Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay

2014

Incredible Chablis and starting to enter its peak drinking window. Gorgeous wine.

Night one was thin, a little disappointing and out of whack. Night two came back into its stride. Plenty of oxidized, slightly aldehydic character brinings umami and complexity to this salty Chablis. Fruit is soft, open, charming in a way. A delicious turn around.

There’s honestly nothing better

Loving Dauvissat’s 18’s. Definitely nailed the vintage. The Vaillons was a bit more reduced than the Forest, but every bit as pure and focused. Great.

Yellow gold in the glass, looks darker in the decanter. Nice perfume in the nose. Notes of warm citrus fruit, kiwi, gravel stone, some honey and some tan spice. Sweet, rich and round in the mouth. Impactful. In a good spot for consumption but bottles like this should have a good many years in front of it.

When in Chablis, drink Chablis. Really good.. baked apple, crushed stone, great acid and a finish of lemon/lime zest.

The 2016 Vaillons Chablis is a simply brilliant showing from Dauvissat, who has a reputation for producing some of the finest Chablis in the region and there is no exception in this difficult vintage. As this gorgeous wine slowly unwinds in the glass it releases pretty aromas of orchard and citrus fruits, followed by orange zest, honey blossoms and pulverized stones. It goes on to impress as it displays wonderful overall purity and focus through a beautifully textured palate and remarkably precise finish. Overall this is a marvelous wine that is showing wonderful energy and appeal in its youth, but should also evolve beautifully for years to come.

Found this wine to be steely, chalky with a hint of mint. All comes together very well. Drinks good now.

Love this with oysters from a classic vintage. Doesn’t get much better. Briney green olive, salty, mineral tones. Textured. Good acidity but not laser-like.