2012 Chablis Les Forets

There are similar elements on the nose here with that of the Butteaux though in this case there is a more pronounced citrus character. I very much like the intensity and detail of the mineral-driven, chiseled and overtly austere medium-bodied flavors that possess a borderline salty finish. This is excellent and I suspect that the youthful austerity will dissipate relatively quickly. Tasted: Oct 15, 2013. Drink: 2017+

The 2012 Chablis 1er Cru Forets comes from 1.7 hectares of 45-year-old vines planted double-Guyot and sees 12 to 14 months in stainless steel vats. It has a light, dried lemon peel nose that evolves subtle estuarine scents with aeration. The palate is primal with smudged lemon and pineapple notes, leading to a crisp, zesty finish that demonstrates good attack. Drink now-2020. ||For background information on Louis Michel’s 2012s, I would refer you to issue 208 of The Wine Advocate. Here, I update those barrel scores now that the wines have been bottled. Some of them felt remarkably closed, sulky even, and I advise keeping the premier crus under wraps for another year or two before opening. Wine Advocate.August, 2014