Wine:
2009 Domaine Gilbert Picq Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros
Grape:
100% Chardonnay
Rating:
90+ points
Price:
$27 MSRP
Gary’s explanation why:
Nothing says summer like some mollusks. I absolutely adore shellfish of all kinds, especially west coast Kumomoto oysters. Now, this pairing might sound cliché… and as a general rule, I think it’s overrated… but this 2009 Gilbert Picq Vosgros Chablis 1er Cru is a quintessential “oyster wine”. It’s got great viscosity and weight, but all the acid to keep it food friendly. Many wine writers have criticized the 2009 vintage in White Burgundy for lacking acid for long term aging, but this wine will age into the next decade, no problem. I tasted more than fifty 2008 & 2009 White Burgundies in my most recent newsletter, and no other bottle was better fit for summer afternoons with a half-dozen bivalves!
Gary’s tasting notes:
Aromatically a little more interesting than the village level, with some fresh lychee and grassy components. Then on the palate this wine has beautiful viscosity and extremely focused fruit. I love the mid palate transition to the finish, which make it a very technically sound wine… like John Stockton in basketball. It also has wonderful integration of flavors. Word on the street is that the ’09 Chablis don’t carry the same acid that the ’08s, however this wine will fool you into thinking otherwise. Cellar it 10-15 years easy. Picq continues to peak.
Cheers,
