Dear *|FNAME|*,

Chablis is perhaps the finest value of all white Burgundy. This region produces some of the purest Chardonnay in the world, and you can have Burgundy in your backyard – and in your glass – from R495. ‘Chablis domains are making terrific and distinctive wines. Their affordability is worth a lot of affection,’ says the New York Times.

Wine Cellar has got you covered with Chardonnay from Chablis for any palate or mood. 2019 was a small, concentrated but lithe vintage of very fine quality, while 2021 was finessed, fresh and vibrant – a throwback to the classics. 2022 gives you the best of both worlds, offering ‘seductive tropical hints without compromising the steeliness and nervosité that define Chablis’, writes Neal Martin. Though perfect as an aperitif for the summer holidays, the wines also age exceptionally well – some Grand Crus last for several decades.

We’ve imported the classic yet generous wines of Daniel Dampt for some time, and their 2022 Chablis are once again delicious. They offer ‘screaming value’, enthuses Burgundy specialist Allen Meadows, and the terroir is ‘an exemplary source for Côte de Lechet and Vaillons’ (Wine Spectator). Joseph Drouhin started in Burgundy in 1880 and bought the Vaudon property in Chablis about 50 years ago. Their wines are taut, elegant and refined.

Another Chablis favourite, Benoît Droin is a 14th generation vigneron. ‘If you like the steelier, more austere style, go for Burgfest multiple ‘gold medalists’ Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin,’ suggests Neal Martin. The Leflaive family has been rooted in Burgundy since 1717, and Olivier started his own business in 1985, officially leaving the family business in 1995. ‘The wines are hallmarks of elegance and purity rather than muscle and are more than worthy of the famous Leflaive name,’  writes James Molesworth of Wine Spectator. Finally, new producer alert, welcome Domaine Laroche! Established in 1850 as a domaine, in 1985 Laroche acquired the renowned monastery ‘L'Obédiencerie’, which dates back to 867 AD when monks cultivated vineyards and made wine here.

Chablis’ soils impart a distinctive verve and chalky minerality. Whilst the vines and vignerons are learning how to manage the changing climate, ‘Those Kimmeridgian soils ain’t goin’ anywhere. They are immutable and give Chablis the counterbalancing acidic spine that maintains freshness,’ says Martin.

See our entire range of Chablis here.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Tasting notes

Daniel Dampt Chablis 2022

'This is aromatically similar to the Petit Chablis but with more floral influence as well as a whiff of quinine. The plump and punchy medium-bodied flavors exude a subtle minerality that adds a sense of lift to the sneaky long, nicely dry and balanced finale that is just a bit more complex. This is lovely for its level and worth checking out.' – Allen Meadows, Burghound.com, 89/100

Daniel Dampt Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 2022

'Ripe, fresh and attractively layered aromas include those of citrus confit, white peach, iodine and a hint of mineral reduction. There is both fine volume and punch to the fleshy and caressing flavors that exude an appealing stony quality on the sneaky long and very dry bitter lemon-inflected finale.' – Allen Meadows, Burghound.com, 89-92/100

Joseph Drouhin Chablis Vaudon 2021

This vintage has not been rated yet; see 2020 note below:

'Flinty, stony and spicy in a way that tastes green and at the same time almost salty – cardamom, ground Persian lime, samphire. Classic Chablis reductiveness. All the emphasis and focus of this wine is on minerallity and it wears its outer-edge, cool-climate outer marginality with pride.' – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20

Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis 2021

'Droin owns 10ha of AP Chablis. Much more interest here with a deeper hue in the glass and much more interest on the nose. Some greengage on the palate, together with a hint of pear and white peach. Pretty much a benchmark example of what village Chablis should be. Concentration and a lengthy mineral character to finish.' – Andy Howard MW, Decanter, 92/100

Olivier Leflaive Chablis Les Deux Rives 2019

'A blend from 7 selected plots from both banks of the Serein river, this is a subtly layered wine, true to the understated Olivier Leflaive style. Fruity green notes of winter melon and flower stems mix with aromatics of yellow peach and meyer lemon. The palate is concentrated yet light on its feet, has a salty chalkiness, and feels like biting into a slice of orange with zest, a juicy acidity and silky, yellow fruited finish.' – Jolette Steyn, Wine Cellar, 91-92/100

Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2021

'From one-hectare of vines, the 2021 Chablis Les Montmains 1er Cru has a slightly more floral, almond-tinged bouquet. The palate is well balanced with orange zest and light apricot notes, finely balanced with a gentle, lilting finish with hints of tropical fruit in the background. Lovely.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 90-92/100

What's new?