2017 Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru Forêts

Louis Michel

France / Chablis / Louis Michel

Two parcels, planted 10 years apart. Kimmeridgian left bank soils of hard limestone in a clay base; very stony, shallow ground. Vines with an average age of 35 years.

January, 2020

Antonio Galloni

Vinous Media

94 points.

The 2017 Chablis Forêts 1er Cru is powerful and explosive, with a captivating mélange of bright citrus fruit and stony mineral-inflected tones. Citrus peel, white flowers, crushed rocks and white pepper add aromatic explosiveness to this finely sculpted, chiseled Chablis from Louis Michel. In 2017, the Fôrets is a real stand out.

May, 2019

William Kelley

Wine Advocate

92 points.

Aromas of Meyer lemon, mandarin, warm biscuits, beeswax and dried white flowers introduce the 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Forêts, a medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny wine with an enveloping attack, succulent acids and a pure, elegantly saline finish. This is a dramatic but controlled Forêts that's textural but precise.

August, 2019

Nick Stock

JamesSuckling.com

92 points.

The limestone here is a guiding influence with fresh lime and green-mango aromas, as well as wet, chalky stones. The palate has a very fresh and composed feel with supple, fleshy fruit and a nicely composed finish. Good depth here. Drink now.

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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.