Visit Chantereves – tasting of the 2017s from cask

Tasting wine can be somewhat unpredictable .. normally I like to taste the reds from Maison Chantereves early but prefer to taste the whites later.. in the 2017 vintage it’s actually the whites that are showing most ready to taste at this stage.

Normally I taste the wines with Tomoko Kuriyama who is one part of the couple behind Chantereves, but this year it was Guillaume Bott who served the wines .. perhaps this made a difference! – hardly!

As always when one taste the wines early … they will or can change quite a lot during the elevage – from now and until bottling – and during the bottling proces.

So what can we say at this stage? … the 2017 vintage is a pretty and very drinkable year – also at Chantereves – very enjoyable wines. For the reds one could send a reference to a vintage like 2007 (for the reds) … a both wonderful and charming vintage. There are however a density to the reds, that does sets the target for something beyond 2007 quality wise. This does however require that the energy and freshness is maintained in bottle – normally not a problem here at Chantereves though.

The whites seem to follow the style and pattern at Chantereves .. delicate and pretty wines – more ready to taste at this point – and seen from my perspective with a slightly higher quality level. The whites are closing in on the best whites made by Chantereves (the 2014s) … with the Chassagne Morgeot 2017 really showing both potential and refinement.

So … lets settle the scores … although early …

The red Maison Chantereves 2017

The red 2017s have been through malolactic fermentation, and is starting to regain their composure after this process … with the energy now returning to the wines. I think they display the true character of the vintage and at least some of potential at this stage.

After the 2015s and the 2016s these are more classic wines … with a more normal level of concentration – yet there are fine intensity in the 2017s here – with a certain density on the mid-palate … very enjoyable without being superficial.

The vintage is sunny without being very warm and dense … charming wines.

Maison Chantereves, Bourgogne Rouge 2017

The Bourgogne rouge is offering nice mid-palate density – by no means a light-footed wine – yet not having the density of the 2015 and the 2016. Still need some elevage to find the ultimate balance … but remember this is quite early. In essense this is a pretty and enjoyable wine … serving it’s purpose … and followers and lovers of Chantereves will not be disappointed ..

(Drink from 2019) – Good – (85 – 86p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

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Maison Chantereves, Ladoix 2017

This has another profile and is perhaps a bit lightfooted. I do however find the Ladoix terroirs interesting, as they often seem to convey a fine energy and freshness. Ladoix often has a slight citrus element – just like Puligny and Meursault – and this even enhances the mineral notes in the wine. Will be exiting to follow this terroir moving forward.

(Drink from 2019) – Good+ – (85 – 87p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

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Maison Chantereves, Volnay Les Lurets 2017

The Volnay is very much in it’s place … pretty, balanced and precise. This is indeed a charming vintage .. and this does also suit Volnay, producing a very lively, pure and delicate wine. A classic and very pretty Volnay seems to be the right words here.

(Drink from 2025) – Very Good – (88 – 89p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

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Maison Chantereves Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes 2017

After the abundantly intense vintages – 2015 and 2016 … the 2017 is a return to the more classic values … and showing a bit more of the terroir. This is one of the qualities of the vintage – the focus on and the details of the terroir – with the the mineral side pretty forward. The nice intensity and density of the mid-palate fruit is offering a fine balance and considerable refinement – classic northern NSG. Will offer excellent drinking while waiting for the 2015 and the 2016.

(Drink from 2027) – Fine+ – (92 – 93p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

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The white Maison Chantereves 2017

The whites seems more ready and forward to taste .. .and notch better than the reds quality wise at this stage … if they keep their cool focus after the elevage.

The whites seems to underline the word pretty .. the delicate airy style … having all the qualities I want and need in a white.

Maison Chantereves, Bourgogne Blanc 2017

The Bourgogne Blanc showing beautifully with some exotic youthful fruit notes .. fresh and charming offering lovely balance between fruit and acidity. Fine energy … the essential component in a wine like this. Love the purity and the freshness – will no doubt be drinking beautifully.

(Drink from 2019) – Good+ – (85 – 86p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

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Domaine Chantereves, Aligote 2017

The new aligote from Chantereves is from their first vineyard .. own vineyard .. located in the Ladoix appellation – photos below. The vines are very old – producing a lovey wine. I see this terroir each time I travel from Nuits-Saint-Georges to Beaune – a fine reminder of the fine wines that can be made from these apparently modest terroirs below the road. The aligote is typical for old vines .. hence with a beautiful intensity .. and made right offering both balance and complexity … a step up from the Bourgogne Blanc in my view, so quite a bargain. I do love a good glass of Aligote – and this is a truly lovely Aligote – as is the potential of this vineyard.

(Drink from 2019) – Good+ – (86 – 88p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

Maison Chantereves, Auxey Duresses

The Auxey-Duresses is somewhat backward and closed currently .. however offering a fine balance and intensity. Lovely acidity with classic grape notes driving the minerality forward. Love the saltiness of the minerality … this will be delightful with the right food.

(Drink from 2022) – Very Good – (87 – 88p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

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Maison Chantereves, Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 2017

The 2017 Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot is one of the best whites made at this estate so far, as the effortless refinement and delicacy really is sending Chantereves a notch up in my view. Lets be honest … Morgeot is perhaps not always the most elegant of Chassagne terroirs, but this is showing plenty of delicacy and detail. Tremendous balance and airy refinement .. lovely!

(Drink from 2025) – Fine++ – (92 – 93p) – Tasted 28/05/2018

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My thoughts about the Chantereves 2017s

I think Chantereves have found a lovely balance in the 2017s. The ripeness level is very fine – cool for the vintage – and especially the whites seem to be spot on seen currently. The yields are also fine giving classic and pure wines, with a good energy and balance.

The wines will appeal to most – and will most certainly not disappoint fans of Chantereves.