This Premier Cru Chardonnay from the renowned Vaillon vineyard in Chablis offers a harmonious blend of ripe fruit and mineral complexity. Crafted by the 14th-generation winemaker Daniel-Etienne Defaix, the wine showcases the estate's commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, including extended aging on lees with monthly bâtonnage.

Winemaker

From one of Chablis's oldest estates, a magnificent, 13-year-old Premier Cru. Daniel Etienne Defaix goes to extreme lengths to produce richness and structure in his wines. Only just released, this 2011 has complex honeyed peach and citrus intensity.

Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Pale golden hue
Nose: Aromas of buttered brioche, lemon zest, ripe orchard fruits, and earthy, forest-floor undertones.
Palate: Flavors of green apple, nectarine, lemon, and lime, evolving into notes of butter, honey, dried herbs, and oak. The wine is beautifully round and generous, with great complexity.
Finish: Long and mineral-driven, characteristic of the Kimmeridgian soils

Vineyard and Winemaking:
Vine Age: 45 to 50 years
Soil: Clay-rich Kimmeridgian marl, rich in iron with a gravelly surface layer
Winemaking: Fermented and aged on natural yeasts for approximately four years, with monthly bâtonnage, resulting in a wine with depth and complexity

Food Pairing:
Ideal with lobster, pungent cheeses, or creamy pasta dishes.