Domaine Louis Michel - Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2022 (750ml)

Decanter 96 points

"Guillaume Michel observes that Les Clos is 'never ready to drink'. A powerful, compact and fine grand cru which has loads of potential. The vines were planted in 1968, on limestone/clay soils over oyster shell-rich marl. Density, a touch of spice, concentrated but also light on its feet. This will spend several more months in tank and will undoubtedly be a slow maturer. Will be very fine, but will need several years to show its best."

Burghound 92-95 points
Note: also from .50 ha parcel, half of which is young vines
 'A more restrained and equally cool nose grudgingly reveals its aromas of oyster shell, ocean spray, just sliced citrus and wet stone. There is again excellent volume and a sappy texture to the almost painfully intense and overtly powerful larger-bodied flavors that brim with minerality that adds a sense of lift to the compact, dry and sneaky long finish. Like all fine examples of Les Clos, this is clearly going to need at least 6 to 8 years of bottle aging and should amply repay 10 to 12." *Burghound Don't Miss!*

Wine Advocate 94 points
 "The 2022 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos is sourced from 0.5 hectares in the mid-slope, steep and stony site not far from Valmur. It derives from vines affected by le court-noué virus, delivering small berries of concentrated flavors and higher maturity. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet featuring notes of lemon zest, beeswax and iodine mingling with oyster shell. On the palate, it’s taut and compact, the most incisive and precise of all grands crus this year. Despite its underlying power, it has retained a classically Chablisien character, similar to Michel’s Montée de Tonnerre. Concentrated and racy, it concludes with a long, mouthwatering finish. This wine does not lack for power or tension; it’s the finest of Guillaume Michel’s wines in 2022."

Tim Atkin 94 points
"This hails from the northern, Valmur side of Les Clos and sits mid-slope. Aromas of crushed quartz, spicy fennel and white grapefruit take center stage. The curvaceous palate delivers a wad of supple fruit wrapped up by a strong cord of structuring acidity. The finish shows crunch and pleasant dryness. In sum, there is everything here to allow this wine to age to benefit."