Chablis
One of the most famous wine names in the world, Chablis has suffered from numerous imitators. Fifty years ago it comprise just 400ha of vineyards but today there are 4,900ha. Being further north than the rest of Burgundy the wines are subtly different in style, a touch more austere with a beautiful fresh minerality. Forty vineyards are classified Premier Cru, while the seven Grands Crus overlook the town of Chablis and the River Serein.
Hide All Details
Domaine du Colombier, Chablis,
Ready, but will keep,
Our 2017 Chablis comes from two separate vineyards in the village of Chichée, renowned for its classically steely character. The small but excellent 2017 vintage has given a wine with a harmonious balance between ripe orchard fruits and crisp, refreshing mineral notes. Fermented and raised completely in tank, this is a benchmark expression of Chablis, one which is equally at home as an aperitif or with seafood or a goats cheese salad.
Bottle
£18.50
Case price (12)
£222.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 50cs
£158.16
See All Listings
Domaine du Colombier, Chablis,
Ready, but will keep,
From the superb 2017 vintage, this wine’s aromas of citrus and oyster shell are classic Chablis. It’s raised exclusively in stainless steel, so terroir does all the talking. Fabulous with shellfish, it also works well with hard cheeses. Drink now to 2020.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Half-btl
£11.25
Case price (24)
£270.00
Half-btl 24 x 37.5cl 2cs
£198.24
See All Listings
Bottle
£15.75
See All Listings
Domaine Sebastien Dampt,
Ready, but will keep,
There isn’t a hair out of place on this classic, steely Chablis, from a producer who has fast become a favourite here at Berry Bros. & Rudd. With levels of concentration and precision – not to mention the potential to age – worthy of a Premier Cru, it demonstrates the class of the much-lauded 2017 vintage. Just add oysters. Drink now to 2023.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (spring 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (spring 2019)
Bottle
£19.50
Case price (12)
£234.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 8cs
£168.12
See All Listings
Domaine Pinson,
Ready, but will keep,
This is a blend of five different parcels, split 50-50 between the left and right sides of the river Serein. Raised entirely in stainless steel to preserve freshness, the nose offers smoky minerals and a touch of citrus fruit. The palate has plenty of tension, with just the right amount of mid-palate stuffing. Proper Chablis. Drink 2019-2024.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
Bottle
£19.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl 30cs
£172.68
See All Listings
Bottle
£20.00
Case price (6)
£108.00
Saving
£12.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 80cs
£76.56
See All Listings
UK CUSTOMERS ONLY
Bottle
£21.50
Case price (12)
£232.20
Saving
£25.80
UK CUSTOMERS ONLY
Bottle 12 x 75cl 13cs
£166.68
See All Listings
Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin,
Ready, but will keep,
Raised 100% in stainless steel, the aromas show some of the exotic fruit of the vintage with white peach notes, but there is the unmistakable marine quality of true Chablis on Kimmeridgian soil underneath, along with the zesty lemon edge. Approachable now and will be enjoyable over the next few years.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
Bottle
£22.95
Case price (12)
£275.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 15cs
£202.68
See All Listings
Bottle
£22.95
Case price (12)
£275.40
Bottle 6 x 75cl 19cs
£101.34
See All Listings
Bottle
£23.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 15cs
£208.08
See All Listings
Le Domaine d'Henri,
Ready, but will keep,
The fruit for the cuvée Saint Pierre (named after a church in the town of Chablis) hails from prized parcels in the lieu-dit of Les Chaumes, in Maligny. The soil here is relatively rich in clay, resulting in a more concentrated, age-worthy wine than most village Chablis. It is raised primarily in stainless steel, but around 10% is aged in used oak barrels. Expect classic aromas of zested lemons and crushed oyster shell, leading to a palate that’s medium-full yet fresh and energetic. A natural accompaniment to shellfish, this also works well with all manner of white meat dishes. Drink now to 2024.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Bottle
£24.50
Case price (6)
£147.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 11cs
£109.08
See All Listings
Samuel Billaud,
Ready, but will keep,
In 2017 this is a blend of mostly Pargues and Cartes, plus a reduced percentage of Bas de Chapelot due to frost. The nose has lifted aromas of citrus fruit while the palate displays lemon-and-lime freshness, with a chalky and saline mineral feel. The lower proportion of Chapelot this year has yielded a more elegant wine. Drink 2019-2025.
