3/24/2024 - NarunP wrote:

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 4 Cabernet Franc

Aromas of smoke-tinted red berries, violet, sous bois, and cinnamon.

Palate is refined and focused. Medium body, medium to mid plus acidity, integrated and soft tannin. Lots of savory black and red fruited characters here. At first, unrolled, fresh tobacco leaf, mint, and a bit of eucalyptus. After half an hour in the bottle, the mouthfeel expresses a lot of cigar box and mixed spices. Great tension.

Amazing wine. I agree with Jeb Dunnuck who in 2023 wrote that this Haut Bailly is ready (though I would not use the term "mature" to describe this). It's definitely in its secondary drinking windows with lots of evolutions on display here. I don't think this needs decanting. Just slowly enjoy it from the bottle to see it develop in the glass over 1-2 hours. Pure joy of classic and classy Pessac rouge. Drink now (but will definitely hold for at least 5-10 more years). 93.

10/12/2023 - NarunP wrote:

60% Cabernet Sauvignon 29% Merlot 6% Cabernet Franc 4% Petit Verdot 1% Malbec

Another stellar 1998 that overdelivered beyond the critical reading of this supposedly mediocre vintage for Left Bank Bordeaux. GL packs plenty of charm and characters. Lots of dark fruits (blackcurrant, black cherry, blackberry), black tea, old leather, sweet spice box, seaweed, mint. Amazing bottle that will have a staying power for at least a decade from now. Drink now until 2033. 91.

10/12/2023 - NarunP wrote:

100% Syrah

Still broodingly dark in color. Deep reddish purple core, slightly widened rim. Some sign of aging but not by much.

Nose is ripe showing its Californian sunshine pedigree, raspberry, licorice, black pepper, briny, new leather quite minty at first, some alcoholic burn.

Palate is still dense though tannin is resolved into dusty particles. Medium plus acidity with medium to medium plus body. Highly charged palate. This wine is quite big and ripe on the palate. Sharp mid-palate. Lots of black (a little jammy) fruits, black olive, bacon fat, with a lengthy
and complex finish.

I don't think this wine is at the right place, a little disjointed I feel. For all the critical opinions hailing its Northern Rhone soul, I still feel it's very much a New World at its core. Fruits are aplenty, alcohol is upfront despite its moderate abv (13%). May be it's just my bottle but I feel this should be given a couple more years to prove me wrong. 89?

9/5/2023 - NarunP wrote:

65.2 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 0.8 % Cabernet franc

Visually, this has a lighter hue than the 2015 Latour Grand Vin tasted along side. Redder shade of garnet, though still dark and opaque core. Compact rim.

On the nose, Les Forts is quite evolved already, showing crushed red cherry, mulberry, blackcurrant, seaweed, mint, crushed garden herb, new leather.

On the palate, this Les Forts shows medium tannic level, medium to medium plus acidity, medium body, dry. Red fruited characters, intense minerality, again lots of sage, mint, rosemary, and thyme. Very appetizing! Finish is refreshing without any excess.

This is a very classic Les Forts that is ready to go with 2-3 hours of decanting. Similar to our experience at Pichon Barron, 2017 is definitely an early vintage but also not lacking in quality either. Currently, I would drink this over this venerable chateau's 2015 Grand Vin. 93.

9/5/2023 - NarunP Likes this wine:

97.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.6% Merlot, 0.6% Cabernet Franc and 0.3% Petit Verdot

Deep, opaque purplish red. Compact rim. Dark purple garnet core.

Aromatics show a lot of Latour characters but also the depth and uncoiled complexity. Lots of crushed blackberry, cassis, dark cherry. Gunpowder, sauteed shitake mushroom, vanilla bean, new cedary oak, new leather.

On the palate, this Latour is still dense and tannic despite approaching its 8th anniversary. Lots of black fruit characters, graphite, smoked bacon, sous bois, salted vanilla, very long finish.

