Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
WHY WE LOVE IT
- This is the largest and most famous Grand Cru in Chablis; its fame is based on its history as one of Chablis’ first vineyards.
- The appellation enjoys a southerly aspect with very white, dense and deep clay soil resting on a limestone bed 31.5 inches below the ground, bringing the wine spicy notes so typical of this terroir.
- William Fèvre owns 16% of the total appellation with parcels situated on the heights of the appellation.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: Manual harvest in small cases to avoid compressing the grapes and bursting the berries. Use of the principle of gravity so as to avoid all pumping, which could harm the quality of the wine. Brief (1½ – 2 hours) pneumatic pressing to obtain a gentle separation of the solid and liquid parts of the grape. Very light static settling of the juice to preserve enough fine lees so that the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations can occur naturally. The must is run into French oak barrels (aged of 6 years in average) for 60 to 70% of the harvest for 14 months with the remainder vinified in small stainless steel vats.
Tasting Notes: Remarkably complex bouquet, blending fruity, floral and spicy notes with a substantial mineral touch. Structured palate, opening up with age to a powerful, generous wine.
PRESS
2015 – 94 Vinous
2016 – 91-93 Wine Advocate | 93-95 Vinous
2017 – 90 Wine & Spirits | 91 Wine Spectator | 94 Vinous | 95+ Wine Advocate | 96 Decanter | 98 James Suckling
2018 – 97 Wine Enthusiast | 95 Wine Advocate | 94-96 Vinous | 92 Wine Spectator
2019 – 96 Wine Advocate | 98 James Suckling
2020 – 96 Wine Advocate | 91-93 Vinous
2021 – 95 Wine Advocate, 93-95 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Founded in 1959, Domaine William Fèvre is at the very heart of the Chablis vineyards. Since its founding, Domaine William Fèvre has been taken up with the desire to produce indisputable genuine and fine wines, bringing along a very personal experience in Chardonnay. All the efforts have but one goal – to finely express the subtle most variations in the greatest Chablis crus. Today, Domaine William Fèvre is one of the most established and renowned estates in Chablis. The estate was acquired by the Henriot family in 1998. Practicing sustainable growing in its vineyards for nearly 10 years now, Domaine William Fèvre obtained, in 2015, the “High Environmental Value” (HVE) status, the highest level of environmental certification in France.