2010 Chablis Montmains

The 2010 Chablis 1er Cru Montmain has a vibrant apple blossom and limestone-scented bouquet: no-frills but still representing an enticing bouquet. The palate is well-balanced with a crisp citric line of acidity. It does not quite have the depth on the finish compared to some of the 2011s, although there is an attractive note of shaved ginger that lingers on the tip of the tongue, long after the wine has gone. Drink now-2020. While I am familiar with the wines of Vincent Dauvissat, I must confess that I was less familiar when it comes to Jean & Sebastien Dauvissat. Perhaps that is because they have less exposure here in the UK, but given the quality, I hope that changes because these wines were quite a revelation. No, they did not quite reach the heady heights over at Vincent Dauvissat. But my word – this was a damn impressive portfolio that I look forward to revisiting. Sebastien Dauvissat, the son of Jean who passed away several years ago, was there to greet me at the winery almost next door to Francois Raveneau. There are around 10 hectares of vine and the fermentation and elevage are conducted in stainless steel vats. I asked Sebastien how he perceives the 2013 vintage and whether there are any other vintages it is comparable to. He answered that the 2013s reminded him of the 2002 vintage due to its floral aromas. The yield was around 32 hectoliters per hectare and the 2013s were harvested in six days, 10 days earlier than the 2012s, with only the young vines suffering. Due to the extended time in barrel, these wines are released later than others, so I tasted a mixture of both young and older Chablis, which were as impressive as each other. The leitmotif was precision – a virtue that I always seek in Chablis – and that word kept cropping up in my notes. Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990