An amazing young Latour that will only get better. However, currently, it is not drinkable yet with all the potentials tapped within. Very fortunate to have drunk this bottle at the Chateau as all 2015 Grand Vins are being prepared to release onto the world. This will be legendary in 15/20 years at least. 94+++

8/17/2023 - NarunP wrote:

100% Syrah

Inky dark purple, opaque core, compact rim.

Aromatics show nice development after a couple of hours in the glass, expressing dark berries, smoke, fried bacon fat, white pepper and some cedary oak smell.

On the palate, the wine is dense and tannic. Medium to med plus body, dry. Again, palate shows lots of dark fruit, with savory black olive, Himalayan salt, new leather, game meat, sous bois, and some dark chocolate.

This is an amazing Saint Joseph for those who don't have the patience for Hermitage. It's ready but would recommend drinking this slowly over the course of 2-3 hours to allow the wine to develop in the bottle. I will hunt down for a couple of cases if I can. 92+

7/30/2023 - NarunP wrote:

100% Pinot Noir

Red garnet, opaque, compact rim

Nose of cranberry, red cherry, lightly spiced of cinnamon, white pepper, and bay leaf.

Palate is round. Medium plus acidity, medium body, dry. Lots of similar fruit profile to the aromas. Some minerality, coca cola, cedar bark. Clean and refreshing finish.

Classic entry level Bourgogne rouge. Ready now. 88.

7/27/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Plavac Mali grape

Dark purple, opaque core, compact rim.

Aromatics of raspberry, blueberry, red cherry, creme de cassis, anise, and some garden herbs.

Palate is dense yet fine, no harshness. Medium to medium plus tannin and acidity, medium plus body. Red cherry, strawberry, blackberry, salted brownie, milk chocolate, licorice, black pepper. Finish is slightly hot but not overly so.

This is a good surprise from Dingač in Croatia. The wine shows very well and tasted like a half way between the new and old world. Ready now but should keep at this stage for the next 2-3 years. 89.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): The smallest of the Chablis Grand Cru is belong to La Chablisienne, so technially, this is a monopole. With less than 10 hectares, the grand cru flirts with the Serene and benefits from the moderating effect. Its exceptional south/south-west exposure is the guarantee of very good maturity thanks to ideal drainage. The clayey, thin and stony soil rests on a kimmeridgian subsoil of calcareous marl.

My first time trying Grenouilles, showing currently caramel, Himalayan salt, vanilla, wax, seaweed, melon, long lasting. It will need time this one. May be in 5-6 years it can show its minerality promise however currently, quite reserved. 90+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): Raised from part of the 15 hectares of Bougros, which are sheltered from the winds through its location lying on a flat highside facing south/west on the top and, lower hill. Like all Chablis Grand Cru, Bougros is situated on rive gauche on an embankment with a steeper slope facing south. This situation on the hillside is particularly mild and the hours of sunshine are intense. The soils of Bougros are naturally well drained with some gradation from the coast, where the soils remain quite poor, to the upper part, which contain more clayey and more marly type of soils.

This Bougros is probably the best Chablis I have tasted during this trip. Fried butter, toasted bark nose, honey, honeysuckle, leather, spice, very complex. This one is going to grow well in 5-6 years. 91+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): Named after the early owner of the valley, Laurent, Vaulorent (Valley of Laurent) is situated on the right bank of the Serein. Vaulorent shares with Fourchaume, a number of characteristics, though it is the only one lieu dit within that premiere cru to touch the Chablis Grand Cru appellation: Preuses and Bougros. This proximity to the Grands Crus de Chablis gives it a special aura: open to the Serein valley, it benefits from double exposure and ideal sunshine conditions. The soils are deep and clayey at the foot of the hill, more stony at the top.

This wine shows a bigger, more masculine side of Chablis with pronounced notes of vanilla seeds, toasted hazelnut, underproved dough, brioche, seaweed, smell of the sea. This will be ready in 2-3 years and I think it's going to be great. 89+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): L'Homme Mort is a curious name for a parcel of vines. The legend has it that it was named after an old "dead elm" tree or an old cemetery at the entrance of the valley. Situated on the northend of Fourchaume on the right bank, it is one of the largest climates and it is especially the most northerly. It is exposed West/Southwest. The stratum of marl and Kimmeridgian (limestone with Exogyra virgula, these small fossilized oysters so typical of Chablis) gradually sinks throughout the Fourchaume Climate before going up to the North to almost disappear at the level of L'Homme Mort.

