Wine Advocate 93

The 2019 Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux Mise Tardive is a Chardonnay from one of Chablis' most revered Premier Cru vineyards, crafted by Thomas Pico of Domaine Pattes Loup. Since founding the estate in 2005, Pico has become one of the leading voices of modern Chablis, gaining a devoted following for wines that combine organic farming, low-intervention winemaking and extended ageing to reveal the full potential of Chablis' terroirs.

Butteaux is widely regarded as one of the finest climats within the Montmains Premier Cru sector. Situated on steep slopes of Kimmeridgian limestone and clay, it produces wines known for their concentration, structure and ageing potential. The designation Mise Tardive refers to the estate's practice of extending élevage and delaying release, allowing the wine additional time to develop complexity and integration before reaching the market.

The warm and highly regarded 2019 vintage produced fruit of exceptional ripeness and concentration while retaining the freshness essential to great Chablis. The wine opens with aromas of preserved lemon, ripe green apple and white peach, layered with notes of oyster shell, chalk dust, dried flowers and subtle smoky nuances. On the palate, it is dense yet remarkably precise, with vibrant acidity supporting a concentrated core of citrus and orchard fruit. Extended lees ageing contributes texture and depth, while the hallmark mineral tension of Butteaux drives a long, saline and persistent finish.

Domaine Pattes Loup has become a benchmark for terroir-driven Chablis, and the Mise Tardive bottlings are among the estate's most sought-after wines. The combination of Premier Cru fruit, extended ageing and Pico's meticulous approach results in a wine that bridges the gap between youthful energy and mature complexity, making it one of the most compelling expressions of modern Chablis.