2013 Chablis

Kept in barrel until December this is bright and clear in colour. Picked early, the fruit bounds out of the glass, no sign of the oak. Displaying a whole raft of different fruits, the oak lends support behind. In particular the fruit acid balance impresses. Great Chablis. 
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer

Picking began on 30th September, stopped for the rainy weekend, then the small amount remaining was finished afterwards. The Pinsons have been making such good wine for several years now, and 2013 certainly continues that story.

From 2013 a new plot dating back to 1936 has been added in Côte de Bréchain to go with those in Pied d’Aloue and Chapelot.  Fine, clear and bright, with a stylish but also laid back nose, very good tension through the middle, a small amount of yellow plum fruit but not as exotic as some years. Very long finish though, supported by a deft touch of oak. 
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer

The domaine began picking on 26th September, the first to do so in Chablis and ahead of many in the Côte d’Or. It was the right decision since with their low yields and well aerated bunches the grapes were ripe enough, harvesting conditions were good, and everything was picked before the horrible weather of 5th and 6th October. As a result these are wines of exceptional intensity and potential longevity.

Fresh, pale yellow colour, there is a huge weight of shining white fruit with magical intensity, classical Chablis in a relatively rich register. Very lovely and impressively long, this has the makings of a classic with just a little touch of iodine in the finish.
Jasper Morris MW - Burgundy Wine Director

Samuel Billaud notes the very short window in 2013: the grapes were late to ripen but then it poured on Saturday 5th October which accelerated the rot. He began at the end of September and finished on 8th October. Overall yields were low but acceptable, with very concentrated wines which are as concentrated as, but a touch less saline than,2012. He feels the best successes in 2013 are on the right bank.

Pale but intense and ultra-concentrated, this displays very dense white fruit and an edge of smokiness. Highly impressive, there is weight and fruit richness, with lovely lemon-scented notes,  brilliant intensity and a fine suave finish. Another great example of Les Clos magic. 
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer

Benoît began harvesting on 26th September so almost everything was picked before the rain. Supply is down 30 percent because of the flowering but there was very little rot. It all passed off without problem during vinification and in the cellar.

From a subdivision of Montmains, with 50 year old vines. Bottled in June after eighteen months in barrel. There are some delicious lime-flower notes with a perfect vibrancy running through the palate. This has a particularly lovely finish, neither too fat nor too oaky but with the dramatic tension of fine Chablis. Drink 2016-2020
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director

Edouard Vocoret is the scion of one of Chablis’ well known families. He met Eleni (née Theodoropoulos ) when they were both working in New Zealand, since when he has apprenticed with the excellent Daniel Barraud (Pouilly Fuissé) while Eleni has been working with Vincent Dauvissat who has given them a great deal of help in setting up their own small domaine in Chablis. We have nicknamed this promising pair the Vocoropouloi.

There are just two wines from the debut vintage, 2013, which has been hand harvested and matured in wood, using older barrels. They have nearly five hectares of Chablis, in three plots, the largest being Le Bas de Chapelot, just below Montée de Tonnerre. This is the only one currently being bottled. There is also a small holding of 1er cru Les Butteaux.

The vines here date from 1974. The bouquet offers a relatively rich expression of Chablis, if still a bit tight at the moment. There are apples and fresh quince, a huge volume of fruit on the palate, with real weight. It finishes on a pure expression of minerality.
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer

Picking began on Wednesday 2nd October for Les Butteaux and finished on the 8th. The crop was down overall by 35%, especially in village and Grand Cru. The wines underwent a long, slow fermentation without any lees stirring. Though we have long been admirers of this domaine, this is the first appearance for Louis Michel in our Grand Burgundy Offer.off without problem during vinification and in the cellar.