Francois Raveneau Montee de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru 2018

Burghound Outstanding ♥ - This is perhaps the most elegant and floral-infused wine in the range with its array of various white flower scents, especially acacia that are nuanced by wisps of ocean breeze, iodine and algae. The restrained and well-detailed flavors possess a sophisticated and refined mouthfeel while the stony and chiseled finish exhibiting excellent persistence on the bone-dry finish. This is class in a glass and a stunning rendition of the appellation. 95PTS Allen Meadows, Burghound

It was interesting that Maxim chose to show the Montée de Tonnerre ahead of the Butteaux this year, which I took not to be a reflection of what he felt of the relative merits of the two wines in 2018, but rather, that as Butteaux has that parcel of really old, high quality vines in it as well, it should have the place of honor and be served last amongst the premier crus. The 2018 Montée de Tonnerre is a stunning wine in the making, soaring from the glass in a complex blend of lemon, pear, beeswax, chalky minerality, a touch of straw and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, beautifully-balanced and shows off great purity, with a rock solid core, snappy acids and laser-like focus and excellent grip on the very, very long and complex finish. 95PTS John Gilman, Decanter