2010 Chablis Les Preuses

The 2010 Chablis Les Preuses is another wine that captures the essence of the year in its crystalline purity. It reflects the subtler, more refined side of 2010 in its finely cut, chiseled white stone fruits, slate, smoke, mint, crushed rocks and lime. Although there is plenty of energy and focus in the glass, the Preuses, and the finish in particular, is all about delicacy and understated minerality. Anticipated maturity: 2014+. Bernard Billaud told me he views 2011 as a classic Chablis vintage, one of the few producers who holds that view. The growing season got off to an early start, with flowering that was three weeks ahead of schedule. The harvest began on September 10, as opposed to late September/early October, which is much more common. I tasted most of the 2011s from tank and/or barrel, except the Petit Chablis and Chablis, which were bottled in May 2012. Always eloquent, Billaud describes 2010 as a ‘grand millesime.’ Vintage 2010 at the domaine was characterized by a rainy summer with little heat. On average, yields were down 25%. Billaud bottled his 2010 grand crus in May 2012. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900

Pale yellow-green. Precise aromas of white peach, lime blossom and crushed stone. Silky, round and fine-grained, with enticing floral and mineral lift. This supple, subtly sweet grand cru is in a distinctly feminine style in 2010. Finishes with a slight warmth.

Really convincing depth of fruit. Very fresh and succulent. Great precision. (JR)