Domaine Simon Colin

I’d like to introduce an emerging new producer from Chassagne Montrachet that is really starting to turn heads. Simon Colin helms the domaine and produced his 3rd vintage with the 2023 release. The son of Philippe Colin, Simon has been blessed with an enviable set of some of Chassagne Montrachet's best vineyard sites.

The “Colin” name is quite common in Chassagne Montrachet and as such, is oftentimes difficult to understand the family tree. This much we know…Simon Colin’s domaine was once part of the Colin-Deleger estate, run by his grandfather Michel. It was split between Michel’s two sons, Philippe (father) and Bruno (uncle). Some other branches of the tree include the Domaines of Joseph Colin, Marc Colin and Pierre Yves Colin Morey. Needless to say, it’s a daunting heritage and comes with preordained responsibility. You have to be extraordinary. News flash here… if you have gotten a chance to taste Simon’s wines, you’ll understand he is doing just that.

I talked to a number of clients last week who attended the Paulee in San Francisco and was surprised and delighted at how many mentioned Simon Colin was a highlight!

I have not yet visited the Domaine Simon Colin, but my next visit to France is imminent and I plan to make a beeline to them! What I have tasted so far has been so impressive, and the way people were singing the praises of the current releases, I imagine unlimited potential for this domaine’s future.

Simon worked alongside his father, Philippe, who taught him everything he knows. Except, as is the case with many young vignerons, they have their own ideas and want to make their own decisions. Rather than hold the reins too tightly, Philippe has given his son an opportunity to make the decisions by splitting the family domaine and giving roughly ⅔ to Simon. Philippe Colin is continuing to make wines, but on a much smaller scale.

Simon employs an organic approach, with certification coming next year, and biodynamic practices are already in play, when possible. Any vigneron worth his weight has a sense of curiosity, which shapes the style of the wines being produced. Like so many of the new generation they are experimenting, using different sized barrels, ceramic eggs, and even glass globes for aging. Some things work, others do not, but it is the curiosity and willingness to figure it out for yourself that ultimately leads to your style.

Simon describes his style as “modern” and is striving for a wine displaying more acidity and less wood influence. I found the 2022 Chenevottes last year to be a wine that clearly came from a ripe vintage, meaning there was plenty of density and mid palate to the wine, but what was so striking was the wine's lip smacking pucker on the finish. It's the kind of wine that when you swallow it keeps building and lingering as the flavors just keep coming in waves.

It’s always exciting to find an up and coming Chassagne Montrachet producer and Domaine Simon Colin comes with my highest recommendation! I’d get on this one early, because as the following grows, so will the pricing!