Dancer’s 2002 Chevalier-Montrachet has the most demure nose of all his whites from this vintage, reluctantly revealing notes of almonds and toasty minerals. However, this medium to full-bodied wine exhibits a core of massive depth and concentration. Produced from 23 hectoliter per hectare yields, it expands on the palate, displaying copious quantities of spice-immersed minerals, dense layers of pears, and hints of ginger. This formidable, powerful effort possesses an awesomely long, pure, and suave finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-2013.
According to Vincent Dancer, he and his fellow vignerons “were terrified in early September that nothing would ripen, we were saved by two weeks of magnificent weather composed of strong winds from the North.” He added that “the sun wasn’t really powerful, the days were cool, but the grapes were concentrated and ripened over a two week period.” A big fan of the 2002s, Dancer said “what I love is their stuffing and lengthy finishes.” He is a bright young grower with a huge future ahead of him; Burgundy enthusiasts need to remember this name!
Importer: A Roy Cloud Selection, Vintage ‘59 Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-9218