“Montjolys” doesn’t just reside within the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, it’s just a few minutes’ walk south of “Chétillons” and holds denser, deeper chalky clay soils. Rodolphe’s seven distinct parcels produce wonderful phenolic ripeness and concentration while retaining sensational levels of acidity. The handpicked fruit is shuttled to their cellar to undergo a masterclass in precise winemaking: Parcel-specific fermentations occur with partial malolactic and when it comes time for blending, only the best base wine (<10%) is chosen. Once bottling, it’s sent to slumber in their old chalk cellar for six years of lees aging. This parcel was disgorged in April of 2022 and given a dosage of approximately four grams. 

As mentioned in the tasting notes for the 2014 “Montjolys,” this ’15 release is a riper, rounder, sleeker cuvée given the dry and sunny growing season. I think if you were to enjoy one sooner rather than later, let it be this release. That said, I doubt it’ll have any problems aging for one or two decades. Aromas soar out of the glass in the form of ripe green apple and pear, nectarine, lime peel, sweet lemon preserve, crushed chalk, wet shell, star anise, rising dough, frangipane, and vanilla bean. Give it ample air, a slightly warmer temperature, and a calm environment where its nuances can be studied and savored. Try to save some for day two, as well. Cheers.