2023 Domaine Paul Pillot, Chassagne-Montrachet, Vieilles Vignes Rouge

Domaine Paul Pillot's Chassagne-Montrachet, Vieilles Vignes Rouge exemplifies Thierry Pillot's terroir-first philosophy, utilizing organic farming principles and a non-interventionist approach in the cellar. The wine is a direct outcome of extended *élevage* in larger, older barrels with minimal new oak, allowing the intrinsic character of the 50-plus-year-old Pinot Noir vines to define its structural integrity. Sourced from clay and reddish limestone soils directly below Chassagne's 1er Cru Les Morgeots, this expression anchors the wine in its specific geographic reality. The 2023 vintage, characterized by a warm growing season and a late-season heatwave, facilitated physiological ripeness while preserving a taut, invigorating acidity and fostering fine, muted tannins. This results in a medium-bodied, juicy Pinot Noir with a harmonious balance and poised structure, making it approachable in its youth with potential for graceful maturation.