Adam Bruntlett - Wine Buyer
The brilliantly talented Samuel Billaud was finding family politics hard going, so he founded his own wine label in Chablis separate from Domaine Billaud-Simon. However, with the sale of Domaine Billaud- Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel has got back a proportion of the vineyards for himself. Whether from domaine sources or purchased grapes, Samuel Billaud’s wines demonstrate his exceptional talent.
Adam Bruntlett - Wine Buyer
The brilliantly talented Samuel Billaud was finding family politics hard going, so he founded his own wine label in Chablis separate from Domaine Billaud-Simon. However, with the sale of Domaine Billaud- Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel has got back a proportion of the vineyards for himself. Whether from domaine sources or purchased grapes, Samuel Billaud’s wines demonstrate his exceptional talent.
Bottle
£25.00
Case price (12)
£300.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 159cs
£223.08
New To BBX
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£200.00
See All Listings
Domaine William Fevre, Chablis,
Ready, but will improve,
Fèvre’s domaine bottling of Chablis is arguably one of the benchmarks. Drawn from almost 50 hectares of vineyard exclusively on Kimmeridgian soils, this displays the classic Chablis nose of pretty orchard fruit and tangy oyster shell minerals. Ten percent is barrelfermented, which adds a little texture to the saline and crisp palate. Drink 2019-2024.
Didier has mixed emotions about the 2017 vintage; the quality is excellent, but thanks to the frost at the end of April, volumes are low, with their substantial holdings on the rive droite (right bank) particularly suffering. Up to 60 percent of the crop was lost in the Grands Crus, particularly Les Clos. Didier explained that, in comparison to 2016, the season post-frost was relatively simple, with warm, dry conditions and rain falling when required. He describes 2017 as a very classic vintage which offers acidity, freshness and tension.
Didier has mixed emotions about the 2017 vintage; the quality is excellent, but thanks to the frost at the end of April, volumes are low, with their substantial holdings on the rive droite (right bank) particularly suffering. Up to 60 percent of the crop was lost in the Grands Crus, particularly Les Clos. Didier explained that, in comparison to 2016, the season post-frost was relatively simple, with warm, dry conditions and rain falling when required. He describes 2017 as a very classic vintage which offers acidity, freshness and tension.
Bottle
£25.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
£111.54
See All Listings
Ready, but will improve,
There is a lovely classic Chablis nose of crushed oyster shell and lemon fruit. The palate is tangy, with a surprising structure and grip, while remaining fine and elegant. The old vines suffer from court-noué, giving lots of very small grapes which results in plenty of concentration and phenolic grip. Lemony and saline, this is textbook Chablis with a punch. Drink 2020-2026.
The 2017 vintage saw the domaine light candles in the vineyards for six successive nights at the end of April to raise temperatures and keep the frost at bay. While some unprotected parcels were badly hit, the Côte de Léchet survived relatively unscathed and the warm, dry season that followed has produced a wine with a freshness that reminds Sébastien of the outstanding 2014 vintage. His Côte de Léchet offers exceptional value for money for those who enjoy a classic, steely expression of Chablis.
The 2017 vintage saw the domaine light candles in the vineyards for six successive nights at the end of April to raise temperatures and keep the frost at bay. While some unprotected parcels were badly hit, the Côte de Léchet survived relatively unscathed and the warm, dry season that followed has produced a wine with a freshness that reminds Sébastien of the outstanding 2014 vintage. His Côte de Léchet offers exceptional value for money for those who enjoy a classic, steely expression of Chablis.
Bottle
£27.50
Case price (12)
£330.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 22cs
£248.16
Bottle 12 x 75cl 3cs
£216.00
See All Listings
Ready, but will keep,
This is an exceptionally concentrated, relatively full-bodied village Chablis, from vines a minimum of 40 years old. One quarter of the blend is raised in used oak. There’s a hint of stone-fruit on the nose, as well as classic aromas of citrus and sea air – that saline thread persisting right to the end of the long, fresh finish. Drink now to 2026.
