Armand Heitz Saint-Aubin 1er Cru sur Gamay Blanc

From magnum From underneath the gamay vines? No looked this up. "overlooking the neighboring hamlet of Gamay" Nose - light anise, fennel, smells a bit like a good glass of Blanc de Blanc left out overnight. Mouth - full bodied , grippy. Crystalline , yet tart and shrill. Ying Yang. Laaaaaa! Huge potential here. Hold for sure.

A private lunch (Restaurant Chez Armand, Mimande (Chaudenay), France) : Harvested 3 September 2020, no new oak, SO2 libre 11 mg/l, 12% ABV, 1945 bottles produced. Has developed very well since I last tasted this in 2022, very typical for 2020 with its tension between ripe citrus and orchard fruit and fresh acidity, concentrated but airy, elegant weight (12% ABV), rounded off nicely by the oak (none new), convincing finish.

This is an exceptional Chardonnay at any price, but even better at the going rate. Slight matchstick reduction upon opening that blows off with some air, revealing lemon, ripe granny smith, and distinct chalky notes. On the palate this is rich without being overripe, with good texture due to substantial dry extract. The finish is all fruit; lemon, lychee, apple. Electrifying acidity frames the picture throughout. A wonderful wine. Bottled under DIAM 10. Drink or hold.

Académie des Cinquante Burgundy visit; 6/1/2022-6/3/2022 : Freshness and drive, lovely nose, nice warmth from the “chauffe blanche” wood, bright and energetic, good weight and balance, slightly earthy, good length.