Domaine Les Monts Fournois is a new estate run by Juliette Alips, with help and mentorship from cousins Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche. Using the extensive and strong family grower relationships developed by her cousins, Juliette is able to source tiny quantities of superb champagne from the iconic vineyards to craft exceptional micro-négociant wines. The 2010 Côte Premier Cru is 100% Chardonnay from Vertus. Vibrant, aromatic and also astonishingly youthful, this Champagne is immediately appealing and enticing. It's a fantastic example of the vintage. Hints of orange peel, pastry, white pepper and blossom converge on the palate. Complex, layered and profound, the 2010 Côte is extremely impressive.

Littorai Wines was founded in 1993 by Heidi and Ted Lemon and is a small, family owned and operated winery producing world class single vineyard European-styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The biodynamically farmed Wendling Vineyard is one of the most recent additions to the single vineyard collection and is the most north-westerly vineyard in the Anderson Valley, very close to the Pacific coast. The 2022 ‘Block E’ comes from younger vines planted in 2009 and the 2017 is a wonderfully vibrant, perfumed and fresh release.

William’s father planted some of these vines in 1948. Since then, the domaine has expanded its holdings, and it is now the largest owner of Chablis’ greatest site with over four hectares. Lots of their vines are at the top of the hill, in a cool site, where the best soils are found. The wine is saturated in white peach, oyster brine, and limestone minerality. It is statuesque yet understated. This is truly grand cru in every sense.

William’s father planted some of these vines in 1948. Since then, the domaine has expanded its holdings, and it is now the largest owner of Chablis’ greatest site with over four hectares. Lots of their vines are at the top of the hill, in a cool site, where the best soils are found. The wine is saturated in white peach, oyster brine, and limestone minerality. It is statuesque yet understated. This is truly grand cru in every sense.

William’s father planted some of these vines in 1948. Since then, the domaine has expanded its holdings, and it is now the largest owner of Chablis’ greatest site with over four hectares. Lots of their vines are at the top of the hill, in a cool site, where the best soils are found. The wine is saturated in white peach, oyster brine, and limestone minerality. It is statuesque yet understated. This is truly grand cru in every sense.

Preuses tends to be the most mineral and chalky or the grand cru lieux-dits, and the Fèvre example is quintessential. It is tight and powerful, with wonderful depth on the nose. The palate has pronounced energy and precision, and there is a long, tingling line of mineral freshness that stretches right down the finish. It encapsulates the purity and finesse of the 2023 vintage.

Valmur lies just above Les Clos, and the William Fèvre parcel sits right atop the crest of the hill, benefitting from a cool microclimate. This 2023 has a wonderful purity to it: crystalised ginger dances across the palate. It is long, persistent, and very fine indeed. Give it a little time, and see it soar.

Vaillons is a warm, sunny premier cru, much admired in the region. Fèvre has a substantial 3.5 hectares right in the middle of the slope. Their 55-year-old vines produce concentration and ripeness in the wine. This 2023 is bursting with floral aromatics: white blossom and jasmine spice with a hint of white pepper. It is delicious already, but will age brilliantly too.

This comes from the parcel at the bottom of the slope, by the river. Its soils always produce wines with lots of saltiness and minerality, Didier says. The special character of this vineyard has always stood out, and it has been bottled separately from Bougros since 1998. The 2023 is tense, energetic and powerful. It has a piercing saline freshness. Outstanding.

Preuses tends to be the most mineral and chalky or the grand cru lieux-dits, and the Fèvre example is quintessential. It is tight and powerful, with wonderful depth on the nose. The palate has pronounced energy and precision, and there is a long, tingling line of mineral freshness that stretches right down the finish. It encapsulates the purity and finesse of the 2023 vintage.