2019 Pierrick Laroche Maison des Hâtes Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux, Burgundy

Butteaux is one of the ‘climats’ of Premier cru Montmains which is regarded as one of the top Premier cru vineyard sites in Chablis lying beside or below Vaillons. Being one of the most southern locations for 1er cru in Chablis it is regarded as a cooler site with slightly later harvest. Here there is a very thin layer of clay which overlays the Kimmeridgian marls.

The 2019 Chablis Butteaux 1er Cru has a tightly wound, backward nose, quite earthy at first, then developing scents of Granny Smith apples and flint with time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate delivers fine acidity that cuts through the rich citrus fruit, along with touches of white peach and a tang of quince. Lightly spiced and quite persistent toward the saline finish. Excellent.

92 points Neal Martin vinous.com October 2021

First vintage – 0.25 ha – only barrel elevage and fermentation – 600-litre barrels, none new. Bottled end of November. A deep and impressive nose clearly with plenty of oak but also a quality fruit. Cooler, less sweet than the Chablis – a fine intensity – open and with real depth of flavour. The finish is wide and really quite super – a wine for keeping – certainly for the oak to fade but also to take the edge away from a modest austerity but the finish is super – blood-orange and zesty.

Bill Nanson Burgundy Report January 2021