Note: from Côte de Bréchain; 20 to 25% of new, 1-, 2- and 3-year-old wood. Prominent petrol nuances are present on the ripe and smoky mix of mineral reduction, acacia blossom, lemon-lime and ocean breeze are trimmed in subtle but not invisible wood. There is both better volume and a bit more punch as well to the utterly delicious flavors that deliver fine length on the balanced, dry and sleek finale. While this could use better depth, it's very stylish, indeed the word classy comes to mind.*Burghound Outstanding!*

30% oak component. A lively fresh lemon. Immediate personality without the super-succulence of the hotter years. A little smoky reduction. White orchard fruit with good energy behind, attractive kimmeridgian texture behind. Fine persistence. Drink from 2028-2033. Tasted Jun 2025.

Aromas of nashi pear, orange peel, vanilla pod and flint preface the 2024 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre, a medium- to full-bodied, taut and racy wine that is considerably concentrated for the vintage, culminating in a long, oak-inflected finish. This long-established domaine, encompassing 28 hectares, is directed by Benoît Droin. Farming remains conventional; however, since 2010, the soils have been worked mechanically, and synthetic treatments are kept to a minimum. Harvest is early and partially mechanized, followed by fermentation and élevage conducted predominantly in stainless steel, though oak barrels are also employed in proportions that vary by cuvée, ranging from 25% to 50% for the premiers and grands crus. The combination of Diam closures and élevage in recently used oak (up to five years old)—with new barrels employed only occasionally and never exceeding 10%—means these wines benefit from several years of bottle age to fully articulate their potential. Bottling, like the harvest, is carried out relatively early to preserve freshness and is preceded by light filtration and, in some cases, fining.(KK)