2007 Chablis, La Forêt , 1er Cru, Domaine Jean Claude Bessin

Though trained as an architect Jean-Claude Bessin preferred to take over the vineyards of his father-in-law, one of the widespread local Tremblay family, who adhered to the co-operative. He is based in the small hamlet of La Chapelle Vaupeltigne, just north of Chablis itself, and manages 12 hectares producing Chablis vieilles vignes, Chablis premier cru from Montmains, La Forêt and Fourchaume along with Chablis Valmur grand cru

Evolution in recent years has been towards more natural winemaking. The majority of the crop is now harvested by hand, with natural yeasts preferred for fermentation. The wines have a long élévage on fine lees, the crus being bottled after 15 to 18 months, with a proportion of barrel fermentation and maturation for the top wines.

2007 is a delicious vintage in Chablis for those like Jean-Claude who crop at sensible levels, and were lucky enough to avoid the hail damage which affected certain areas.
(Jasper Morris MW, BBR Buyer)

This wine has a synthetic cork closure ("Normacorc" closure).

Moderate but not intrusive wood frames a floral and green fruit nose that complements the detailed and very fresh flavors that offer excellent minerality and plenty of vibrancy on the beautifully detailed finish. Interestingly though, it's not as dense or powerful as the Montmains but just as well balanced.
(Allen Meadows - burghound.com - Oct 08)