Esprit de Chablis 2010 Chablis Premier Cru, Burgundy, France £15.99
100% Chardonnay from vines planted on the right and left banks of the Serein, in the Chablis Premier Cru terroirs on Upper and Middle Kimmeridgian soils. The vines are double-Guyot pruned and planted at a density of 5,500 to 6,500vines/ha. The grapes were harvested with a yield of 58hl/ha in late Sept 2010. The juice was cold-settled before fermentation in a combination of stainless steel tanks and small barrels at 16 - 20°C. Matured on fine lees for 12 months. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Alc 13.0%, TA 3.9g/l, pH 3.25, RS 3.28g/l. Available from Waitrose Wine Direct and 235 branches.

This is what Mel said.

Rich, leesy aroma. This is oak aged and has a lot more flavour. Long flavour. Nice.

Mel is not wrong, I bought 8 bottles, and have just 5 left now. The wine is perfect now, and will hold in my wine cooler for several years to come at 9C constant.

Wonderful minerality on this 2010 vintage, a vintage that I rate as the very top of the Chablis 1er tree, I can't remember a better vintage for many many years.
Also, that ever so subtle french oak, that Mel talks about is so much in harmony, that you'd think the chardonnay was infused in an aromatic array of spring herbs. It is so lovely and balanced, and further beauty is to be appreciated; in that the usual over powerfull citrus dimension in many a chablis at this price level is not there. Salty / wet granite minerality and the fascination of herbs and gentle spices - carraway, fennel and poppy seeds.

Wonderfully elegant, and tastes rather expensive.

Very good now if you can find any 2010 left in stock, please treat yourself.

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Duncan