Chablis 2021: New Releases

Vaulorent is technically part of Fourchaume, the largest premier cru in Chablis, and is the only premier cru to share the same slope as the grand cru. It has very chalky soil and produces a wine of power and silky tension. The 2021 is so velvety and enticing, you almost don’t feel the power of the wine underneath the texture. Concentrated peach, apricot and a wonderful fresh grapefruit pithiness transcends, with a finish that is complex, long, saline and very fine - super!

Maurice, William’s father planted some of these vines in 1948. Since then, the domaine has grown its holdings, and it is now the largest owner of Chablis’ greatest site with over 4 hectares. Many of the vines are situated at the top of the hill, in a cool site, where the best soils are found. White flower, citrus fruit and apple and pear blossom aromas combine. On the palate the wine is packed full of white peach, oyster brine, clementine and limestone minerality. Powerful and complex, yet so, so elegant. A true grand cru in every sense.

Preuses tends to be the most mineral and chalky of the grand cru lieux-dits, and the 2.5 hectare Fèvre example is quintessential. It is taut and mineral, with wonderful depth on the nose. The palate has harmonious energy and focus, and there is a long, zippy line of mineral freshness that stretches right down to the limey, persistent finish. A brilliant wine that should age notably well in bottle.

40 parcels scattered across 4 hectares go into this blend, from vines with an average age of 50 years. Much of these are grown around Chichee, near Vosgros, and give the quality you might expect in a premier cru. The result is a village Chablis of brilliant precision, with long volume and a saline, fresh finish.

This comes from the parcel at the bottom of the slope, by the river. Its soil always lends wines lots of saltiness and minerality, Didier says. A beguiling bouquet brings notes of honeysuckle, peach skin and candied lemon. The palate is highly concentrated with a piercing saline and lime citrus freshness. There are wonderful hints of orange pith and a touch of ginger on the spicy, vibrant finish. Fantastic.

Vaillons is a warm, sunny premier cru, and Fèvre has 3.5 hectares right in the middle of the slope. Their 55-year-old vines produce concentration and ripeness in the wine. This 2021 is bursting with white peaches, apple and pear on the nose, with a vibrant citrus-edged palate and fresh ginger spice. Wonderful acidity on the back palate leads to a long, elegant, saline finish.

Vaillons is a warm, sunny premier cru, and Fèvre has 3.5 hectares right in the middle of the slope. Their 55-year-old vines produce concentration and ripeness in the wine. This 2021 is bursting with white peaches, apple and pear on the nose, with a vibrant citrus-edged palate and fresh ginger spice. Wonderful acidity on the back palate leads to a long, elegant, saline finish.

Vaudésir is shaped like an amphitheatre, and catches the sun. The major parcel of the 1.2 hectares that Fevre owns here, is adjacent to Moutonne on marn soils. As a result, the fruit ripens early here and needs to be picked at the right time. Engaging aromas of orange blossom and zingy citrus lemon reverberate on the nose. The palate is expertly balanced with a fine core of citrus acidity, evolving into lemon rind with a hint of mandarin on the linear yet fine finish.

2.2 hectares split between three parcels are blended here, creating a complex and crystalline wine. It has the honour of hosting the domaine’s oldest vines, which were planted in 1936. These add beautiful freshness along with density of rip, yellow plum fruit. It is restrained, taut, and so long and saline. You are in no doubt of the greatness of this wine when tasting.

Maurice, William’s father planted some of these vines in 1948. Since then, the domaine has grown its holdings, and it is now the largest owner of Chablis’ greatest site with over 4 hectares. Many of the vines are situated at the top of the hill, in a cool site, where the best soils are found. White flower, citrus fruit and apple and pear blossom aromas combine. On the palate the wine is packed full of white peach, oyster brine, clementine and limestone minerality. Powerful and complex, yet so, so elegant. A true grand cru in every sense.

This comes from 1.1 hectares split over three parcels in Troisème with a southerly-orientation. It has a riper bouquet with hints of yellow plum and quince, but remains well defined and focused, a faint flintiness appearing with time. The palate is well balanced with nice weight and fine acidity.

William Fèvre owns half of this grand cru (6 hectares), so it’s no wonder theirs is the best example you will find. Its clay soils make a flattering, comparatively early-drinking grand cru, which will wow from early on. The nose reveals smoky aromas of green fruit, citrus and mineral reduction. The palate has great density and concentration with plenty of peach and nectarine texture. Every year we remark what good value this is, and 2021 is no different.

William Fèvre owns half of this grand cru (6 hectares), so it’s no wonder theirs is the best example you will find. Its clay soils make a flattering, comparatively early-drinking grand cru, which will wow from early on. The nose reveals smoky aromas of green fruit, citrus and mineral reduction. The palate has great density and concentration with plenty of peach and nectarine texture. Every year we remark what good value this is, and 2021 is no different.

Vaulorent is technically part of Fourchaume, the largest premier cru in Chablis, and is the only premier cru to share the same slope as the grand cru. It has very chalky soil and produces a wine of power and silky tension. The 2021 is so velvety and enticing, you almost don’t feel the power of the wine underneath the texture. Concentrated peach, apricot and a wonderful fresh grapefruit pithiness transcends, with a finish that is complex, long, saline and very fine - super!