2008 Chablis Les Preuses
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru from Vincent Dauvissat comes across a little backward on the nose, but gradually unfolds to reveal limestone, granite and honeysuckle aromas. There is a sense of steeliness to the Les Preuses that I admire, though I find the aromatics less spicy than other vintages. The palate is pinned upon an absolutely killer line of acidity. This has razor-sharp mineral tension coupled with outstanding salinity, rendering it very youthful, just a tang of Seville orange marmalade and a viscous texture on the finish giving away its age. There is much potential here.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Wonderfully fresh and alluring on the nose. Racy and almost painful acidity. Love it! Rich start but then crystalline. (JR)
I rank Vincent Dauvissat's 2008 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses as one of his greatest hits, and it's a wine I can never resist ordering whenever I encounter it. This bottle did nothing to dissuade me of my opinion, unfurling in the glass with a stunning bouquet of lemon oil, mandarin, honeycomb, dried white flowers and almond paste, complemented by classy top notes of iodine and salty oystershell. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and layered, with incredible concentration and intensity, a racy line of acidity and a long, stony finish. It's a Preuses that stands out for its combination of texture, intensity and weightlessness, and while it's still youthful, it is drinking superbly already. Writing this note, I'm already salivating for the next bottle.
The 2008 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru has a compelling bouquet that is beginning to open on the nose: beeswax, yellow flowers, hints of almond, lanolin and struck flint, the spiciness that often accompanies this Grand Cru only gradually revealed. The palate is very succinct and well balanced, perfect acidity, so poised and refined with orange zest, mandarin and a touch of spice towards the sophisticated, almost feminine finish. Excellent.