Chevalier Montrachet Demoiselles, Louis Jadot 2008

An exceptionally pure, classy and refined nose evidences just a touch of pain grillé and leads to superbly precise, detailed and crystalline flavors brimming with an intense minerality on the powerful, focused and driving finish. While this is undeniably stylish and beautifully balanced, it's not carrying the sheer depth that I'm used to seeing though if it develops more in bottle, it's possible that my score will appear conservative.

Tasted at Louis Jadot's annual tasting in London. The Chevalier Demoiselles has a stunning, complex nose that even outshines the Montrachet when compared directly. Very intense stoned fruit, nectarine, dried mango, lemongrass, candle wax and honeysuckle. Magnificent bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied but intense, layers of nuanced, honeyed fruits, rich and for the vintage, quite decadent, with a long tail of apricot, orange zest and passion fruit on the finish. Stunning: a wine that out-classes the Monrachet. Drink 2012-2025+ Tasted January 2010.

The clear highlight among the eight 2008s I tasted, the 2008 Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles is a true knock-out. Dried flowers, savory herbs, apricots, peaches and licorice meld together seamlessly in this impeccable, gracious Burgundy. Today, the 2008 is just starting to fill out its frame. A rich, weighty and voluptuous finish supported by considerable energy rounds things out nicely. This is a great, great showing. Anticipated maturity: 2013+.