William Fèvre - Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Having been in his position since the estate was acquired by Bouchard Père et Fils of Beaune nearly a quarter of a century ago, Didier Séguier has significantly improved the quality of the wines since then. While the vineyard holdings are undoubtedly the finest in the entire Chablis region, encompassing both Premier Crus and Grands Crus, it is the dedicated and meticulous work in both the vineyard and the cellar that allows the full essence of the minerality unique to Chablis’s Kimmeridgian limestone to be extracted. These wines regularly offer the advantage of being enjoyable when young yet age impeccably.

Decanter

About the wine:

The typical aroma and freshness of Vaillons. Precise, yet with lovely body and good definition. A high-class Vaillons that will be enjoyable in its youth but also has aging potential. Fèvre owns 3.5 hectares, 50% of which are in Vaillons, with the remainder divided among Chatains, Roncière, and Melinots. The harvest takes place early.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Owned by the Henriot Group, this estate is the largest owner of Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis, with over fifteen hectares. Its extensive vineyards and diverse range of terroirs are brought to their full potential through meticulous management: soil tillage, hand-harvesting at the optimal time, and yield control. Passionate about his vines, Didier Seguier, who has led the estate since 1998, produces pure, well-defined, and crisp Chablis wines, using organic methods (certification pending) and even biodynamic practices for the Premier and Grand Crus. With the exception of the Petit Chablis, vinification and aging are skillfully divided for each cuvée between barrels—never new—and stainless steel tanks. Eschewing any distinct signature, the style captivates through its respect for the terroir and the expression of minerality, which have been better preserved since the estate gradually switched the entire range to Diam’s corks between 2005 and 2010. The transition to organic farming is underway.

Wine Spectator

Burghound

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Tasting note. Aromas of herbs and citrus, with—once again—the distinctive stony minerality of Chablis. More intense and slightly riper on the palate than the Montmains. Deeper fruit. Round and more harmonious.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2022 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru was blended the previous week, a period during which most of the lees are retained. Often one of my favorite wines from William Fèvre, its captivating bouquet displays impressive intensity on the nose. The palate is well-balanced, with notes of lemon verbena and hints of pear, displaying lovely energy and charisma, and a lingering finish. This wine is already very promising.

James Suckling

Inside Burgundy - Jasper Morris