2016 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre

The 2016 Chablis Montée de Tonnerre has a captivating bouquet with apple blossom, cold stone and what brings to mind that slightly algae-like scent, like a pond in the middle of a country village! This is very well defined and there is a lovely flinty note that evolves with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with a precise entry, a crisp line of acidity, taut and linear with a tang of spice towards the harmonious, pure, terroir -driven finish. What a great Montée de Tonnerre.

The 2016 Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre is a chewy, concentrated wine that will need some time in bottle to digest its new oak. Offering up notes of peachy fruit, clove and baking spice, it's medium to full-bodied, dry and blocky. This wasn't an easy year for Montée de Tonnerre, and I wonder if the raw materials were sufficient to stand up to their élevage? Readers willing to roll the dice should cellar it for a couple of years.

Cool, restrained and chalky. Not the most communicative Chablis 2016. Lots to chew on. (JR)