2004 Domaine Michel Niellon Chevalier-Montrachet

Michel Niellon is a 15-acre domain in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. It is owned and operated by Michel Niellon, who keeps two very small cellars, one underneath his house. Wine writers often comment on Niellon’s small, cramped cellars and limited vineyard acreage, but, in the words of Clive Coates “small is beautiful in this case.” Niellon makes Grand Cru Chevalier-Montrachet and Batard Montrachet, and several Premier Cru Chassange-Montrachets.

Chevalier-Montrachet is one of the four justly famous Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet appellation in Burgundy. The 18-acre vineyard is located up the slope from Le Montrachet and shares Le Montrachet’s excellent southern exposure, though Chevalier-Montrachet’s soil is considerably thinner and more rocky. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that Chevalier-Montrachet is “full, firm” and has “a great deal of depth and elegance.” The largest landholders are Bouchard Pere et Fils, 7.5 acres; Leflaive, 4 acres; and Louis Jadot, 1.5 acres.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.