2017 Heitz-Lochardet Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Rouge, Cote de Beaune

The young Armand Heitz directs this small but growing domaine whose range of reds will continue to expand over the next few years, in fact the Morgeot is the latest addition. With respect to the 2017 vintage, Heitz noted that "after avoiding another potential frost-related disaster we enjoyed a pretty easy and warm growing season. The harvest arrived early as we began picking the Chevalier-Montrachet on the 27th of August and then attacked the rest of the range. Yields were quite good for the pinot but not so much for the chardonnay as there was quite a bit of shatter during the flowering. The fruit was clean and ripe and I used 100% whole clusters for the vinifications which were easy to manage. As to the wines, I like the reds and I really like the whites and both should age well."
 
A softly toasty nose offers up notes of earth and pepper on the red currant and plum aromas. The nicely rich and attractively textured medium weight flavors possess good depth and persistence on a nicely balanced finish. This should be approachable young if that's your preference.
Drink 2023+
 
Allen Meadows burghound.com

2017 Heitz Lochardet Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Rouge is a beautifully expressive Côte de Beaune Pinot Noir that captures the more muscular, savoury side of Chassagne while retaining finesse and balance. Morgeot is one of the largest and most distinctive premier cru sites in Chassagne Montrachet, sitting on deeper clay limestone soils that naturally produce wines with more structure, darker fruit and a grounded, earthy character compared to the village’s lighter sites. In 2017, the vintage delivered clarity, freshness and excellent balance, allowing the site’s personality to shine.

Domaine Heitz Lochardet is a small, meticulous estate that works quietly but with real intent. The approach is traditional and site focused, with careful vineyard work, restrained yields and gentle winemaking designed to respect the character of each parcel. In Morgeot, extraction is handled delicately to avoid heaviness, and oak is used with a light hand, framing the wine rather than shaping it. The goal is always transparency and longevity rather than immediate impact.

Aromatically, the wine is layered and evolving. Red and dark cherry, wild strawberry and plum skin form the core, followed by notes of rose petal, dried herbs and subtle spice. With air, more savoury complexity emerges. Forest floor, gentle earth and a faint ironstone note reflect Morgeot’s clay rich soils and give the wine its sense of depth and seriousness.

On the palate, this is a Pinot Noir with shape and authority. The fruit is medium bodied but concentrated, flowing through a structured mid palate supported by fresh acidity. Tannins are fine grained and persistent, giving grip and definition without hardness. There is a savoury undercurrent throughout, hints of tea leaf, spice and mineral that build toward a long, composed finish. Oak is discreet and well integrated, adding texture and quiet complexity rather than sweetness.

This is a Pinot Noir that shines at the table. Roast duck, pork, mushroom dishes, game birds or classic Burgundian fare are ideal pairings. While approachable now with decanting, the 2017 Heitz Lochardet Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Rouge has the structure to age gracefully over ten to fifteen years, developing more earthy, savoury and tertiary complexity with time.

2017 Heitz Lochardet Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Rouge is a confident, site driven Burgundy red that shows Chassagne’s darker, more serious side with restraint and precision. A wine for those who appreciate depth, balance and quiet authority in Pinot Noir.