2022 Benoit Moreau - Chassagne Montrachet Maltroie (750ml) [PRE ARRIVAL]
Benoît Moreau built his own domaine in Chassagne-Montrachet after separating from the family's Domaine Bernard Moreau in 2021, carrying with him roughly four hectares of vines he had helped farm since joining his father and brother in 2002. Working biodynamically, he favors gentle, hands-on methods in the vineyard, including the traditional practice of braiding the vine canopy rather than trimming it mechanically.
La Maltroie sits just below the village and, though small at just over 0.3 of a hectare across two parcels, is Benoît's largest premier cru holding. The older parcel, planted seventy years ago, grows on thin, stony, limestone soils that give finesse and a salty minerality, while the second, fifty years old, sits on richer brown clay and produces a more opulent, layered wine. The two are blended together after fermentation with native yeasts and careful barrel aging.
The 2022 has a lovely bouquet of clementine, white tea, and a subtle whiff of crushed oyster shell that builds with air. The palate is taut and fresh, with a lip-smacking salinity and real underlying power. It finishes animated and rocky, almost uncompromising in its intensity, with exceptional length for the vintage.