Billaud-Simon Chablis les Preuses 2014 (750ML)

92-95 BH

Note: from a .41 ha parcel of vines planted in 1952

Producer note: As was detailed in these pages last year the competitive landscape in Chablis radically changed on July 30th 2014 with the announcement by Domaine Faiveley that it had signed a purchase contract to acquire Domaine Billaud-Simon. The purchase was consummated as agreed and Faiveley has installed its own régisseur (estate manage) to supervise vineyard operations while Faiveley will provide technical support for the winemaking. However, Jérome Flous, technical director for Faiveley, stressed that the idea is not to change the Billaud style for making ageworthy wines and the intention is to continue marketing the wines under the Billaud-Simon label. As to the changes that have been made though, Flous explained that the Petit Chablis, Chablis and Tête d'Or wines will be bottled under the Diam brand composite cork. Everything else will continue to be bottled under natural cork. In terms of the harvest, they intend to pick the Petit Chablis and Chablis vines by machine and the others will be harvested manually. Lastly, the old vines cuvée of the Mont de Milieu will no longer be bottled.

Tasting note: A pungently complex nose is composed of petrol, citrus, white flower, pear and sea shore elements. The subtly mineral and highly complex flavors possess a highly beguiling texture before culminating in a strikingly long finish that is Zen-like in its harmony. This is a special effort that is worth the trouble to find.