The 2012 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos comes from 26-year-old vines and is raised 65% in stainless steel and 35% wooden barrels for 9 months. It has a nicely composed bouquet that unfurls in the glass: fresh pear, green apple and some engaging flinty scents. The palate is clean and fresh with a fine line of acidity. It is nicely poised, but reserved at the moment, with good tension on the tightly wound finish. Give this 4 or 5 years to show what it can do. Drink 2018-2028.
Readers may remember my waxing lyrical about the 2011s from Chateau Long-Depaquit last year, after I encountered the wines at an Albert Bichot tasting chez Vinexpo. This estate was founded back in 1791 after the French Revolution. Previously La Moutonne itself had belonged to the monks of Pontigny and included 1.1 hectares in Vaudesir. The current La Moutonne comes from those vines augmented by others located in Les Preuses but despite this, the INAO still do not recognize it has an official grand cru. Status aside, I found much to enjoy here, a testament to the winemaking skills of Alain Serveau and his team.
Importer: Albert Bichot (US).