This l'Homme Mort shows the rounder, toasted almond, pear, green apple, again that good old briny aquatic undertone. Give this 3-4 years and then it'd come good. 90+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): House special blend from various small parcels of premiere crus from both sides of the river Serein with the Kimmeridgian, clay-limestone soil typical of Chablis premiere cru. The average age of vines is around 25 years. Wine received cold settling before fermentation while both yeast and malolactic fermentations in tanks and barrels. Subsequently, approximately 12 months on fine lees, in tanks and barrels.

Grande Cuvee could potentially be your entry level into understanding Chablis wine. Elegant, fresh, clean with white floral scent, wax, smoked almond, white peach, with some traces of honey notes in the background. This should develop well and be ready in a couple of years. 89+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): So named after to the mountain located at an intermediate altitude between two higher coasts, Montmains has two sub-climats: Butteaux and Forêts. Together they cover about 118 hectares. This long climate is oriented south-east/north-east and enjoys the sun of the first hours of the day. Open to the winds, Montmains is colder than other climates. Thus, harvests often finish later than elsewhere. On the geological side, the climate is distinguished by the presence of kimmeridgian marls, sometimes massive under the clays. On the surface, clays, often shallow, sometimes take on a brown or dark red color.

This Montmains packs with potentials driven primarily by mineral characters: slate, iodine, briny seaweed, Himalayan salt. The fruit notes settle down and thus the palate gains its weight and complexity, though this one needs more time in the bottle. 4-5 years and it should be singing. 90+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): On the left bank of the Serein, this cru covers about 64 hectares encompassing two smaller sub crus or climats: Côte de Savant and Troesmes. In the commune of Poinchy-Chablis, Beauroy is a climate subject to dry easterly winds. Due to its slope and a relatively dry water regime, the vine suffers in dry years. The soil, marked by several geological stages, is thin and dry. The arable land is thin, with small pebbles and white calcareous clays with bluish reflections. Beauroy is also a frost-sensitive climate. The risk is so high that in 1978, at the foot of the Côte de Savant, an artificial lake was created to fight against spring frost by sprinkling. This technique consists of projecting fine water droplets onto the vines that form a protective ice shell around the buds.

Approaching its 6th anniversary, this Beauroy starts to show its evolution typical of a high class chablis: perfume of honey, hazelnut, marzipan, underlying sweet orchard fruits: white peach, nectarine, and Asian pear. This should be ready now and keeps for another 2-5 years. 90.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

Raised from vines of at least 50 years old, it is clearly a more complex wine, fuller mouthful than its other Chablis bottling. Decent length. This is ready now. 89.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

After 9 years of bottle aging, this wine has become softer with some secondary note developing. Dried nectarine, toasted almond, honey. Pleasant wine and ready now! 89.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

La Sereine comes from vine of average 30 years of age, vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks. This shows clean and mineral side of Chablis. Some woodsy and brioche notes but overall nice fruits and ready to drink now.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

La Chablisienne (Chablis): The terroirs of the Petit Chablis appellation are located at the top of the coast or on the beginning of the plateau; They are composed of brown and hard limestones, or sometimes loamy and sandy soils, usually between 230 and 280 meters above sea level, with varied exposures. However, the characteristics of each Petit Chablis depend on the specific plots and winemaking style from each domaine.

Probably, the best Petit Chablis we have during this trip. Lots of honey and orchard fruit. Finish is clean and reasonably lengthy. It still maintains the clean and lean nature of this underrated appellation. Drink now. 88.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Thierry Laffay (Chablis): Raised from part of the 15 hectares of Bougros, which are sheltered from the winds through its location lying on a flat highside facing south/west on the top and, lower hill. Like all Chablis Grand Cru, Bougros is situated on rive gauche on an embankment with a steeper slope facing south. This situation on the hillside is particularly mild and the hours of sunshine are intense. The soils of Bougros are naturally well drained with some gradation from the coast, where the soils remain quite poor, to the upper part, which contain more clayey and more marly type of soils.

