2014 Chablis Les Preuses
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chablis Grand Cru les Preuses is matured in three-year-old, 450-liter wooden barrels until racking, and then undergoes another six months in stainless steel vats on the fine lees. It has a very refined and precise bouquet, the fruit succinctly assimilated with the oak and allowing the mineralité to shine through. The palate is crisp and harmonious, subtle hints of white peach and nectarine complementing the chalky texture; the acidity is beautifully judged and exudes harmony and precision on the persistent finish. I would have liked a little more spiciness to come through, but give this 3-4 years in bottle and I am certain it will develop even more terroir expression.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(these vines are between 60 and 70 years of age; aging in five-year-old oak): Pale yellow-green. Alluring aromas of pink grapefruit, orange zest, ginger, spices and white flowers. Broad, dense and light on its feet, showing subtle, reticent flavors of citrus zest, pepper, spices and flowers, as well as a delicate salinity. Tight-verging-on-painful today and quite uncompromising. Finishes salty and bracing but not quite hard. This will need considerable bottle aging upon release.
The 2014 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses has a very refined, marine-influenced bouquet with oyster-shell scents developing alongside subtle, spicy aromas. The palate is fresh, vibrant with lime and citrus lemon, the acidity providing the momentum and the energy that drives this Les Preuses along, finishing with a mineral flourish. This is superior to the 2013 at the moment and should delight many Chablis-lovers once in bottle.
Relatively nutty on the nose and then absolutely bone dry. For the very long term. Lots to chew on. Pretty uncompromising at the moment. (JR)
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.