Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chassagne-Montrachet Chaumées Clos de la Truffière 2011 from Vincent Girardin has excellent definition and focus on the nose: the minerality more conspicuous than the other wines in the flight, ergo the aromatics have more pedigree and class. Coming back later, there are lovely peach skin scents coming through. The palate is clean and fresh with lemon peel, orange zest and a slight sour note on the finish that lends tension and poise. Good length in the mouth. Very fine.

The 2003 Chassagne-Montrachet Clos de la Truffiere (white) reveals a spiced pear-scented nose as well as a broad, spicy character. This effort is medium-bodied, fleshy, and loaded with minerals whose effects linger in its lengthy finish. It should be drunk over the next 5 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802; Vincent Girardin also bottles some of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label, imported by Eric Solomon European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The 2002 Chassagne-Montrachet Clos de La Truffiere has an oak-laced nose, a soft, juicy, supple attack and mid-palate, yet a compressed finish. Its juicy apple and oak flavors are regrettably clipped by constricting acidity. However, this is a delicious offering for drinking over the next 2-3 years.

Earth, buttered toast, pears, and spices are found in the aromatic profile of the 2001 Chassagne-Montrachet Chaumees Clos de la Truffiere. The wine is medium-bodied, plush, sensually-textured, and reveals flavors of poached pear as well as white pepper. Some citrus zests appear in the finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802 Note: Vincent Girardin also bottles some of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label, imported by Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565.

The 2000 Chassagne-Montrachet Clos de la Truffiere has a vanilla-laced nose. Medium-bodied, silky-textured, and tangy, it displays loads of purity in its mineral, white fruit, and lemony personality. Drink it over the next 6 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802. In addition, Vincent Girardin sells many of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars, Eric Solomon, New York, NY; tel. (212) 924-4949