1996 Domaine Louis Michel et Fils Chablis Montee de Tonnerre 1er Cru

Michel's Chablis Montee De Tonnerre had a tight, muted nose the day of my tasting. On the palate, however, it exploded with liquid mineral, chalk, flint, lemon and honeysuckle flavors. This highly-concentrated, complex, medium-to-full-bodied wine combines Chablis' austerity with fabulous richness. It should be at its peak between 2000 and 2007. Michel was so impressed with the health and acidity levels of his grapes that he decided, for the first time, to age his Chablis on their fine lees. He feels this technique brought additional richness and body to the wines. Even though he is (justifiably) quite proud of his 1996s, he feels he might have been able to produce better wines if he could have extended their elevage beyond the scheduled shipping date imposed by his US importer. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.