Château de la Maltroye, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru (Burgundy, France) 2010

This vineyard surrounds the Château de la Maltroye and is owned solely by them, somewhat of a rarity in Burgundy since most vineyards have been divided and subdivided among multiple owners over the centuries. Full disclosure: I’m not a fan of red wine from Chassagne-Montrachet because they can be green and rustic. But this one is spectacular. Jean-Pierre Cournut, the owner of Château de la Maltroye, notes that his Clos du Château “needs two more years that my other reds before it settles down.” Burly and broad and this stage, it shows signs of sophistication and finesse in its incredibly long finish. Fine tannins support its wild strawberry-like fruitiness and balancing acidity imparts a wonderful freshness. This is a red Chassagne that I would put in my cellar.