Theirry's Bougros is elegant yet complex with white peach, green apple skin, some saline minerality, though clearly will benefit with 4-5 years more in the bottle. 89+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Thierry Laffay (Chablis): Vaillon is derived from a Latin word meaning a small valley. Under this large premiere cru, there are 8 small plots. With its south to east exposure, Vaillons enjoys the sun especially in the morning. Its shallow soil allows the grapes to ripen quickly. On the subsoil side, there is a high concentration of Kimmeridgian limestones with sometimes very compact slabs.

Some evolution starts to show with perfume of white flowers, wax, some sous bois, wild honey, dried apricot, hazelnut. Finish is waxy and lifting. Very good and ready now. 90.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Thierry Laffay (Chablis): Vaillon is derived from a Latin word meaning a small valley. Under this large premiere cru, there are 8 small plots. With its south to east exposure, Vaillons enjoys the sun especially in the morning. Its shallow soil allows the grapes to ripen quickly. On the subsoil side, there is a high concentration of Kimmeridgian limestones with sometimes very compact slabs.

Vaillon tends to give a softer, more elegant representation of Chablis. This 2018 from Thierry is clean with some saline note. No evolution develops in a noticeable way yet. Will need a couple of years to start being approachable. 89+

7/15/2023 - NarunP Does not like this wine:

Domaine Thierry Laffay (Chablis): Mont de Milieu is on the side of a hill protected from the north winds by a wooded area to the north of the area. A climate bathed in sunshine from morning to evening, thanks to a hillside, oriented south, south-east on a medium and regular slope. Across its 44 hectares, the limestone clays and the small white limestone pebbles blend into an astonishing harmony.

Laffay's Mont de Milieu doesn't show all that well today with reserved nose and slightly muted palate with some apple, peach, and apricot. Some honey and waxy undertone. Come back to this in a couple of years and hopefully it will be opening up. 88+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Thierry Laffay (Chablis): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

Chablis vieilles vignes comes from a small parcel near Vaillon with the vines planted by M Thierry himself between 1979-1989. It expresses a rounder, more mouthful, and less acidic side of Chablis, as compared to the domaine's standard Chablis bottling. It drinks quite well now with minimum aeration. 88.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Thierry Laffay (Chablis): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

Their Chablis is also hailed from parcels around Vaillon. I think this might be one of the best value Chablis bottling out there at 12.30 Euro. The wine shows a slightly petrol and oily nose, melon, traces of toasted almond and hazelnut, elements from the sea/seaweed. Definitely to drink now. 88.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Thierry Laffay (Chablis): The terroirs of the Petit Chablis appellation are located at the top of the coast or on the beginning of the plateau; They are composed of brown and hard limestones, or sometimes loamy and sandy soils, usually between 230 and 280 meters above sea level, with varied exposures. However, the characteristics of each Petit Chablis depend on the specific plots and winemaking style from each domaine.

From a parcel near Premiere Cru Vaillon. Unfortunately, the aromas show some defects with iron, nail polish, slightly fishy smell. Not sure what that's from. The palate is better with bright fruits of melon, peach, and green apple.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Laroche (Chablis): Blanchot got its name from the light color of the soil and subsoil of this cru. East of the hill of Grands Crus, it stretches over 12.7 hectares. This complex terroir is known to be difficult to work with. Its east/south-east exposure gives it a limited solar amplitude. Blanchot takes advantage of the sun in the morning and then sees it turn, but paradoxically remains a warm terroir. Its steep slope and sheltered location allow the grapes to ripen slowly and the harvest usually takes place here well after those of its neighbour, Les Clos. Its subsoil of Kimmeridgian limestones, gives way in places to poor clays very white shells, pebbles or blue and green clays sticky or drying.

