The 2008 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Blanchots Dessus from Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet is a White Burgundy crafted from Chardonnay grapes grown in the prestigious Blanchots Dessus vineyard, located in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation. This vineyard is a continuation of the famed Montrachet Grand Cru, offering a wine with near-Grand Cru structure. The nose reveals complex aromas of fruit and minerals, with a floral elegance. On the palate, it is voluptuous yet lively, displaying a bouquet that is floral, elegant, and fruity, wrapped in a rich, textured body with a notably saline finish. The wine undergoes long, slow barrel ageing for nearly two years, contributing to its depth, balance, and precision. Produced by the biodynamic-practicing Bachelet brothers (Benoît and Jean-Baptiste), this wine reflects their commitment to terroir-driven winemaking with minimal intervention and indigenous yeasts.
Food Pairings
This wine pairs exceptionally well with refined dishes that complement its complexity and richness. Recommended pairings include:
- Roast Chicken (Poulet Rôti): The wine’s acidity and fruit notes enhance the savory flavors of roasted poultry.
- Scallop Carpaccio (Carpaccio de Saint-Jacques): The mineral and saline qualities of the wine harmonize with the delicate, briny flavors of raw scallops.
- Pauillac Milk-Fed Lamb (Agneau de Lait de Pauillac): The wine’s elegance and structure complement the tender, flavorful lamb.
- Middle-Weight Pastas or Cured Pork Dishes: Its balanced acidity and fruit profile make it versatile for creamy pasta dishes or charcuterie.
Critics Reviews
- Jasper Morris MW: Describes the 2008 vintage as a “complex and elegant premier cru” with a notably saline finish, worthy of the finest in Burgundy. He highlights its floral and pear notes, impressive intensity, and richness, noting its proximity to Montrachet as a top plot in Blanchots Dessus.
-
CellarTracker Community (Average 88/100): Community reviews praise its floral and pear notes, with comments on its lush, slightly broad character in warmer vintages, though the 2008’s classic profile is well-received for its structure and intensity.
-
Wine-Searcher (88/100): The 2008 vintage received a score of 88/100, indicating solid critical approval for its balance and quality.
Drink Window
The recommended drink window for the 2008 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Blanchots Dessus is 2008–2020. While this wine has likely reached or passed its peak, well-stored bottles from this vintage may still offer complexity and pleasure, though they should be consumed soon to enjoy their full expression
Serving Temperature
The ideal serving temperature is 12°C (53.6°F), which allows the wine’s complex aromas and flavors to shine without being muted by excessive cold or dulled by warmth.
