1996 Domaine Billaud-Simon et Fils Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru

A background note of oxidation plays across the now fully mature aromas of straw, underbrush and oyster shell that introduce intense, austere and backward flavors that still pack serious punch and length. I have not had this wine in a long time and I cannot say whether the oxidative note is part of the wine or just this particular bottle. Note that the score does not penalize the wine for this oxidative hint as I suspect it was the bottle and not the wine.

Author: Allen Meadows

Issue: 4th Quarter, 2006