DOMAINE MOREAU-NAUDET Montee de Tonnerre 1er Cru, Chablis

From vineyards just outside Premier Cru village, this wine ticks both boxes for both floral and mineral. Delicious on its own, or with crustaceans and shellfish. Can also be cellared for a few years.

From one of the most respected families in the region, this wine offers an entry level insight to Chablis and its flavors.

Domaine Bernard Defaix has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, with generations of winemaking expertise passed down through the family. Their commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bottle they produce, and the Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2021 is a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence. This Chablis displays a captivating bouquet of citrus fruits, green apples, and white flowers, accompanied by subtle mineral notes. The nose is both fresh and inviting, offering a glimpse into the wine's complex and layered flavor profile. On the palate, the Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2021 delights with its precise balance between crisp acidity and delicate fruitiness. The flavors of ripe lemon, pear, and white peach intertwine harmoniously, leading to a long, satisfying finish that leaves a lasting impression.

White gold in colour, limpid and brilliant with golden reflections. The first nose is toasted, grilled. After aeration, notes of ripe, slightly stewed, caramelized white-fleshed fruit appear. Seductively soft, sweet notes. Balanced in the mouth. We find these notes of fruit bringing fullness and roundness. A saline hint on the finish brings energy and length. The whole is structured with a noticeable, well-integrated woodiness.

Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. The Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume l'Homme Mort 2020 is a captivating wine that exemplifies the excellence of Premier Cru Chablis. Crafted from vineyards spanning approximately 1.1 hectares in the renowned Fourchaume climat, this wine is a testament to Pierrick Laroche's expertise and dedication. This wine represents the unique characteristics of the Fourchaume climat. The terroir, with its limestone soils, imparts a distinct character to the wine. The precise flavour profile of the 2020 vintage has a harmonious balance of flavors, vibrant acidity and a subtle mineral undertone that are typical of Premier Cru Chablis. The Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume l'Homme Mort 2020 is a wine that captivates with its finesse, complexity and the expression of its Premier Cru terroir. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with seafood or poultry dishes, this Chablis is sure to impress with its elegance and depth. Pierrick's vineyards boast an average vine age of 25 years, with some vines reaching up to 35 years old. The winemaking process involves the use of indigenous yeast, allowing for a very long and slow alcoholic fermentation lasting 2-3 months. Following fermentation, the wine is carefully aged with 60% aged in stainless steel tanks and the remaining 40% in aged barrels. This aging process spans 18 months culminating in bottling during the spring. The result is a wine of exceptional complexity and depth, thanks to the meticulous elevage techniques employed by Pierrick Laroche.

Domaine Jean Dauvissat Père & Fils works 22 hectares of vineyard in Chablis across 7 communes with 53 separate parcels across Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru. Fabien took over from his father in 2009, following training in Beaune and Dijon concluding with a Masters on Bordeaux. The Domaine began with Fabien’s grandfather in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, but it was Fabien who took up where his grandfather left off in terms of bottling and labelling rather than selling off in bulk. Fabien’s approach is one of respect for the terroir, working each vineyard and parcel individually to express the differences from one site to another; and one of respect for the environment by restricting interventions wherever possible. Vinification is in temperature controlled stainless steel with the total maturation for the premier crus around two years. A young new Chablis producer to watch. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils are known to produce Chablis that are rich, with the perfect balance between minerality and fruit. Using no oak, the wines are aged for a considerable time in modern stainless steel tanks before being bottled, so they have time to develop. A classic Cote de Lechet, about as mineral as Chablis can be. This premier cru Cote de Lechet is a model of Left Bank precision, razor sharp, with juicy, mouth-watering acidity. A characteristic floral attack and gun-flint smokiness fill the mid-palate, and the finish is bright berry fruit and long, long minerality.

Domaine Jean Dauvissat Père & Fils works 22 hectares of vineyard in Chablis across 7 communes with 53 separate parcels across Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru. Fabien took over from his father in 2009, following training in Beaune and Dijon concluding with a Masters on Bordeaux. The Domaine began with Fabien’s grandfather in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, but it was Fabien who took up where his grandfather left off in terms of bottling and labelling rather than selling off in bulk. Fabien’s approach is one of respect for the terroir, working each vineyard and parcel individually to express the differences from one site to another; and one of respect for the environment by restricting interventions wherever possible. Vinification is in temperature controlled stainless steel with the total maturation for the premier crus around two years. A young new Chablis producer to watch. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils are known to produce Chablis that are rich, with the perfect balance between minerality and fruit. Using no oak, the wines are aged for a considerable time in modern stainless steel tanks before being bottled, so they have time to develop. Fourchaume is the best known of the Chablis premier crus, perhaps because it is an extension of the Grand Cru vineyards, and benefits from a similar Right Bank exposition. Round, mature fruit, crystalline purity, sweet, lemony acidity classic cool river rock minerality. A classic Chablis premier cru.

Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pear and lime intermix with wet stone, oyster shell and subtle fresh herb notes. Vibrant green apple and lime flavours overlay a delicate oyster shell and stony mineral back drop. River stone like mouth feel finishing dry with brisk acidity and a fresh yet nicely rounded oyster shell like laden conclusion. Drink over the next 3-4 years. Alc. 12%