Ultra-Pure, Deeply Compelling Chablis
2012 Duplessis Chablis
1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre and Montmains
"In some ways they felt Zen-like: clinical, efficient and linear Chablis that get straight to the point and deliver exactly what you want from a Chablis with minimum fuss." -Neal Martin
Neal Martin's note gets to the core of Duplessis. They are compelling, honest Chablis. If you need a stylistic reference, they're reminiscent of Dauvissat and Tribut.
We've been working with Duplessis' Chablis for a few years and putting an offer together was only a matter of time. I jumped at the opportuning to pick up two of their top 2012 1er Crus, Montée de Tonnerre and Montmains. Their 2012s are really beautiful.
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Given the site's reputation, the natural move is to gravitate to the Montée de Tonnerre, but the Montmains is really stunning. They consider Montmains their best 1er Cru. I opened a bottle of Montmains last night and it was beautifully classic Chablis. Impressively so.
Duplessis' parcel in Montmains is right next to Forets. The 2012 is a stunning expression of the site. There's a really great cut that complements the citrus-infused richness. The sea breeze minerality is deeply textured and super-clear and precise. Its' a really killer bottle.
Montée de Tonnerre is one of Chablis' most renowned sites. It boasts the powerful, grand side of Chablis. As the 2012 makes clear, Duplessis delivers the richness and epic scale of Montée de Tonnerre with a rare delicacy. It's saturating, for sure, but still agile and lithe.
2012 in Chablis is a vintage of outrageous purity. Duplessis' 2012s really strut the energy, precision and sneaky, building, grippy mineral presence of the vintage.
For me, Duplessis is as real as Chablis gets. The fact that they can be had for these prices is shocking. If you don't know Duplessis, the 2012 vintage and these two 1er Crus are the perfect initiation.
To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits
2012 Duplessis Chablis
1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre and Montmains
Neal Martin for the Wine Advocate: "The 2012 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains comes from the last parcel in the climat before it becomes Forest. It has a subtle marine influence on the nose that the other premier crus do not exhibit at present, but with a couple minutes swirling, it also offers attractive wet pavement scents. The palate is lively on the entry with red apples, a touch of pear and apricot, well-judged acidity and a satisfying, long finish."
Neal Martin for the Wine Advocate: "The 2012 Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre comes from 3 parcels from what Lilian described as the vrai Tonnerre that makes 1.20 hectares. It has a crisp and taut, slightly austere granitic bouquet that opens slightly with aeration. The palate is crisp and lively with touches of fresh pear and even a dash of white pepper. A little livelier in the mouth than the nose suggests, yet somehow holding everything back to reward those with the patience to cellar for 2 or 3 years."