Daniel-Etienne Defaix
Domaine du Vieux Château Vieilles Vignes Chablis Chardonnay
Chablis, Burgundy, France
Popped ‘n poured. Welp, this is a bit disappointing for this producer. Color is disturbingly dark. Nose shows lots of fruit but the beginnings of premox as well. There’s some depth and minerality on the palate. Let’s see where it goes as it gets O2. No rating for now.
UPDATE: It’s now noon, about 18 hours later. It’s still got that “bruised” type fruit I associate with oxidized Chenin Blanc (some would say “oxidative,” though I’m not a fan generally of perceptible oxidation, even when purposefully done). Here, it’s more on the apple spectrum, however. It’s drinkable, but it’s not identifiably Chablis. If I were served this blind, I’d probably peg it as an over-the-hill Macon. Though it’s by no means undrinkable, it’s not enjoyable. I’m not going to waste my time drinking the rest. Into the mag of cooking wine in the fridge it goes! Ultimately my rating is 7.5. Sorry. A winery of this stature should have sold this in bulk rather than release it under its own label.
Popped ‘n poured. Welp, this is a bit disappointing for this producer. Color is disturbingly dark. Nose shows lots of fruit but the beginnings of premox as well. There’s some depth and minerality on the palate. Let’s see where it goes as it gets O2. No rating for now.
UPDATE: It’s now noon, about 18 hours later. It’s still got that “bruised” type fruit I associate with oxidized Chenin Blanc (some would say “oxidative,” though I’m not a fan generally of perceptible oxidation, even when purposefully done). Here, it’s more on the apple spectrum, however. It’s drinkable, but it’s not identifiably Chablis. If I were served this blind, I’d probably peg it as an over-the-hill Macon. Though it’s by no means undrinkable, it’s not enjoyable. I’m not going to waste my time drinking the rest. Into the mag of cooking wine in the fridge it goes! Ultimately my rating is 7.5. Sorry. A winery of this stature should have sold this in bulk rather than release it under its own label.
Best bottle of this wine I’ve had - firing on all cylinders
Best bottle of this wine I’ve had - firing on all cylinders
Jan 15th, 2021
shockingly good Chablis with minerals and a lovely creaminess, finishes very long and expansive. Intense clean fruit.
shockingly good Chablis with minerals and a lovely creaminess, finishes very long and expansive. Intense clean fruit.
2 people found it helpfulSep 26th, 2019
One of the finest chardonnays I have tasted to date. A beautiful Smokey nose is offset by a classic cold-climate Chardonnay acid rain with notes of gruyere cheese and well-integrated oak. A gritty saltiness grips the palate and complements the natural astringency of the wine. Paired with Parmesan cheese at the suggestion of a friend and the pairing was phenomenal.
One of the finest chardonnays I have tasted to date. A beautiful Smokey nose is offset by a classic cold-climate Chardonnay acid rain with notes of gruyere cheese and well-integrated oak. A gritty saltiness grips the palate and complements the natural astringency of the wine. Paired with Parmesan cheese at the suggestion of a friend and the pairing was phenomenal.
2 people found it helpfulAug 27th, 2019
Consistent & balanced. This shows a mineral driven palate with plenty of round edges with air, this is quite expressive and tense. Refreshing even in a frigid November backyard setting.
Consistent & balanced. This shows a mineral driven palate with plenty of round edges with air, this is quite expressive and tense. Refreshing even in a frigid November backyard setting.
1 person found it helpfulNov 28th, 2020Needed some time to open up, especially on the nose. So many bits of crisp fruit & tense acidity emerged. Pure clean Chablis with plenty of texture. Very good.
Needed some time to open up, especially on the nose. So many bits of crisp fruit & tense acidity emerged. Pure clean Chablis with plenty of texture. Very good.
1 person found it helpfulJul 24th, 2020This does not drink like Chablis. The 2010 vintage really shows through here. Aroma is fresh heavily extracted sweet passion fruit with nuances of melon, citrus, and honey. Pallet has a little more what you expect in terms of weight, but still extremely tropical. Historic and amazing producer.
This does not drink like Chablis. The 2010 vintage really shows through here. Aroma is fresh heavily extracted sweet passion fruit with nuances of melon, citrus, and honey. Pallet has a little more what you expect in terms of weight, but still extremely tropical. Historic and amazing producer.
1 person found it helpfulMar 10th, 2016
The 2009 is brilliant
The 2009 is brilliant
Sep 1st, 2015
Very much a bone dry Chardonnay with nice minerality and flower hints on the finish. Just need October Quivet Neck Oysters and life would be even better. Delicious.
Very much a bone dry Chardonnay with nice minerality and flower hints on the finish. Just need October Quivet Neck Oysters and life would be even better. Delicious.
Aug 13th, 2015