Les Blanchots is the highlighted grand cru of the domaine. This standard Blanchot is all about finesse, complex stoned fruit, with great mineral undertone. The finish is slightly longer than its Bouguerot stablemate. Better by a smidgeon in my book. Come back in 6-8 years to reveal its potential. 90+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Laroche (Chablis): Raised from part of the 15 hectares of Bougros, which are sheltered from the winds through its location lying on a flat highside facing south/west on the top and, lower hill. Like all Chablis Grand Cru, Bougros is situated on rive gauche on an embankment with a steeper slope facing south. This situation on the hillside is particularly mild and the hours of sunshine are intense. The soils of Bougros are naturally well drained with some gradation from the coast, where the soils remain quite poor, to the upper part, which contain more clayey and more marly type of soils.

Les Bourgeurots or known to others as Bougros is sheltered from the winds, extending over a wide flat facing South on the west banks of the Serein on a coast rich in limestone. According to the domaine, the vineyard was planted with a massal selection from the estate's historic plants. It shows deep complexity but driven most by its mineral profile - slate, iodine, Himalayan salt with slightly reserved peachy, apricot notes. I think this wine needs some years still, 6-8 years to reach its full maturity. 90+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Laroche (Chablis): Just set back from the hill of Grands Crus, Montée de Tonnerre stands side to side with Grand Cru Blanchot. On its medium to steep slopes exposed to the west, the sun takes up residence in the afternoon and the grapes have no trouble ripening, especially since they are protected from the easterly winds. The shallow soils rest on Kimmeridgian marl limestones and let gush veins of blue clay giving the wines minerality and energy.

Montee de Tonnerre is separated from its adjacent Grand Cru neighbors by a road connecting Chablis and Tonnerre. This climat is home to many fossilized outcrops and renowned for its exceptional blend of finesse and intensity, this wine is revealed by rigorous aging in French oak barrels. Despite the irregularity of 2021, this wine shows big personality, richer, and more expressive wine. Lots of minerality, honey, white flowers, wax, toasted almond. This bottling will need time, 5-6 years minimum to start showing its potential. 90+

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Laroche (Chablis): Vau de Vey is a flag-bearing Climat on rive gauche. It includes Vaux Ragons, together with which it forms a 40-hectare island of vines. Because of its south and east exposure, Vau de Vey only gets the morning sun. It qualifies as a cool Climat, even more so due to the north wind that rushes into the valley. The grapes therefore need more time to ripen. Another peculiarity lies in the way Vau de Vey is set on extremely steep hillsides! Machine access is almost impossible in some places! In terms of soil, the roots also face quite a challenge in struggling through a thick layer of Kimmeridgian marl.

Elegant premiere cru bottling from the left bank, a cool terroir with a rocky topsoil. It also sees at least 10% in oak casks for 6 months. This works out well showing great classic profile of the wine. Interesting green garden herb, lychee, and green apple notes. I would drink this sooner, in a couple of years to enjoy the fresh profile of the wine. 89-90.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Laroche (Chablis): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

Laroche Chablis Saint Martin spent at least 6 months in large old oak casks creating the rounder, sweeter orchard fruit sensation than the domaine's petit Chablis. In addition, the aging process was done under fine lees. 88. Drink now.

7/15/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Laroche (Chablis): The terroirs of the Petit Chablis appellation are located at the top of the coast or on the beginning of the plateau; They are composed of brown and hard limestones, or sometimes loamy and sandy soils, usually between 230 and 280 meters above sea level, with varied exposures. However, the characteristics of each Petit Chablis depend on the specific plots and winemaking style from each domaine.

Laroche's Petit Chablis shows the soft side of the appellation, with peach, apricot, and honey-like finish. Quaffable. Drink now, though I would invest a few Euros more and get their Chablis bottling instead.

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Nathalie and Gilles Ferve (Fontenay-Pres-Chablis): Its 10.8 hectares facing south to south/west are bathed in sunshine a good part of the day. And when summer comes, they enjoy the last rays until late at night. On the surface, if the soils are mainly clay-limestone and brown in color, some plots are covered with whiter clays of thin thickness.

