2006 Chevalier Montrachet
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The 2006 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru is a vintage that I have not tasted before (and am unlikely to taste again). Burnished straw in hue, it has a reluctant nose at first, gradually opening to reveal crushed flint, lemon thyme and light Chinese white tea scents that eventually develop stunning delineation. The palate is exquisitely balanced with a killer line of acidity. This Chevalier-Montrachet exudes tension and delivers a saline tang that you want to relive again and again. Magnificent. 590 bottles produced. Tasted blind at Maison de Colombier in Beaune.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru felt quite reserved and backward following the 2002, though fortunately I could not detect any botrytis that compromises many white Burgundy wines in this vintage. There is just a small reduction that shaves away a little precision, scents of lime and peach skin emerging with time. The palate is ripe on the entry and here, yes, there is just a hint of botrytis. However, it is still very elegant with exquisite purity of fruit on the finish. This is probably at its peak now although it will offer another decade of drinking pleasure. 590 bottles produced. Tasted at the d'Auvenay dinner in Hong Kong.
Steely nose conveys a powerful impression of metallic minerality. Powerful on entry, then as chewy as a solid in the middle palate, with superb energy and focus to the flavors of apple, lemon and crushed stone. Combines superb palate-coating volume with terrific lift. Perhaps most impressive today on the tactile, slow-building, inexorable finish. These vines were harvested on September 18, with 14+% potential alcohol.