2018 Thillardon - Chenas Les Chassignol
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,350 g. See my 2019 profile of Paul-Henri Thillardon . From a vineyard behind the cellar. Lightish bright cherry red. There's a stemmy herbal lift, as well as an inviting tart red-fruit purity. The texture is lovely. Incredibly fine and dry, with tension. Takes hold of your palate with its fresh intensity. Delicious and so long. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Chénas Chassignol comes from 3.5 hectares of century-old vines behind the winery and spent an additional year in bottle before it was released onto the market. Gorgeous brambly red berry fruit on the nose intermixes with blood orange and wilted rose petals. The well-balanced palate offers crisp acidity and orange-peel-infused red fruit. A touch of white pepper and clove lends another dimension toward the finish. Excellent.
The Thillardon brothers' 2018 Chénas Chassignol continues to show beautifully, offering up pretty aromas of red berries, candied peel, rose petals and spices that are more expressive than they were last year, just after bottling. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concerted, with a multidimensional core, understated concentration, melting tannins and a long, resonant finish. Delicate but intense, this exquisitely elegant Chénas is produced from organically farmed old vines.