Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru rouge Clos Saint-Jean AOC 2023

A Pinot Noir of youthful freshness that reveals its origin through fragrance and fruit rather than power. In the glass, a fairly transparent, luminous ruby; on the nose, red berries and cherries with accents of undergrowth, fine oak and a hint of cinnamon. Attractive and open.

The Premier Cru climat Clos Saint-Jean comprises the actual Clos Saint-Jean at 5.08 hectares, Les Rébiches at 5.45 hectares, Les Murées at 1.61 hectares and the Chassagne du Clos Saint-Jean at 2.02 hectares. The original, walled clos belonged to the Saint-Jean le Grand convent in Autun and was planted in the year 589. The larger part of the vineyard has red soil; this is where Thomas Morey's red Clos Saint-Jean grows, currently made up largely of vines planted in 2017.

Pinot Noir, largely destemmed. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in a combination of neutral barrel and tank, with malolactic fermentation proceeding naturally. The proportion of new oak is around 20%. Sulphur is only added during the last six months in barrel, in several minimal doses, so that the wine never exceeds 35 mg/l. 13.5% vol., dry.

Aromatically vivid, fresh and joyful. Structurally and texturally, the wine has not yet arrived where it belongs: the tannin coats the palate and slows the drinkability somewhat. The juicy finish reveals a very pleasant red cherry fruit. It's worth the wait — the wine will find itself.

Thomas Morey represents the tenth generation of a family rooted in Chassagne-Montrachet since 1643; since 2007 he and his wife Sylvie have farmed 13 hectares across seven villages of the Côte de Beaune, including six Premier Crus of the village. The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has entrusted him with tending its vines in Le Montrachet Grand Cru. Since 2011 he has farmed organically, with spontaneous fermentation and minimal sulphur use.