Domaine Louis Michel
Vieilles Vignes Butteaux Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay
Chablis, Burgundy, France
The 2019 Chablis Butteaux Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru has a tightly-wound, backward, smoke-tinged bouquet opening with light orange blossom, nougat and wild peachy scents that begin to take over. The palate is well-balanced with a smooth opening, harmonious with well-judged acidity, and lightly spiced with pleasing coherence toward the finish that lingers in the mouth. Nuanced and intellectual, this is a very well-crafted Chablis that appears to have seriously "kicked on" since tasting it a couple of years ago. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
The 2019 Chablis Butteaux Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru has a tightly-wound, backward, smoke-tinged bouquet opening with light orange blossom, nougat and wild peachy scents that begin to take over. The palate is well-balanced with a smooth opening, harmonious with well-judged acidity, and lightly spiced with pleasing coherence toward the finish that lingers in the mouth. Nuanced and intellectual, this is a very well-crafted Chablis that appears to have seriously "kicked on" since tasting it a couple of years ago. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
It’s a great time to drink this 2010 Vielles Vignes cuvée. Color has evolved to a pale golden still displaying green reflections and some remnants of its tart malic acid thanks to optimal storage by a European supplier. Gorgeous Chablis with surprising amount of textural richness and rounded mid palate. Fruit is very up front and mineral tones build slowly into a chalky finish. Aromatics are nuanced but not particularly forceful or dramatic- a bit of orchard blossom character with some ripe golden apple and a hint of pineapple and lemon zest. To my palate this is a great display of optimal ripeness- rich fruit characteristics at the fore but remaining light on its feet in the typical moderate alcohol style. I remain a huge Louis Michel fan. Chardonnay of steely purity and focus, but they are never overly austere.
It’s a great time to drink this 2010 Vielles Vignes cuvée. Color has evolved to a pale golden still displaying green reflections and some remnants of its tart malic acid thanks to optimal storage by a European supplier. Gorgeous Chablis with surprising amount of textural richness and rounded mid palate. Fruit is very up front and mineral tones build slowly into a chalky finish. Aromatics are nuanced but not particularly forceful or dramatic- a bit of orchard blossom character with some ripe golden apple and a hint of pineapple and lemon zest. To my palate this is a great display of optimal ripeness- rich fruit characteristics at the fore but remaining light on its feet in the typical moderate alcohol style. I remain a huge Louis Michel fan. Chardonnay of steely purity and focus, but they are never overly austere.
Jun 5th, 2018
This is the Vieilles Vignes cuvée. It's nice, but lacks a sense of place. Subtle nose of slightly brothy golden delicious apple fruit. Broad and mouthfillingly soft, but with subdued flavors. What is there is mostly minerally. Low acidity for its type. Stepford Chablis.
This is the Vieilles Vignes cuvée. It's nice, but lacks a sense of place. Subtle nose of slightly brothy golden delicious apple fruit. Broad and mouthfillingly soft, but with subdued flavors. What is there is mostly minerally. Low acidity for its type. Stepford Chablis.
Jan 16th, 2017Claasic buttocks fat and juicy!
Claasic buttocks fat and juicy!
Jul 23rd, 2016
This was rich with pear, ripe apple, mineral, wet stone, nice balance of fruit & acid. Great QPR that was delicious & quickly drained
This was rich with pear, ripe apple, mineral, wet stone, nice balance of fruit & acid. Great QPR that was delicious & quickly drained
Sep 9th, 2024
Mag of 2011 1er cru Butteaux VV. Drinking beautifully right now. Round & full, with plenty of yellow apple, lemon, hint of baking spice on the finish. Really delicious & versatile food pairing wine
Mag of 2011 1er cru Butteaux VV. Drinking beautifully right now. Round & full, with plenty of yellow apple, lemon, hint of baking spice on the finish. Really delicious & versatile food pairing wine
Jul 9th, 2021
Eric had this 8 years ago
Eric had this 8 years ago
May 10th, 2017