Will Heslop , Burgundy Buying Assistant (winter 2019)
Will Heslop , Burgundy Buying Assistant (winter 2019)
Bottle
£27.95
Case price (12)
£335.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 15cs
£252.60
See All Listings
Domaine Eleni et Edouard Vocoret,
Ready, but will keep,
This is from an excellent spot between Montmains and Vosgros, on an identical slope to the Premiers Crus, but which for some reason was omitted from the Premier Cru appellation – perhaps because the slope had not been replanted post-phylloxera when the map was being drawn up. Stricter and more linear than the Boucheran cuvée, this is saline, mineral and fine, with crackling energy and tension. Will require more time, and perhaps one for true Chablis purists. Drink now to 2024.
Adam Bruntlett, Buyer (summer 2019)
Adam Bruntlett, Buyer (summer 2019)
Bottle
£27.95
Case price (12)
£335.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 19cs
£252.60
See All Listings
Domaine Eleni et Edouard Vocoret,
Ready, but will improve,
This comes from a parcel located between the Premiers Crus of Montmains and Vaillons, with a band of clay running through the vineyard. The nose is classy and refined, with crystalline orchard fruits and a hint of earthy mineral reduction. The entry is voluminous and rich, but there is a real finesse behind, with minerality that builds from a discreet base to give a stinging finish. Excellent. Drink now to 2024.
Adam Bruntlett, Buyer (summer 2019)
Adam Bruntlett, Buyer (summer 2019)
Bottle
£27.95
Case price (12)
£335.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 37cs
£252.60
See All Listings
Ready, but will improve,
Redolent of oyster shells and with a hint of reduction – that he attributes to terroir rather than winemaking, Didier’s 2016 Vosgros is a knockout. A cool breeze means the vines here ripen relatively slowly, but they face southwest so see plenty of sun. This wine’s round, ripe, sunny side will reveal itself with another year or two in bottle – and may even fool you into thinking it’s barrel-aged (in fact it’s raised exclusively in stainless steel). Drink now to 2023.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
Bottle
£32.00
Case price (12)
£384.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 42cs
£293.16
See All Listings
Domaine Pinson,
Ready, but will improve,
The Pinson family has nearly five hectares here and consequently this is something of a flagship wine. With 10 percent of the cuvée fermented in new oak, there is more spice here, but the class of the wine ensures it is not dominant. There is a piercing mineral core and immense concentration; a real star of the vintage. Drink 2022-2030.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
Bottle
£32.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 36cs
£298.08
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
£250.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£275.00
See All Listings
Domaine Pinson,
Ready, but will keep,
These vines were planted in 1956, so are slightly younger than the Forêt vines. The nose displays classic Chablis dairy notes, some citrus and a touch of spice from the oak. This is a classic Montmain, with lovely, lemony acidity, well-integrated oak and plenty of oyster shell and sea-breeze notes. Drink 2021-2028.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
Bottle
£32.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 23cs
£298.08
See All Listings
Domaine Pinson,
Ready, but will improve,
Four barrels were made this year (one more than in 2016), from the climat of Châtains. The nose displays classic green, herbaceous lemongrass aromas combined with spicy oak courtesy of its ageing in used barrels. The palate is packed with zesty lime and just a hint of well-integrated oak. Drink 2020-2026.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
It’s mixed news this year: while 2017 sees the return of the much-loved Cuvée Mademoiselle, overall there is less wine than in 2016, frost damage having cut the crop by anything up to 70 percent, with the worst-affected area being Les Clos. Despite the obvious disappointment of the small crop, Laurent and Charlène were delighted with the quality and health of the grapes at harvest, and feel this is a classically Chablisien vintage.
