Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru, France 2021

“Butteaux” 2021 is a benchmark expression of one of Chablis’ most revered Premier Cru vineyards, crafted by the visionary Thomas Pico. Farmed organically with exceptionally low yields and fermented with native yeasts, this wine showcases Pico’s signature combination of precision, texture, and profound site expression. The cooler 2021 vintage emphasizes purity and tension, revealing vibrant aromas of lemon curd, green apple, white peach, oyster shell, white flowers, and flinty smoke, with subtle notes of almond and fresh cream from extended lees aging. The palate is energetic yet beautifully layered, balancing laser-focused acidity with remarkable depth and a creamy, Burgundian texture. Beneath the wine’s crystalline fruit lies an unmistakable chalky minerality that builds through a long, saline finish. Built to reward patience, “Butteaux” is a compelling example of modern Chablis at its finest, simultaneously powerful, elegant, and deeply expressive of its limestone terroir.