-cranked wooden press and fermented in French oak barrels. Aging in barrels (20% new) lasted about a year before bottling, lending a voluptuous creaminess to the texture and a subtle hint of baking spice to the flavor profile. In the glass, it’s a deep yellow-gold extending to the rim, with viscous, slow-moving “tears” coating the sides of the glass. The aromas are powerful and ripe, with notes of yellow apple, white peach, salted lemon, wildflower honey, fresh cream, and wet stones. It is full-bodied and layered, coating the palate before buttoning up on the crisp, mineral finish.