The 2012 vintage shows floral white notes layered with pronounced minerality, saline precision, and vibrant acidity. The magnum format (1500ml) enhances ageing potential and preserves freshness beautifully. Rich yet focused, it pairs exceptionally well with refined seafood dishes such as turbot, scallops, langoustine, and other Atlantic fish.

Chablisdefaix.com

Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis Les Lys Premier Cru 2012 is a refined and beautifully mature expression of this distinguished Chablis vineyard. From south-east-facing vines averaging around 41 years old, the wine is rooted in classic Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils, giving it pronounced minerality, saline precision and aromatic depth.

The grapes are gently pressed before natural-yeast fermentation at around 18°C for three weeks, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged on fine lees for approximately 18 months, with monthly stirring to build richness, texture and complexity while preserving its fresh, mineral character.

Floral and expressive on the nose, the palate combines ripe stone fruit and delicate white-flower notes with seashell minerality, saline freshness and impressive verticality. Rich yet focused, it has a beautifully textured palate and a long, precise finish. Presented in magnum, the 2012 offers excellent freshness and graceful ageing potential, making it a superb match for turbot, langoustines, scallops, Atlantic fish and other refined seafood.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2012
Oak: No oak; aged on fine lees for 18 months
Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Area: Les Lys Premier Cru, Clos des Rois
Vineyard Area: Approx. 3.5 ha
Soil: Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marl
Exposition: South-east facing
Vine Age: Approx. 41–45 years
Vinification: Gently pressed, followed by natural-yeast fermentation at approximately 18°C for three weeks and complete malolactic fermentation. Aged on fine lees for approximately 18 months with monthly stirring to develop texture, richness and complexity.
Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France
Classification: Chablis Premier Cru – Les Lys

Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
Decanting: 30 minutes
Food Pairing: Oysters, scallops, langoustines, turbot, sea bass, other delicate white fish, seafood risotto, poultry in cream sauce and fresh goat cheese.