Description

Additional information

Story

Since 1831, The Bichot family has been at the forefront of Burgundy wines. Over the course of 6 generations, the house style has become more and more refined and distinct in elegance.With Albéric Bichot at the helm since 1996, the house has focused its future on quality, minimal intervention winemaking and organic farming. The embodiment of this approach resulted in their 6 domaines being fully organically certified since 2018, while receiving praise and awards on the quality of the wines.

“La Moutonne” is a vineyard nestled in a natural amphitheatre at the heart of the Grand Cru sector of the historic age-old Chablis wine country. Its shape and ideal location make it a natural solar receptor. Sitting 95% in “Vaudésir” and 5% in “Les Preuses” (formerly owned by the Pontigny monks), “La Moutonne” is a monopole meaning Domaine Long-Depaquit is the sole owner. With its south/south-eastern exposure and a steep slope of almost 40%, this vineyard is protected from north winds.

Specifications

Parcel size: 2.35 ha (5.8 acre) plot
Soil: Calcareous and Kimmeridgian clay
Average age of the vine: 46 years

Vatting: In stainless steel vats (75%) ; In 1 to 5-year-old oak barrels (25%)

Ageing: In oak barrels 25%, and final ageing in stainless steel vats (100%). 10 months in oak barrels ; Final ageing in stainless steel vats 6 months, on fine lees

Tasting Notes

Tasting

The nose is evocative of fleshy fruit (peach, nectarine) with discreet citrus and floral notes (jasmine, violet). Full-bodied and generous on the palate with very distinct marly minerality due to the micro-terroir. Immensely fresh, light, and supple with hints of oak and exceptional length.

Food/wine pairing

“La Moutonne” Grand Cru is the perfect match for the noblest fish or shellfish, lightly pan-fried or in a cream sauce. If enjoyed when aged, this Grand Cru is a fine accompaniment for farm-raised chicken in cream sauce.

Serving and keeping

Serve between 10 and 12°C (50°F – 53°F).
This exceptional Grand Cru may be cellared for approximately 15 years.

Critic Ratings

Tim Atkin – 95 points

Inside Burgundy – 92-97 points

Clear fresh pale lemon. This is elegant and classy, picked at the right moment. It shows the weight of ripe fruit, predominantlyclassy white fruit, some pears, a little citrus tingle, nicely saline behind. A wine with depth and weight, and the structure for quitelong ageing. Brilliant finish.

Jancis Robinson – 17.5 points

Creamy almond notes, with oyster shell, spice and yellow apple. Dense, chalky and tight, with brisk acidity rather than crisp. Creamy and long, and certainly needs time. Worthy of grand cru.

Vinous – 94 points

The 2018 Chablis Moutonne Grand Cruhas a delineated, crushed stone and lightly sea-influenced bouquet that gains intensity with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, elegant and poised, and the finest finish among the domaine’s Grand Crus. There is a sense of energy here, and a great aftertaste. Excellent.