Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Burgundy > Côte de Beaune > Puligny-Montrachet |
Colour | White |
Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Domaine Niellon
**Note: from a small .12 ha parcel on the Chassagne side; 2015 will be the last vintage for several years as the parcel was pulled up in early 2016 - Coutoux estimates that we will not see the Bâtard again until around 2024. As someone who avidly collected this wine for more than 30 years, I am personally very sorry to see it go but will welcome the chance to get reacquainted when it finally reappears!**
A very ripe but not surmature mix of pear liqueur, spice, petrol and matchstick aromas leads to super-rich, round and palate drenching flavors that are dense to the point of possessing a borderline creamy mouth feel, indeed it is almost thick. This isn't quite as complex as the Chevalier but as is usually the case it is more powerful and perhaps even a bit longer as well. I would make the same observation here that this isn't a typical Niellon Bâtard but if I can find it I will buy it anyway.
The 2015 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is a valedictory wine as the 90-year-old vines were pulled up after the fruit was picked (see producer introduction). You know, it actually surpasses the Chevalier-Montrachet in terms of mineralité and complexity, very refined with hints of orange blossom developing with time. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity, good tension and particular fine salinity here that urges you back for another sip. There is just a barrel and a half of this Bâtard-Montrachet so grab one now because it will not reappear for a long time.