Monthélie 1er Cru “Les Duresses” 2006, Ch de Puligny-Montrachet

I purchased this bottle in 2009 at a tasting in the domaine and cellared it at Imbibers’ Guide HQ in Puligny until 2018. Our HQ is a one minute walk from the château’s tasting room so not too much happened to the bottle in transit. This 2006 predates the acquisition of the château by de Montille jnr. Having been a long-time sceptic of the “sleeping and plump” 2006 vintage I finally found a little stunner! This Monthélie 1er Cru has a lovely cherry liqueur nose, sweet aniseed, raspberry and a hint of eucalyptus. There is cherry and strawberry both with an underlying sourness from the maturity. Final flavour of red (not green) rhubarb. Trademark 2006 soft texture. Who knows if 2006 Monthélie should have evolved this way? Only pinot knows, as pinot goes. Scores 82/100... and I would be amazed if there are any other bottles left.