Paul Pillot Chassagne Montrachet Rouge 1er Cru 'Clos St-Jean' 2021
Clos Saint-Jean is a benchmark terroir for the reds of Chassagne (in fact it produces outstanding quality in both colours). For those who have visited, Clos Saint-Jean is the walled vineyard right next door to the estate buildings, and the Pillot parcel sits in the heart of the original Clos. This part of the vineyard is only 2.2 hectares in size, and was traditionally called Chassagne du Clos Saint-Jean. At just over one hectare, the Pillot holdings are the largest in this climat (or historically named plot of vines) and are split equally between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A stone’s throw from the Pillot cellar, these vines are cultivated with a lot of manual labour, including tressage (manually arching the shoots) instead of hedging. This wine was fermented with 100% whole bunches in 2021. Wholesaler's notes.
“Bursting with aromas of sweet red berries, peonies, orange zest and spices, Pillot's 2021 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jean Rouge is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with a layered, complete profile, melting tannins and a perfumed finish.” 91-93 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate.
“The red from Pillot’s Clos St-Jean is a real treat, with concentrated plummy fruit scented with wilted rose petals, earth, and bramble. There is vibrant acidity, firm tannin, and no lack of intensity, yet there is elegance also. The combination of power and finesse made me write ‘almost bonnes-mares-ish’ in my musings.” 94 points, Charles Curtis MW, Decanter.