Les Preuses in this year is somehow much more expressive than in 2020. Immediately evokes mineralities and stony nature of the soils it occupies. Here, the marl and limestone soils show the subtle elegant profile of Grand Cru Chablis. This one also needs a bit more time but I would rate this a step higher than the 2020 version. 90+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Nathalie and Gilles Ferve (Fontenay-Pres-Chablis): Its 10.8 hectares facing south to south/west are bathed in sunshine a good part of the day. And when summer comes, they enjoy the last rays until late at night. On the surface, if the soils are mainly clay-limestone and brown in color, some plots are covered with whiter clays of thin thickness.

Les Preuses of Nathalie and Gilles in 2020 has a lot of potentials but currently in a hibernation stage. Some wax, grapefruit, heated vanilla seed. 89/90.

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Nathalie and Gilles Ferve (Fontenay-Pres-Chablis): Named after the early owner of the valley, Laurent, Vaulorent (Valley of Laurent) is situated on the right bank of the Serein. Vaulorent shares with Fourchaume, a number of characteristics, though it is the only one lieu dit within that premiere cru to touch the Chablis Grand Cru appellation: Preuses and Bougros. This proximity to the Grands Crus de Chablis gives it a special aura: open to the Serein valley, it benefits from double exposure and ideal sunshine conditions. The soils are deep and clayey at the foot of the hill, more stony at the top.

The 2021 Vaulorent is much leaner and more focus than its 2020 vintage tasted alongside. The acidic framework shows more visibly with white peach, mineral characters. Good but a half step behind the 2020 at this point. 89.

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Nathalie and Gilles Ferve (Fontenay-Pres-Chablis): Named after the early owner of the valley, Laurent, Vaulorent (Valley of Laurent) is situated on the right bank of the Serein. Vaulorent shares with Fourchaume, a number of characteristics, though it is the only one lieu dit within that premiere cru to touch the Chablis Grand Cru appellation: Preuses and Bougros. This proximity to the Grands Crus de Chablis gives it a special aura: open to the Serein valley, it benefits from double exposure and ideal sunshine conditions. The soils are deep and clayey at the foot of the hill, more stony at the top.

Vaulorent is a lieu dit of Fourchaume Premiere Cru, adjacent to Grand Cru Preuses and thus receiving similar north-south sun exposure. Showing intense caremel, burnt sugar notes on the nose with bright fruity, jasmine, white flower type notes. This is a big wine with some evident oak derived profile. This is a big wine from a sun-soaked hill in a sun drenching vintage. It will be ready sooner than other bottling. Come back again in 2-3 years. 90+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Nathalie and Gilles Ferve (Fontenay-Pres-Chablis): It is unclear how it has got its name but the tale goes that it could come from a fork for crossroads or gibbet, one of the two possible origins of this name Fourchaume. Situated the north on the right bank from the town center of Chablis, this standard-bearing premiere cru climat, which stretches for nearly 4 kilometers between its northernmost lieu dit l'Homme Mort and its southern tip in Vaulorent. Fourchaume is sometimes difficult to apprehend: straddling 4 communes (Chablis-Poinchy, Fontenay-près-Chablis, Maligny and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne), its face and topography are not common.

Thanks to a West/South-West orientation, it is firmly a solar terroir, where the grapes ripen early. Largely open to the Serein valley, Fourchaume reveals a great diversity of topographies. However, a trend emerges: its soils are mainly composed of brown clays and are not very stony. They are, for the most part, quite deep, well supplied with water and well draining.

This bottling of Fourchaume comprises of fruits from two lieu dits: Vaupulent and Cote de Fontenay, both of which locate in the southern part of the premiere cru climat. Smoky, seaweed, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, pomelo, waxy bitterness, clean but lifting finish. Great Premiere cru bottling that will be ready in 2-3 years. 90+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Nathalie and Gilles Ferve (Fontenay-Pres-Chablis): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

Standard Chablis of Nathalie and Gilles Ferve is a fine juice! Raised in 100% stainless steel, showing mineral, bright, clean, lively, notes with lots of apricot and peach on the palate. Very refreshing finish as well. Drink now.

