2012 Chablis Butteaux
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux is still impressively youthful and tightly wound. Opening in the glass with notes of citrus zest, crisp green apple, white flowers, oyster shell and struck match, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and incisive, with a tangy spine of acidity and chalky grip that asserts itself on the finish. In fact, this is still five or six years from its drinking window to my taste, but it will give the 2010, 2014 and 2017 a run for their money at maturity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Chablis Butteaux is the most aromatically lifted and ethereal of the 1er Crus. Sweet floral notes meld into white orchard fruit, mint and slate as this exquisite, delicate wine shows off its personality. It will be interesting to see if the 2012 fleshes out a bit more in bottle, as today it is a bit reticent, especially on the mid-palate.
Pale color. Reticent aromas of citrus peel, white stone fruits and oyster shell, plus a suggestion of oak spice (the Raveneaus used "more recent" oak barrels for this wine and their Montee de Tonnerre in 2012, according to Bernard). Sappy and alive in the mouth, with terrific mineral lift to the flavors of white peach, apple and dusty stone. Finishes bright and long, with subtle lime and mineral nuances. This was splendid from the barrel a year ago and it's every bit as strong following the recent bottling.
The 2012 Chablis Butteaux is one of the more ethereal and elusive wines in this range. Intensely floral and lifted in style, the 2012 wafts across the palate with notable delicacy in its aromas and flavors. Today, the Butteaux appears to be shut down and not really in a mood to show all of its cards. The style, though, appears to be on the lighter side.