Chablisienne Back Vintage + 1.5ltr
From time to time Chablisienne opens up their cellars to a bevy of back vintages . Today, I’m pleased to offer a couple of wines directly from their cellar, that give you a window into what aged Chablis can become. You’ll also find a list of other wonderful Chablisienne listed below with a 6-bottle mix and match discount. Today, the news is all about Chablisienne.
Wine lovers like myself will always find themselves chasing Chablis, not just because it’s a relative bargain in the world of white burgundy, but because of its stunning flavor profile. Those citrus leaning, sea breeze notes on the nose, coupled with that crunchy acidity and chiseled mineral driven flavors that only the Kimmeridgian soils can produce are SO worth chasing. An everyday quaffer in our home is the La Chablisienne Chablis 1er Vaillons. This one’s not aged, but it hits the sea-breeze, mineral driven spot!
But today’s spotlight is reserved for the 1er cru vineyard of Mont de Milieu . It’s probably not as recognized as its neighboring vineyard, Montee de Tonnerre, but anyone familiar with the geography of Chablis knows this sits on the right bank (same side as the grand crus) and its rich Kimmeridgian soil, along with very small stones on the surface, produces a wine that embodies an unmistakable Chablis character.
Sun-soaked would describe the climate of Mont de Milieu, pronounced "Mont de Miyeux". The combination of an optimal exposure and a homogeneous Kimmeridgian subsoil brings complexity to the wines. Mont de Milieu is powerful, dense and intense as well as elegant and pure. Although it may be slow to develop in its first years, it reaches its peak after aging 10 years or more.
You may begin to see the opportunity here, not just with the older vintages on offer, two of the best (2010 & 2017), but also, the option to cellar some Chabis for the future. Very exciting options, indeed!
2010 Chablisienne Chablis 1er Mont de Milieu 1.5ltr
This is clearly a wine kissed by the sun as there are notes of mildly exotic and clearly ripe yellow fruit, stone and shellfish nuances. There is a beguiling succulence to the well-detailed medium-bodied flavors that are blessed with a plenitude of dry extract that buffers the firm acid spine on the long, saline-infused and bone dry finish. This is really quite impressive and delivers outstanding quality.
- Burghound, 93 Outstanding!
2017 Chablisienne Chablis 1er Mont de Milieu 1.5ltr
This also displays moderate wood influence that serves as the backdrop for the ripe and mildly exotic aromas of citrus, apricot, white peach and petrol. There is noticeably more power and punch if less refinement to the broad-shouldered flavors that are overtly muscular in character, all wrapped in a sappy, sneaky long and built-to-age finale. Note that at least some patience will be required.
- Burghound, 90-93 Sweet Spot Outstanding!
The 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu is backward and reserved, offering up notions of green apple and pastry cream, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate that's firm and concentrated.
- William Kelley, 90-92+
