2017 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre
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Tasting notes
Very, very pale gold. Extreme citrus purity – and smells so much more youthful than might be expected from a 2017. Just starting to turn nutty and toasty, sweeter than the cedary evolution of Les Vaillons Vieilles Vignes. Rich, crisp with a long salty-citrus finish. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Chablis Montée de Tonerre 1er Cru has a strict and linear nose, showing just a touch of reduction at first, though it opens up nicely with time in the glass. Subtle but complex. The taut, fresh palate is well balanced with fine acidity and quite intense. A very composed and focused, live-wire finish encourages you back for another sip. This is simply a superb Chablis Montée de Tonnerre. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.
One of the highlights in this range, the 2017 Chablis Montée de Tonnerre 1er Cru captures all of the energy and tension that makes wines from this site so distinctive. White flowers, mint, crushed rocks, slate and citrus all pulse through the 2017. The style is all about classical austerity, translucence and crystalline purity.
About the producer
Samuel Billaud started making wine under his own name in 2009, but he is one of the most experienced producers in Chablis, having made wine in the region since 1985.