Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Macherelles AOC 2024

The Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Macherelles 2024 is a tightly built Chardonnay from the premier cru climat of the same name in the north of Chassagne-Montrachet. On the nose it initially comes across as almost austere: preserved green pineapple, salted lemon, lemongrass and a touch of lime, alongside mirabelle plum. The subtly used oak leaves only traces of cinnamon and vanilla, accompanied by a fine reductive note.

Les Macherelles lies on a gentle hill on the northern side of Chassagne. The clay soil carries plenty of iron oxide, which is why around two-thirds of the climat's 5.19 hectares are planted with Pinot Noir. The site is not among the village's best known; Thomas Morey's parcels here carry 40- to 50-year-old vines, and what he draws from them is excellent.

Pure Chardonnay, fermented with indigenous yeasts in a combination of neutral barrel and tank. Malolactic fermentation proceeds naturally, and the wine remains on its lees without any bâtonnage, with a new-oak share of around 20%. Sulphur is added only during the final six months in barrel, in several minimal doses, so the wine never exceeds 35 mg/l overall. 13.0% vol., dry.

Absolutely clear, linear and precise. Plenty of power, grounded and silky in texture, with cool notes, vibrating energy and high-toned clarity. One of the house's premier crus that already drinks well young.

Thomas Morey represents the tenth generation of a family rooted in Chassagne-Montrachet since 1643. Since founding his own estate in 2007 with his wife Sylvie, he has farmed 13 hectares across seven villages of the Côte de Beaune, spread over 57 parcels. He has worked organically since 2011, with spontaneous fermentation and no sulphur added during fermentation. The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has entrusted him with tending its vines in Le Montrachet Grand Cru.