Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Charmois Paul Pillot 2022

The warmth of 2022 gives Les Charmois a little extra flesh and generosity, but there is still plenty of the tension and clarity that defines Thierry Pillot’s style. Ripe lemon, white peach and greengage lead the nose, opening into orange blossom, hazelnut and a faint smoky reduction. The palate has an appealing breadth, with concentrated citrus and stone fruit giving way to a more savoury, stony character. Bright acidity cuts cleanly through the wine’s creamy texture, while touches of citrus oil, almond and fine spice add further detail. The finish is long and composed, with chalk and salinity gradually taking over from the ripe fruit.

Les Charmois occupies an excellent position on the Chassagne-Montrachet side of Saint-Aubin, adjoining the Chassagne Premier Cru Les Chaumées. Its location helps explain the wine’s combination of Saint-Aubin freshness with a little of the breadth associated with neighbouring Chassagne. Under Thierry Pillot, the vineyard is handled with the same restrained élevage and focus on transparency as the domaine’s celebrated Chassagne holdings. The generous 2022 vintage amplifies the site’s natural texture while retaining enough mineral tension to keep everything precise – a serious Premier Cru with plenty of development ahead.