Michel Niellon
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Director
The domaine is thriving in the hands of three generations: Michel Niellon himself, his son-in-law Michel Coutoux and his grandson Mathieu. They had their work cut out with the storm which ravaged the Chassagne-Santenay border in September 2010, but fortunately only the village wine was much affected, with a significantly reduced yield. They began picking the Grand Crus on 16th September and the domaine is also benefitting from its new facilities being close to the town of Chagny.
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director
In Chassagne the crop was reduced by small, cumulative incidents: spring frost, especially on the Puligny side; difficult flowering, with coulure and millerandage; three doses of hail; and a bit of midsummer grilling on top. So the crop chez Niellon is at least 30% down. Michel Coutoux, who now runs his father-inlaw’s domaine, is pleased to have picked early and the excellent quality of his wines show that this was the right decision for them in 2012. They were bottled in September.
A text-book Chassagne; a perfect balance of fleshy fruit and crisp acidity with a twist of minerality on the palate. Not as famous as Meursault or Puligny, but for me, the village that produces some of the most drinkable wines in Burgundy, especially when they’re this good.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
This is textbook Chassagne. The wine has an attractive floral, charming nose, a lovely steely body with good solid substance behind and excellent length.
Jasper Morris MW, Berrys' Burgundy Director
Michel Niellon operates out of two absurdly small cellars in Chassagne, producing quite simply sublime wines. He has only 6 hectares of vines, which include small holdings in Chevalier and Bâtard-Montrachet. Old vines and low yields give these wines their intensity, along with Niellon`s supreme winemaking skills.
Supply is severely rationed due to the small size of the domaine and Niellon`s huge following in the United States. But, for those lucky enough to secure some bottles, the rewards are immense.