Joseph Mellot : La Grande Châtelaine 2022

The wine shows a pale lemon-yellow color. The nose is fleshy, juicy, complex, and intense. It reveals notes of ripe and fresh yellow fruits (yellow peach, apricot), ripe citrus (lemon, grapefruit), candied lemon peel, crushed green apple, acacia, as well as a delicate, well-integrated lactic touch (fresh butter, brown butter) combined with hints of toasted brioche, toasted hazelnut, and vanilla, underpinned by a chalky mineral backbone. The palate is flavorful and enveloping, with a gourmand, rounded texture. The attack delivers flavors of juicy stone fruits (yellow peach, crushed apricot), along with a chiseled edge of ripe citrus (lemon, blood orange, a pleasant grapefruit bitterness), crushed green apple, and gooseberry. The wine then unfolds notes of white flowers (acacia, linden), honey, toasted brioche, as well as lactic (brown butter, lemon yogurt) and oaky nuances (toasted hazelnut). Lively, mouthwatering acidity and good length with balancing bitterness.