Chablis Clos Béru Monopole AOC 2018 1500ml Magnum

The Clos de Béru vineyard is the monopoly site of the house. The Clos de Béru is only not classified as Premier Cru in Chablis because it was leased out at the time of Comte Eric de Béru's untimely death and the family showed no interest in a classification. Historically, Clos de Béru has always been seen at the level of good Premier Cru sites. Standing in the vineyard, one also immediately realises why pure southern exposed, not very steep, but definitely sloping and very stony typical Kimmeridge soil. The boundaries were drawn by the monks along the terroir. This is why the Clos does not have an even shape, but rather that of a sloping trapezoid. The wine is matured in tonneaux in the first year, then in tanks.

medium straw yellow with light green reflections

The 2017 vintage meant for the Clos de Béru the peak so far. With the weather pattern of 2018 in mind, one may have reservations about the 2018 vintage. But this Chablis disproves them. The 2018 Clos de Béru is a fascinatingly good and cool-looking wine that has power, depth and freshness at the same time. On the nose, it shows a hint of lactic acid and the typical Béru oxidation. However, the wine is dominated by lemons including zests, yellow and green plums, green almonds and stone.

Warm vintages like 2018 are not easy for Chablis. But the fact that 2018 was indeed warm, indeed often hot, is noticeable in the Monopolies not at all. Sure, the wine has 13.5 vol.-%, but it easily breathes it. On the other hand, there is a lot going on on the palate. It starts with the lively acidity, which brings a lot of energy. It continues with a good portion of dry extract, one part crunchy and one part fleshy green and yellow fruit and ends at some point with a little oyster shell, salt and minerality. With warmth, some wood shows up, but it integrates itself excellently and Chablis accompanied into an intense finale. This is undoubtedly a big hit for 2018!