2024 Chablis Butteaux
Buying options
Tasting notes
If served blind, this beauty would fool no one about its origins as the wet stone, iodine, shellfish and algae scents are pretty much a dead giveaway. There is slightly more size and weight to the equally sleek but more powerful medium-bodied flavors that display first-rate persistence on the youthfully austere, compact and dry finale. This could use better depth so a few years of keeping are in order – this too is one to strongly consider. Drink 2031+
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Small production (three demi-muids) hence 100% 3- to 5-year-old barrels, 456 litres and 500 litres. Vat sample. Less stony/mineral than the Montmains, and even more peachy. Smells of creamy ripe citrus and stone fruit, really aromatic and full of fruit. On the palate, full in the mouth, nothing lean about this and only a touch stony on the finish. Generous and approachable but kept in check by the acidity. Long finish.
The 2024 Chablis Butteaux ler Cru comprises three barrels this year, partially barrel aged as usual. This has an intriguing, well-delineated bouquet with almond and white tea scents infusing the citrus fruit. The palate is tightly wound and sorbet-fresh on the entry, with blood orange and quince notes emerging on the edgy finish. Again, so much energy is locked up in this Chablis. It has great potential.
Escaping the hail, the 70+ year old vines came through with a good yield of 30 hl/ha. Pale in colour with a sensual grace to the nose, Butteaux always has a little more flesh than a classic Montmains. That suggestion of Right Bank. Then on the palate we come back to the Left Bank with this biting acidity easily covered by the fruit.
About the producer
Samuel Billaud started making wine under his own name in 2009, but he is one of the most experienced producers in Chablis, having made wine in the region since 1985.