Montmain exudes a combination of ripe, candied flavours and fresher saline notes: spicy floral aromas, toasted almonds, candied lemon and apple. The palate is lively, chalky, pure, and accessible.

The four Montmain parcels are dotted along a clay hillside, with few pebbles. This is a cool or cold climate, depending on the year, and is known to be susceptible to spring frosts. The wines of Montmain are particularly fine and balanced with notes of citrus or white flowers in their youth, depending on the vintage.

Michel’s 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Montmain, bottled in November 2024, derives from southeast-facing vines growing in clay-rich soils that tend to bring roundness. Wafting from the glass with aromas of acacia, green apple, lemon zest and honeysuckle, it’s medium-bodied, bright and lively, with good focus and immediate charm.

A markedly more floral-suffused nose features notes of essence of pear, lemon zest, iodine and a hint of algae. The caressing and solidly concentrated medium-bodied flavors possess just enough energy to avoid being plodding on the reasonably refreshing, clean and moderately dry finale.

The 2023 Chablis Montmain 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet with wild mint and fennel infusing the citric fruit. The palate is very well balanced, with a slightly viscous entry, nectarine and peach notes, and a touch of lemongrass.