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): Its 10.8 hectares facing south to south/west are bathed in sunshine a good part of the day. And when summer comes, they enjoy the last rays until late at night. On the surface, if the soils are mainly clay-limestone and brown in color, some plots are covered with whiter clays of thin thickness.

Tasted alongside its stablemate 2021 GC Bougros. This Preuses comes off sharper and more acidic, showing more bright orchard fruits - apple, pear, and peach, much more than the confectionery notes. Interesting bitter mineral aftertaste. Should be ready in 5 years. 90.

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): Raised from part of the 15 hectares of Bougros, which are sheltered from the winds through its location lying on a flat highside facing south/west on the top and, lower hill. Like all Chablis Grand Cru, Bougros is situated on rive gauche on an embankment with a steeper slope facing south. This situation on the hillside is particularly mild and the hours of sunshine are intense. The soils of Bougros are naturally well drained with some gradation from the coast, where the soils remain quite poor, to the upper part, which contain more clayey and more marly type of soils.

Vinified and aged in oak barrels with various ages and sizes. This Bougros is complex, showing a lot of peach, nectarine, white flowers, seasalt, briney seaweed, with a bit of candied autumnal fruits and honey, honeysuckle at the backend. Great bottle of Bougros in the making. Will be ready by 2030 and drink well for 10 years after that. 90+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): L'Homme Mort is a curious name for a parcel of vines. The legend has it that it was named after an old "dead elm" tree or an old cemetery at the entrance of the valley. Situated on the northend of Fourchaume on the right bank, it is one of the largest climates and it is especially the most northerly. It is exposed West/Southwest. The stratum of marl and Kimmeridgian (limestone with Exogyra virgula, these small fossilized oysters so typical of Chablis) gradually sinks throughout the Fourchaume Climate before going up to the North to almost disappear at the level of L'Homme Mort.

This 2021 l'Homme Mort must have gone through a rigorous selection process because it packs a punch. Lots of telltales of Chablis characters showing strong mineral notes, stoned fruits, seaweed, saline, iodine. Finish is clean and quite long lasting. This one is actually quite delicious now with an hour of decanting but will be amazing in 5-7 years. 90+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): Mont de Milieu is on the side of a hill protected from the north winds by a wooded area to the north of the area. A climate bathed in sunshine from morning to evening, thanks to a hillside, oriented south, south-east on a medium and regular slope. Across its 44 hectares, the limestone clays and the small white limestone pebbles blend into an astonishing harmony.

Raised in 80% stainless steel, 20% oak barrels of various sizes and ages. Mont de Milieu is another premiere cru climat on the right side of the valley (rive droite). Quite reserved/muted on the nose with some reduction. Palate is better and more complex than what the aromas give. Strong finish. This one should be ready a little sooner than its stablemates. I'd say in 2-3 years time, this should be very well positioned for its primary drinking window. 89+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): Named since 1537 and enjoying superb exposure as it is positioned to benefit from the sun. It is a premiere cru with two sub-plots (lieu dit): Morein and Côte des Prés-Girots, cover about 33 hectares on a kimmeridgian subsoil and a poor clay soil with small pebbles. This small stream is called the Crioux. Located in Fleys on a side of valley secondary to that of the Serein, this parcel is favorably exposed to the South and East. It is also fortunate to be largely protected from the north winds by the valley floor. This particular exposure makes it a warm climate bathed in sunshine where the grapes like and ripen easily.

Raised in 85% stainless steel tank and 15% oak casks of various sizes and ages. Similar profile with its Les Fourneaux normale, though with less tangy, rounder nose (probably due to that 15% oak aging). The palate is also less acidic edges with soft, sweeter fruits. This is the one to keep for 5-6 more years. 89+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): Named since 1537 and enjoying superb exposure as it is positioned to benefit from the sun. It is a premiere cru with two sub-plots (lieu dit): Morein and Côte des Prés-Girots, cover about 33 hectares on a kimmeridgian subsoil and a poor clay soil with small pebbles. This small stream is called the Crioux. Located in Fleys on a side of valley secondary to that of the Serein, this parcel is favorably exposed to the South and East. It is also fortunate to be largely protected from the north winds by the valley floor. This particular exposure makes it a warm climate bathed in sunshine where the grapes like and ripen easily.

