2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru "Montée de Tonnerre" (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1122730 91-94 points Allen Meadows - Burghound

(from two .5 ha parcels divided between 1/3 Pied d’Aloup and the rest from Chapelot). An expressive, airy and cool nose features notes of stone, sea water, floral aromas and white orchard fruit. This is also exceptionally rich and concentrated yet the medium weight flavors remain light and pure with absolutely no trace of heaviness on the mouth coating and stunningly persistent finish. This is beautifully refined yet there is no absence of muscle or punch. (9/ 2012)

92-94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The most mineral of the premier crus, the 2011 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre possesses an elusive, and at times ethereal, personality than in many ways encapsulates what Chablis is all about. It is the least obvious of the premier crus, but also the most intriguing, as every taste reveals a different shade of expression. This is a wine of enormous promise. The Montee de Tonnerre is made from two climats: 1.5 hectares in Pied d’Aloup (the east facing exposure provides freshness) and 1 hectare in Chapelots, a south facing site that gives richness and stuffing. Anticipated maturity: 2013+. (8/ 2012)

91-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Bright, pale green-yellow. Spicy aromas of pineapple, powdered stone, tarragon and white pepper: smells powerful! Dense, sappy and precise but very young, showing impressive precision to its flavors of lemon, lime, pepper and saline minerality. Rather austere on the long, palate-dusting finish, which is dominated by citrus peel and stone. This very promising wine will need time to express itself. Incidentally, William Fevre will have another parcel of Montee de Tonnerre vines in 2012, through a fermage agreement. (7/ 2012)

Jancis Robinson

50% aged 10-13 months in barrel. Inviting dusty citrus. More concentrated in the middle than the Montmains though less fragrant. Long minerally finish. (2/ 2013)