Pierre-Ives Colin-Morey - Chevalier Montrachet 'Grand Cru' 2002 Magnum 1500ml

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2002

Introduction & historical background

Pierre-Yves Colin is the son of Marc Colin, the long-standing owner of Domaine Marc Colin in Chassagne-Montrachet. After working in New Zealand and at Domaine Leflaive, he returned to his parents' business, where he was responsible for winemaking. In 2005, he set up his own Domaine Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey and quickly established himself as one of the leading producers of white Burgundy .

The Chevalier-Montrachet appellationis considered one of the most prestigious white wine sites in the world. It is located above Montrachet in the municipality of Puligny-Montrachet and is characterised by particularly calcareous, thin soils. The wines from this site are known for their exceptional minerality, elegance and longevity.

The 2002 vintage is regarded in Burgundy as one of the great white wine vintages of the last decade . The weather conditions were ideal: a warm, dry summer with cool nights ensured slow, even ripening, while a perfect September allowed for a healthy harvest with an optimal balance of acidity and fruit . The wines show a remarkable balance of power and elegance as well as enormous ageing potential .

Tasting profile & character

There is no specific tasting note for the Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chevalier-Montrachet 2002 in the search results. However, the neighbouring Montrachet from the same producer and vintage received an outstanding rating, which can serve as a guide .

Rating (for reference):

Classification and characteristics (based on site and vintage):

The Chevalier-Montrachet is traditionally regarded as the somewhat more mineral, tauter and longer-lived of the two neighbouring Grand Crus. The 2002 can therefore be expected to have the following profile:

• Aroma (nose):a complex bouquet of ripe citrus fruits (lemon, orange), white peach, honeydew melon, combined with fine nutty notes (hazelnut, almond), brioche, shortbread and the typical mineral note of chalk and flint. Acacia honey, camomile and a subtle spiciness often develop with age.

• Palate:Powerful and concentrated, with a silky, almost creamy texture that is infused with a precise, lively acidity. The minerality is clearly noticeable and gives the wine exceptional length and depth. The finish is extremely long, complex and of great freshness.

The 2002 is now at an ideal stage of maturity. The youthful vigour has combined with the complex tertiary aromas, while the acid structure still provides tension.

Technical data

• Producer: Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey (at that time still part of Domaine Marc Colin)

• Vintage: 2002

• Appellation: Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay

• Origin: Commune of Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy

• Soil: Very shallow, white limestone with gravel and clay content

• Ageing: Typical for Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey: ageing in oak barrels (approx. 30-50% new barrels), long lees contact, no or only light fining and filtration

Market & availability

The Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chevalier-Montrachet 2002 is an extremely rare collector's wine. As Pierre-Yves Colin was not yet trading under its own name in this vintage, but the wines were marketed under the Domaine Marc Colin label, identification on the market is particularly important. Concrete current market prices for this specific label and this vintage are not shown in the search results.

Due to the exceptional rating of the 2002 Montrachet by Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey (98 points) and the general appreciation for this producer and the vintage, the price must be assumed to be in the higher four-digit euro range per bottle .

Drinking recommendation & serving tips

• Drinking maturity:The wine is fully mature, but is still at an excellent level depending on storage. Well-stored bottles can continue to give pleasure for another 5-10 years .

• Decanting: Caution is advised with a white wine of this age. Decanting is not absolutely necessary. It is recommended to place the bottle upright a few hours before drinking so that the sediment can collect at the bottom.

• Serving temperature: 12-14 °C (do not serve too cold, otherwise the complex flavours will remain hidden).

• Cork: Due to its age, the cork is often brittle. The use of a corkscrew with maple (e.g. Durand) is recommended.

Food recommendation

The combination of concentration, minerality and ripe fruit harmonises perfectly with:

• Fish: lobster (grilled or in sauce), turbot, sole, salmon in butter

• Poultry: Poulard or pigeon with truffle sauce

• Mushrooms: Dishes with morels or porcini mushrooms

• Cheese: Mature, creamy soft cheese (e.g. Brillat-Savarin, mature Brie) or goat's cheese

Conclusion

The Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2002 is a wine of exceptional quality from a great Burgundy vintage. It embodies the elegance and minerality of its prestigious site and demonstrates the immense craftsmanship of a producer who is now one of the most sought-after Pinot Blanc winemakers in the region. Due to its rarity and age, it is almost exclusively found at auctions or in top collections. For lovers of mature Grand Cru Burgundy, this wine offers an unforgettable flavour experience.