Bottle
£32.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 34cs
£298.08
See All Listings
Ready, but will improve,
Romain uses a touch more oak than his father, but there’s a clear parallel in styles between this and the domaine wines: Romain’s Vaillons is creamy and rounded, yet mineral, with a late wave of citrus and iodine following the initial hit of stone-fruit and spice. It’s made from the fruit of 50-year-old vines, to which Romain attributes its impressive concentration. Drink now to 2027.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (winter 2019)
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (winter 2019)
Bottle
£34.50
Case price (12)
£414.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 41cs
£318.12
See All Listings
Le Domaine d'Henri,
Ready, but will improve,
This blends the 1937-planted Ardillier fruit, along with L’Homme Mort and Fourchaume, with around a quarter raised in oak. The concentration of the reduced yield shines through, yet does not make the wine unbalanced. It is powerful, with a creamy, supple texture, and a simmering undercurrent of energetic minerals. Incredible persistence. Drink 2021-2026.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Having stepped down from the company which bears his name, Michel Laroche has, along with his daughters, launched a small domaine based on their family vineyards, named after Michel’s father Henri. Their principal holdings are in Premier Cru Fourchaume, especially a Vieilles Vignes cuvée from 47-year-old vines in L’Homme Mort and an Héritage cuvée, which comes from the oldest parcel (planted in 1937) in the lieu-dit of l’Ardillier. At an average of just 13hl/ha, Michel Laroche described this as the worst vintage – in volume terms – that he has seen in 50 years. Fourchaume, where the family has the vast majority of its Premier Cru holdings, was particularly badly hit by both frost and hail. As a result, they have made a single “super-cuvée” of Fourchaume, including the estate’s oldest vines.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
Having stepped down from the company which bears his name, Michel Laroche has, along with his daughters, launched a small domaine based on their family vineyards, named after Michel’s father Henri. Their principal holdings are in Premier Cru Fourchaume, especially a Vieilles Vignes cuvée from 47-year-old vines in L’Homme Mort and an Héritage cuvée, which comes from the oldest parcel (planted in 1937) in the lieu-dit of l’Ardillier. At an average of just 13hl/ha, Michel Laroche described this as the worst vintage – in volume terms – that he has seen in 50 years. Fourchaume, where the family has the vast majority of its Premier Cru holdings, was particularly badly hit by both frost and hail. As a result, they have made a single “super-cuvée” of Fourchaume, including the estate’s oldest vines.
Bottle
£35.00
Case price (6)
£210.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 8cs
£161.58
See All Listings
Domaine Pinson,
Ready, but will improve,
Until 2nd September this product is discounted by 30 percent. Price shown includes saving.*
As befits the well-exposed Grand Cru site, the fruit profile here is towards the stone fruit end of the spectrum. Spicy, rich, and with a hint of oak, there is outstanding concentration, a chalky minerality and a satisfying, long finish of pain d’épices. Drink 2021-2030.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
The legendary Louis Pinson himself retired in 1983, having made some fabulous oldstyle Chablis. His great-grand-daughter, Charlène, along with her father Laurent and her uncle Christophe are now in charge. There is a Rue Pinson in Chablis, dating back to an earlier generation when three Pinson brothers lived in identical houses on the street. Everything is hand-harvested, with sorting of the grapes both in the vineyard and at the winery. The wines are wild-fermented, mostly in stainless steel tanks, before barrel ageing, with the proportion of oak depending on the cuvée. Despite describing 2016 as a testing year, Laurent Pinson and his daughter Charlène are upbeat, declaring themselves very happy with the quality of the grapes and resultant wines. Volumes are down in many cases, and the limited-production Cuvée Mademoiselle has not been made this year.
*Discount is already applied to the single-bottle price and no further discount will be applied at checkout.
As befits the well-exposed Grand Cru site, the fruit profile here is towards the stone fruit end of the spectrum. Spicy, rich, and with a hint of oak, there is outstanding concentration, a chalky minerality and a satisfying, long finish of pain d’épices. Drink 2021-2030.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
The legendary Louis Pinson himself retired in 1983, having made some fabulous oldstyle Chablis. His great-grand-daughter, Charlène, along with her father Laurent and her uncle Christophe are now in charge. There is a Rue Pinson in Chablis, dating back to an earlier generation when three Pinson brothers lived in identical houses on the street. Everything is hand-harvested, with sorting of the grapes both in the vineyard and at the winery. The wines are wild-fermented, mostly in stainless steel tanks, before barrel ageing, with the proportion of oak depending on the cuvée. Despite describing 2016 as a testing year, Laurent Pinson and his daughter Charlène are upbeat, declaring themselves very happy with the quality of the grapes and resultant wines. Volumes are down in many cases, and the limited-production Cuvée Mademoiselle has not been made this year.
*Discount is already applied to the single-bottle price and no further discount will be applied at checkout.
