Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Located on the Côte des Vaillons, this appellation has 8 distinct lieux dits. With a soil base more limestone than clay, sitting on hard, compact Portlandian limestone, it represents all the different types of Chablis terroir under one 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 40 to 50% of the harvest for 14 months with the remainder vinified in small stainless steel vats.

Tasting Notes: Pronounced nose of fruit and flowers, with lovely freshness and a few mineral touches. Generous palate, with lovely roundness.

PRESS

2016 – 89-91 Wine Advocate | 90-93 Vinous

2017 – 90 Wine Spectator | 92 Wine Advocate | 94 James Suckling | 94 Vinous

2018 – 91 Wine Spectator | 91-93 Vinous | 92 Wine Advocate

2020 – 93 Wine Spectator

2021 – 93 Decanter | 92 Wine Advocate | 91-93 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.

Print Shelf Talker
PRINT rated SHELF TALKER (2018 – 92 Wine Advocate)
PRINT rated SHELF TALKER (2019 – 92 Wine Advocate)
PRINT rated SHELF TALKER (2020 – 93 Wine Advocate)
PRINT Rated SHELF TALKER (2021 – 92 Wine Advocate)