Domaine Pinson Frères, Chablis Mont de Milieu Premier Cru, Burgundy, France, 2022

Overview of the Wine
For more than 350 years, the Pinson family has produced wine. Laurent and Christophe Pinson, worthy successors of their grandfather Louis, continue the family tradition, which began in 1640, date of the first official documents preserved by the family. In 1940, Louis Pinson and his wife were one of the first wine growers in Chablis to bottle and sell their wines direct to the public. At that time, the domaine had a surface of approximately three hectares, and reached five hectares in 1982.

Following Viticulture-Oenology studies in the renowned wine college of Beaune, the two grandsons arrived, Laurent in 1983 and Christophe in 1987. Their objective was to improve the already excellent wines of the domaine. Today the vineyard has grown to 11 hectares (50 acres) in various appellations such as world renowned Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos, Chablis 1er Crus Montmain, La Forêt, Vaillons, Vaugiraut, and AOC Chablis. 

Of course, the quality of the raw material is of primary importance, and the Pinsons work hard in the vineyard throughout the season. From pruning the vine to the all important grape harvest, all the vineyard work is carried out with the greatest of care, so that Chardonnay gives the maximum of its potential.

The main characteristic of the Pinson wines is intensity and concentration. Often accused of being old fashioned, this estate is now producing some of the most exciting wines of the appellation. The Pinson brothers strictly adhere to tradition. They use small oak casks but no new oak, thus maintaining the mineral freshness of great Chablis without altering the traditional flavors, at the same time taking advantage of the added complexity that comes with the practice of oak aging.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Burgundy, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Exotic aromas of pineapple, vanilla, and apricot on the nose. Round, well-balanced, and with good persistence of flavor.

Pair with fish with sauce, white meat with cream, ham off the bone with a chablisienne sauce.

92-95 Points - Jasper Morris
15% is vinified in new wood, then matured as the other 1ers crus. A little more yellow in the colour, and a slight touch of coconut on the nose. The wood can be detected on the palate too but it will certainly integrate. There is a fine full bodied classical Chablis lurking behind. A notably long succulent finish, then some classical minerality. Certainly, a fine acid balance. They make sure to pick here very early thus avoiding the over exotic character seen in some cellars. The 2022 is set to be a great success. Drink from 2028-2038.

94 Points - Decanter
From 60-year-old southeast-facing vines, with 10% of the blend matured in new oak. This shows Mont de Milieu at its best. Floral notes combine with good ripeness of stone fruit on the palate, freshened up by lovely acidity. Plenty of mineral notes add extra complexity to the whole. A fine premier cru which has power but in a refined, elegant package.

Product size: 750ml