2022 Michel Niellon
Puttering around the warehouse during the summer “no-ship months,” and catching up on stuff always reveals some surprises. Recently, while putting together a packing list for this month’s container, I realized I had a small parcel of 2022 Michel Niellon white burgundy, coming on pre-arrival, that had not yet been entered into inventory. It’s the digital equivalent of discovering a wad of Ben Franklins in an old pair of jeans!
Most of the Chassagne 1er crus have been sold out for some time, so it’s with pleasure I’m able to offer more! Even better, there is a new item to draw your attention - the Bourgogne Blanc, listed first below.
Burghound’s quote is fitting!
“I believe that once you taste a few of the 2022s, you will see how good they are. It’s a vintage to buy and in quantity…”
The 2022 white burgundy campaign for Michel Niellon has been nothing short of spectacular! I had a feeling on my last visit that we were in for something special. Having tasted most of the wines from bottle, I can say emphatically, this is a vintage that has it all! They are more approachable in terms of mid palate than either 2017 or 2014 were at this stage. When we judge great vintages, it's about freshnes and acidity. 2022 has these in spades and I’ve been buying my favorites at every opportunity.
Back in the late 90s, some of my most memorable white burgundy experiences were some from Domaine Michel Niellon. For me, this domain was a reference point. Like so many producers, premox hit extremely hard in the 2000’s, shaking not only my confidence but many of my customers. It was in 2017 that I came back around and have been all-in ever since. Up and down the hierarchy, these world class wines deserve your attention.
Plus, at the very best pricing in the contiguous 48… enough said.
Smoky aromas of various white orchard fruit, citrus and a floral top note serve as an elegant introduction to the succulent, round and seductively textured middle weight flavors that offer acceptable depth and length on the mildly rustic finale. This agreeably refreshing effort should drink well young.
- Burghound
The 2022 Chassagne-Montrachet Village has wonderful definition and precision on the nose, hints of dried yellow flowers complementing the citrus fruit, the oak well integrated. The palate is very well balanced with a vibrant, orange-zest- and tangerine-tinged entry. It's quite linear and taut, with an almost Puligny-like tension on the finish. This comes recommended. Tasted at merchants' 2022 Burgundy tastings in London.
- Vinous Media, 90
This is aromatically similar to the Maltroie though with evident floral elements. There is slightly better volume and mid-palate density to the delicious and caressing but punchy medium weight flavors that possess a healthy amount of sappy dry extract while exhibiting better overall depth and persistence. This too should be approachable young but easily repay mid-term keeping.
- Burghound, 91 Outstanding!
A cool, pure and slightly fresher nose reflects notes of green apple, citrus and discreet spice wisps. There is very good delineation to the delicious middle weight flavors that are suffused with a highly appealing underlying tension and fine balance on the clean and dry finale. This is lovely and a wine that would better be kept for a few years first as it's more tightly wound.
- Burghound, 92 Outstanding!
This is presently firmly reduced and revealing little so be sure to give it some air if you plan to open a bottle in the next year or so. Otherwise, the rich and generously proportioned medium-bodied flavors possess more power if not quite the same refinement on the impressively long, firm and well-balanced finale. This is worth a look provided it is given at least a few years of bottle aging.
- Burghound, 92 Outstanding!
Beautifully layered aromas of smoky pear, spice and a lovely array of white orchard fruit nuances are trimmed in hint of just sliced citrus. I very much like the texture and vibrancy of the slightly bigger-bodied yet more refined flavors that display excellent length on the balanced, clean, dry and impressively long finish. This is excellent and a wine that always repays extended keeping and the 2022 version should be no exception.
- Burghound, 93 Sweet Spot Outstanding!
