Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint Jean Domaine Paul Pillot 2017

Thierry Pillot said that 2017 “began early and ended just as early. We began picking on the 27th of August under warm but largely dry conditions save for one storm. This enabled us to pick very quickly which suited me just fine as I was afraid that the acidities would fall and they were only average when we started. Yields were good in white though much lower in red with around 45 hl/ha for the villages and 40 hl/ha for the 1ers whereas the reds came in at only 30 hl/ha on average. Potential alcohols were respectable at between 12.4 and 13% with acceptable acidities so I’m happy that we started when we did. As I have been doing over the last few vintages I have been very prudent about the new wood percentages. While I used none at all in 2016, I used only 15% in 2017 and none at all for the Thierry Pillot wines. [See immediately below.] I find that the whites have picked up both flesh and complexity as they have aged in barrel. To me the 2017s are tender and should make for good early drinking yet I see no reason why they shouldn’t age well too.” I was impressed by what I found and Pillot has definitely been on a roll over the last few vintages

“Pungent aromas consist primarily of petrol, white orchard fruit, matchstick and a whiff of lychee. The medium weight flavors are much more mineral-inflected than those of the Champ Gains while offering both good richness and vibrancy while displaying a refreshing salinity on the balanced and agreeably dry finish. This should amply repay mid-term cellaring.” 90-92 points burghound.com