This premiere cru bottling has seen no oak barrel in this vintage. 100% vinified and aged in oak barrel. Showing a lot of herbal, greener, grassy with some smoky aromas. On the palate, this has a noticeably fuller, meatier midpalate than the chablis and petit chablis bottling (as expected). In addition, this show more mineral side of Chablis than the fruity side.

The minerality and greener notes here could be due to the nature of Fourneaux which typically doesn't see as much afternoon sun as other Rive Droit climats. In addition, 2021 tends to give the wine that is less exotic fruit but more subtle and classic. This is a good wine that will need 4-5 years before you can start drinking. 89+

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

Another Chablis bottling from Alain Gautheron but a special barrel and plot selection. The quality is markedly different from their standard Chablis with some vanilla, buttery notes coming through, which were absent in the latter.

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): Established in 1938, The Chablis appellation represents 65% of the production of Chablis wines. The major base comes from the Jurassic, more precisely the Kimmeridgian (some 150 million years ago) and we find in the rock tiny oyster deposits that remind us of the warm and shallow sea that then covered this territory. These comma-shaped oysters are called Exogyra virgula.

More stuff going on than its Petit Chablis counterpart.

Again, very clean and mineral driven but with this tap water undertones (a bit of chlorine/iodine type notes). Slightly longer than the Petit Chablis from the same year.

2022 is another so-called solar year in this part of the world after a more classic vintage in 2021.

7/14/2023 - NarunP wrote:

Domaine Alain Gautheron (Fleys (Chablis)): The terroirs of the Petit Chablis appellation are located at the top of the coast or on the beginning of the plateau; They are composed of brown and hard limestones, or sometimes loamy and sandy soils, usually between 230 and 280 meters above sea level, with varied exposures. However, the characteristics of each Petit Chablis depend on the specific plots and winemaking style from each domaine.

From 30 years old vine, all estate plots around the flatter part of the appellation.

Fruity, mineral, clean, but with a rather short finish.

7/4/2023 - NarunP wrote:

100% Fer Servadou, also known as Mansois

Appearance shows medium purple color with brownish tint, slightly widened rim but clear and transparent.

Aromas are the star of the show here. Roasted coffee bean, black fruit, dark chocolate, cocoa, with some mixed cooking spices.

On the palate, this becomes a little disjointed. Medium acidity, medium body, still relatively tannic but clearly dissolving. Some black and red berry notes but the midpalate is somehow lacking somewhat. Finish is also watering.

So much potential on the nose but this might be on its way down the hill. 88.

7/4/2023 - NarunP wrote:

100% Riesling

Medium straw color, clear, and youthful.

Aromas show crushed white peach, granite, lime, jasmine, and slightly smoky honey.

Palate has medium plus acidity, medium to medium plus body, dry. Somehow though, it feels a little extracted. The first sip tastes a bit like Clare Valley Riesling from Australia. The telltale petrol notes feel somehow forced. Grapefruit, nectarine, pomelo, with saline minerality running through until the finish.

This is a good Riesling. Just does not taste like an Alsatian Riesling I used to. It feels a New World Riesling for some reason, though the quality is definitely there. Give it half an hour of aeration, it should be ready now. 88-89.

6/30/2023 - NarunP Likes this wine:

Blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc

Visually, the wine shows intense amber color. Clear and transparent with some crystalized sediments.

On the nose, it shows complex aromas of honey, honeycomb, coconut, fragrant Thai golden yellow mango (Mangifera Indica L.), smoke, and cinnamon bark.

Palate is multidimensional. Medium plus acidity, medium plus residual sugar. Both creates a great tension that makes the wine lively. The palate expresses ripe pineapple, jack fruit, toasted almond, hazelnut, chinese tea, marzipan. Finish is long and satisfying with some lime squeezed honey.

Another amazing bottle pulled from the cellar of Legrand filles et fils. This bottle will continue to develop but it clearly approaches its drinking windows. Sauternes and Barsac are such underrated appellations. Drink now - 2039 easily. 92+