2013 Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux Vieilles Vignes

Louis Michel

France / Chablis / Louis Michel

This parcel was planted in 1954, and 2005 marked its 51st birthday... With its exceptional location, with vertical roots plunging deep into the ground, its yield is slowing reducing year after year. It is therefore matured separately in the same way as a Grand Cru and can be labelled "Vielles Vignes".
Terroir
Kimmeridgian. Left Bank. This parcel is located on the top of the slopes, with clay loam on the surface and plenty of limestone.
Grape
100% Chardonnay.
Age of the vine
51 years.
Vinification
With no added yeast, long fermentation using natural yeast, in temperature-regulated tank. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
Maturing
On fine lees, only in stainless steel tanks, with as little manipulation as possible, during 16 months minimum. Long stabilisation at moderated low temperatures. Fining if necessary using bentonite. One light filtration is performed before bottling.

August, 2014

Antonio Galloni

Vinous Media

91-93 points

The 2013 Chablis Butteaux Vieilles Vignes emerges from a parcel of vines at the top of the hill. Here all the flavors and nuances are turned up a few notches. The fruit is more intense, but so is the minerality. Lemon peel, sage and mint all flesh out in this gorgeous, highly promising wine. The richness and pure intensity of the fruit temper some of the austerity that is typical of this site.

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About Louis Michel

The Michel family have been cultivating their passion for tradition and the Chablis terroir since 1850. The winery is situated in the heart of the village, with the 25-hectare vineyard spread over the very first slopes that were discovered by Cistercian monks in the 11th century. Forty years ago, the family decided to stop making the wine in wooden barrels, preferring to create clean, pure and precise Chablis without adding artificial woody tastes. Through this philosophy, combined with the limited yields inspired by organic winegrowing techniques, the domaine has developed a worldwide reputation for fine winemaking in stainless steel tanks. Today it’s Guillaume Michel who upholds the family tradition and further its reputation.

About

Guillaume Michel is the sixth-generation representative of a family which has been making wine since 1850. He was recently handed the reins by his uncle Jean-Loup Michel. Their philosophy is to impart as little interference as possible, with the two principal ambitions being to respect the environment and to reflect the terroir in their wines.