La Chablisienne - Château Grenouilles Chablis Grand Cru 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

It may not be the most obvious vintage for this wine, but it’s still the winery’s finest, rich, elegant, and well-rounded, with a beautiful balance on the palate.

About the estate:

Chablis’s leading producer consistently delivers a faithful interpretation of the appellation, thanks to the precise and meticulous work of winemaker Vincent Bartement. As always, the wines are released with a one-year delay; this year’s 2016 vintage was a challenging one, but the Mont-de-Milieu terroir fared very well. Other terroirs that the winery usually handles well taste a bit less impressive; let’s wait for the 2017s!

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

This 2009 vintage is made from old vines in the Grenouilles vineyard. It is also La Chablisienne’s flagship wine, a carefully crafted wine designed to express great purity. Its nose, of great finesse, offers a bouquet of white flowers. The palate is round and delicious, with flavors of honey and buttered bread. The mineral finish ensures the length and balance of this highly successful grand cru, perfect for pairing with foie gras.

About the estate:

Founded in 1923, La Chablisienne is a cooperative winery comprising nearly 300 winegrowers and representing a quarter of the Chablis vineyards; it celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2013. A modern and efficient organization, it plays a major role in the appellation’s reputation. The Grenouilles grand cru is one of its flagship wines.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the wine:

Despite its youth, this wine exudes a clear sense of power and complexity, expressed through its mineral notes. The subtle oak aging lends it magical smoky aromas. The lemony finish is a true delight!

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

The 2009 vintage captures the essence of Grenouilles’s grand cru character without its excesses. On the palate, it impresses with its richness and fullness; the acidity isn’t overly persistent, but the mineral-driven bitterness takes over.

About the estate:

The largest producer of Chablis is among the best cooperatives in France, demonstrating equal skill in business and winemaking. With so many cuvées produced, it can be difficult to choose, but all the wines now benefit from flawless technical expertise in pressing and aging on the lees. The standout specialties are the consistently excellent Chablis Vieilles Vignes and the Premier Crus in heavy bottles, which rival the finest offerings from private estates, not to mention the famous Grand Cru Château Grenouilles—which should not be drunk too young! The entry-level wines have improved significantly and have shed the reductive notes that once characterized them. La Chablisienne is in fine form!