Bottle
£35.00
Case price (12)
£420.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
£323.16
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£450.00
See All Listings
Le Domaine d'Henri,
Ready, but will improve,
From vines approaching 50 years of age, 25 percent of the wine is fermented and raised in older oak barrels. Extraordinarily fine and restrained for arguably Chablis’s most exuberant Premier Cru, this is an intense, precise wine with real focus. Lots of fine mineral notes wrapped up in viscous citrus fruit give a wonderful, textured finish. Drink 2022-2028.
Michel’s daughter Margaux is taking a more active role in both the cellar and vineyard. She explained that they have been reducing sulphur levels during the winemaking process, believing that this allows the terroir to express itself better. They also no longer fine or filter the wines, the goal being to preserve as much flavour as possible in the final bottle. Yields are down by 50 percent overall, their aspersion system in Fourchaume rescuing them from the worst of the frost. Margaux feels 2017 is a classic Chablis vintage, with freshness and minerality.
Michel’s daughter Margaux is taking a more active role in both the cellar and vineyard. She explained that they have been reducing sulphur levels during the winemaking process, believing that this allows the terroir to express itself better. They also no longer fine or filter the wines, the goal being to preserve as much flavour as possible in the final bottle. Yields are down by 50 percent overall, their aspersion system in Fourchaume rescuing them from the worst of the frost. Margaux feels 2017 is a classic Chablis vintage, with freshness and minerality.
Bottle
£35.00
Case price (6)
£210.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 53cs
£161.58
See All Listings
Samuel Billaud,
Ready, but will improve,
After a hiatus in 2015, we are pleased to welcome this back to the range. Raised entirely in stainless steel to preserve the freshness of this south-facing vineyard, this is the most open of the Premiers Crus. The warmth of the exposition shines through with pleasant yellow fruit notes, while the steep, stony slope contributes a chalkiness to the finish. Very transparent. Drink 2020-2025.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
The brilliantly talented Samuel Billaud was finding family politics hard going, so he founded his own wine label in Chablis separate from Domaine Billaud-Simon. However with the sale of Domaine Billaud- Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel has got back a proportion of the vineyards for himself. Whether from domaine sources or purchased grapes, Samuel Billaud’s wines demonstrate his exceptional talent. Samuel feels that 2016 is very close in style to the outstanding 2014 vintage, and says that the concentrating effect of hail and frost early in the season, along with the cool ripening period has given a good balance of matière and acidity. This is a very promising set of wines which will gain in weight and complexity with élevage . Samuel is undoubtedly making some of the finest wines in Chablis.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
The brilliantly talented Samuel Billaud was finding family politics hard going, so he founded his own wine label in Chablis separate from Domaine Billaud-Simon. However with the sale of Domaine Billaud- Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel has got back a proportion of the vineyards for himself. Whether from domaine sources or purchased grapes, Samuel Billaud’s wines demonstrate his exceptional talent. Samuel feels that 2016 is very close in style to the outstanding 2014 vintage, and says that the concentrating effect of hail and frost early in the season, along with the cool ripening period has given a good balance of matière and acidity. This is a very promising set of wines which will gain in weight and complexity with élevage . Samuel is undoubtedly making some of the finest wines in Chablis.
Bottle
£35.95
Case price (12)
£431.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 20cs
£332.64
See All Listings
Samuel Billaud,
Ready, but will improve,
Raised 100 percent in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of this southeast-facing slope, this is a wine which is energetic and relatively accessible. The nose is lightly smoky with some citrus notes, while the palate offers ripe peach fruit and refreshing salinity. The finish is fresh, pure and chalky. Drink 2020-2026.
Samuel explains that except for the frost in late April, 2017 was not a very complicated vintage, with no excess rain or heat, and no disease pressure in the vineyards. Worst hit by the cold snap were the vineyards on the rive droite (right bank); the Grands Crus, Mont de Milieu, Montée de Tonnerre and some village Chablis. Stylistically Samuel is a big fan of the 2017s, praising them as dynamic, fresh and tight, but with a sunny, accessible edge. Samuel’s wines undoubtedly deserve to be considered some of Chablis’s best.
Samuel explains that except for the frost in late April, 2017 was not a very complicated vintage, with no excess rain or heat, and no disease pressure in the vineyards. Worst hit by the cold snap were the vineyards on the rive droite (right bank); the Grands Crus, Mont de Milieu, Montée de Tonnerre and some village Chablis. Stylistically Samuel is a big fan of the 2017s, praising them as dynamic, fresh and tight, but with a sunny, accessible edge. Samuel’s wines undoubtedly deserve to be considered some of Chablis’s best.
