2011 Chevalier Montrachet
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Tasting notes
Knockout nose combines strong metallic minerality, crushed rock, citrus peel and a high note of lavender. Penetrating, minerally and dry, with terrific definition in the middle palate. The endless rising finish combines a compellingly silky texture, subtle sweetness and outstanding energy. Boillot maintains that Chevalier-Montrachet is the best white cru in Burgundy owing to its uncanny crystalline character--"like quartz."
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Along with the Meursault Genevrières, the 2011 Chevalier-Montrachet is the most impressive wine in Boillot's cellar today. Rich, honeyed and expansive, the Chevalier covers every corner of the palate with layers of deeply expressive fruit. Juicy apricots, peaches and sweet spices are some of the many notes that open up in the glass. The Chevalier continues to blossom as the fruit fleshes out and the wine gains volume. Frankly, it is hard to move on after tasting this magnificent Burgundy.
Along with the Meursault Genevrieres, the 2011 Chevalier-Montrachet is the most impressive wine in Boillot’s cellar today. Rich, honeyed and expansive, the Chevalier covers every corner of the palate with layers of deeply expressive fruit. Juicy apricots, peaches and sweet spices are some of the many notes that open up in the glass. The Chevalier continues to blossom as the fruit fleshes out and the wine gains volume. Frankly, it is hard to move on after tasting this magnificent Burgundy. Anticipated maturity: 2014+. (Not yet released) Henri Boillot recently finished his move to a new modern cellar in Champ Lins, one of the industrial sections of Meursault. Boillot describes his 2011s as having a bit more richness and better balance of fruit and acidity than the 2010s. Based on what I tasted, it’s hard to argue that point. Boillot seems to be one case where the 2011s have the potential to be better across the board than the 2010s. As is often the case here, the village wines are particularly strong. Importers: Massanois Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 470-6769, Cynthia Hurley French Wines, West Newton, MA Tel 617-965-4251 www.cynthiahurley.com and Chelsea Ventures, LLC, 1601 South Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616 tel. 847-920-5052
An ultra-pure nose of dried white flowers, green apple, pear and wet stone introduces intensely mineral-driven flavors that are superbly well-delineated and exceptionally fine before culminating in an explosively long and bone dry yet not especially austere finish. This is a wine of crystalline purity that should live for years and, I expressly note, will require plenty of cellar time to realize its immense potential. In a word, brilliant. Tasted: Jun 11, 2013. Drink: 2023+
About the producer
Based in Meursault and farming some of the finest vineyards in the Côte de Beaune, Henri Boillot is a leading address in Burgundy. He crafts fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but the estate is best known for its flagship monopole vineyard, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Clos de la Mouchère.