The Magical 2013's of Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils
January 26, 2017
Allen Meadows was pretty happy about The 2013's in Issue 60 of "Burghound" and who can blame him? The 13's are full of nervy acidity, pretty floral characteristics, and elegance- a very nice combination indeed. While mother nature might have dealt a complex set of challenges to the vignerons, they certainly rose to the occasion at Domaine Guy Amiot & Fils.
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils 2013 Le Montrachet Grand Cru
Score: 95
Tasted: Oct 15, 2015
Drink: 2023+
Issue: 60
Note: from two tiny parcels of vines on the Chassagne side totaling only .09 ha planted in 1923 that have never been worked by tractor because the slope is so steep and thus the vines are worked only by hand. Planted entirely to le vrai chardonnay and the parcels are part of the old Dents de Chien vineyard that were included as part of Montrachet as a result of an agreement reached in Beaune in 1921; aged in 100% new wood
Tasting note: Moderate wood frames beautifully complex but notably reticent aromas of white and yellow orchard fruit, floral and citrus scents that only aggressive swirling coaxes to reveal themselves. The big and concentrated broad-shouldered flavors are also restrained flavors possess terrific intensity before culminating in a tightly wound and hugely long finish that is clean, dry and equally complex. This is potentially very special though note well that this will not be a good candidate to be an early drinker.
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet "Les Caillerets" 1er Cru
Score: 93
Tasted: Oct 15, 2015
Drink: 2020+
Issue: 60
Outstanding
Note: from two parcels totaling .75 ha; one of 30+ year old vines and another of 70+ year old vines planted on le vrai chardonnay
Tasting note: There is enough wood to notice framing the wonderfully elegant nose of white peach, pear, spiced herbal tea and cool citrus hints. There is terrific energy and cut to the medium weight and mineral-driven flavors that possess strikingly good complexity and length. I especially like the reserve of underlying material, in fact so much so that this could exceed my rating in time as the upside potential is considerable.
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils 2013 Puligny-Montrachet "Les Demoiselles" 1er Cru White
Score: 94
Tasted: Oct 15, 2015
Drink: 2020+
Issue: 60
Outstanding
Note: from a parcel of .3 ha aged in 50% new wood; the vines were planted in 1970
Tasting note: Subtle but not invisible wood serves as a relatively neutral backdrop for the wonderfully elegant, cool and pure nose that features notes of acacia blossom, citrus, apple and essence of pear scents. The sense of refinement continues on the mineral-inflected medium-bodied flavors that possess even better depth and gorgeously long finish. This is a really lovely effort where the natural class of a great Puligny is very much on display.
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet "Clos St. Jean" 1er Cru White
Score: 92
Tasted: Oct 15, 2015
Drink: 2019+
Issue: 60
Tasting note: Here the expressive and cool nose is definitely more elegant with its lovely array of citrus, white flower, pear and subtle oak nuances. There is fine precision to the much more mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that possess a lovely sense of underlying tension, all wrapped in a saline, balanced, clean and markedly dry finish that stops just short of austerity. This is a lovely Clos St. Jean that should also drink well young if desired'
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet "Les Macherelles"
Score: 91
Tasted: Oct 15, 2015
Drink: 2019+
Issue: 60
Outstanding
Note: from 20 to 25 year old vines planted in deep clay on SO4 rootstock
Tasting note: This possesses quite an interesting nose as it's comprised by notes of resin, smoke, dried herbs and phenolic nuances (like olive oil) on the mostly white and yellow orchard fruit aromas. There is a textured, even caressing mouth feel to the delicious and generously proportioned medium-bodied flavors that exhibit very good if not truly excellent complexity on the balanced and beautifully persistent finish. Note that this should also drink well young if desired.
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet "Les Vergers" 1er Cru
Score: 91
Tasted: Oct 15, 2015
Drink: 2019+
Issue: 60
Outstanding
Note: from 70+ year old vines on original chardonnay plant material - Amiot calls this le vrai chardonnay or the true chardonnay
Tasting note: There is plenty of resin and exotic tea character to the citrus peel and yellow orchard fruit scents. Here too there is a lovely sense of energy to the caressing medium weight flavors that are shaped by a firm acid spine before terminating in an intensely saline, balanced and lingering finish.
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils 2013 Bourgogne - Chardonnay
Score: 87
Tasted: Oct 15, 2015
Drink: 2017+
Issue: 60
Outstanding
Tasting note: As one would expect given the different underlying variety this sports a completely different nose than the Aligoté that is comprised of citrus, pear and apple aromas. Here too there is fine volume and vibrancy if not quite the same level of detail, all wrapped in a delicious, complex and impressively long finish. This is really quite good for its level and recommended.
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