Bottle
£35.95
Case price (12)
£431.40
Bottle 12 x 75cl 3cs
£332.64
See All Listings
Domaine Louis Michel,
Ready, but will keep,
This cuvée comes from a 1.6-hectare plot of vines which suffer from Cournouaille virus and consequently always produce very small yields. The aromatic palette here is built upon citrus fruit, with invigorating notes of zesty lemon and lime. In the mouth the character is one of sizzling freshness, but remarkably open and without austerity – restrained rather than powerful, but with incredible length. The subsoil here is Kimmeridgian with very shallow topsoil, and the mineral thread which runs through the wine speaks clearly of this.
Bottle
£38.00
Case price (12)
£456.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 12cs
£353.16
See All Listings
Domaine Louis Michel,
Ready, but will keep,
A wine which draws you in from the first whiff of oyster shell, there is a wonderful concentration of yellow fruit here, with plenty of power and energy. It is dense and weighty but not remotely heavy, thanks to the fine core of acidity. Drink 2020-2026.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
This domaine, based in the heart of Chablis, dates back to 1850. Prior to 1970 all the wines were fermented and matured in old oak barrels; by 1980 the old oak had been thrown out and the domaine had switched entirely to stainless steel. Today, it is run by Guillaume Gicqueteau-Michel and comprises 25 hectares of vineyards, mainly Premier and Grand Cru. It remains the byword for unoaked Chablis. Once again quantities are very small this year; in fact, 2016 is the smallest vintage Guillaume has ever made. As a longstanding customer, we have been looked after, however, with only the Clos and Grenouilles significantly down on 2015 volumes. Guillaume feels that this is a classic vintage for Chablis, and one which allows each individual terroir to shine through clearly. Despite the challenges of the vintage, this is an excellent range of wines which display great typicity.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer
This domaine, based in the heart of Chablis, dates back to 1850. Prior to 1970 all the wines were fermented and matured in old oak barrels; by 1980 the old oak had been thrown out and the domaine had switched entirely to stainless steel. Today, it is run by Guillaume Gicqueteau-Michel and comprises 25 hectares of vineyards, mainly Premier and Grand Cru. It remains the byword for unoaked Chablis. Once again quantities are very small this year; in fact, 2016 is the smallest vintage Guillaume has ever made. As a longstanding customer, we have been looked after, however, with only the Clos and Grenouilles significantly down on 2015 volumes. Guillaume feels that this is a classic vintage for Chablis, and one which allows each individual terroir to shine through clearly. Despite the challenges of the vintage, this is an excellent range of wines which display great typicity.
Bottle
£40.00
Case price (12)
£480.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 4cs
£373.08
See All Listings
Domaine Louis Michel,
Ready, but will keep,
This is such a tightly wound, mineral cuvée, with notes of gunflint and oyster shell on the nose. It’s little surprise to learn the bedrock is just centimetres below the surface of Guillaume’s two parcels here in Forêts. This is a touch reductive at present and requires patience, but should develop great complexity over the next decade and beyond. Drink 2023-2033.
As in 2016, Guillaume harvested just half a normal crop in 2017. While his village holdings suffered most in 2016, the Premiers and Grands Crus were worst affected this time, with frost to blame. Nonetheless, Guillaume was characteristically cheerful when we visited, and full of enthusiasm for a vintage he describes as “old school – before global warming”. Guillaume continues to use stainless steel for all his cuvées and has again produced a range of wines for which transparency is the watchword: they express as faithfully as possible each vineyard’s distinct terroir.
As in 2016, Guillaume harvested just half a normal crop in 2017. While his village holdings suffered most in 2016, the Premiers and Grands Crus were worst affected this time, with frost to blame. Nonetheless, Guillaume was characteristically cheerful when we visited, and full of enthusiasm for a vintage he describes as “old school – before global warming”. Guillaume continues to use stainless steel for all his cuvées and has again produced a range of wines for which transparency is the watchword: they express as faithfully as possible each vineyard’s distinct terroir.
Bottle
£40.00
Case price (6)
£240.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 9cs
£186.54
See All Listings