A profound expression of Grand Cru Chablis, this Valmur 2022 reveals remarkable depth and precision. Aromas of white flowers, orchard fruits, and oyster shell unfold over a finely etched mineral core. The palate is layered and satiny, balancing richness with vibrant acidity and a long, saline finish. Both powerful and refined, it promises graceful evolution in the cellar.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94+
Published: Mar 6, 2025
Drink: 2027-2045

Aromas of white flowers, pear, apples, wet stone and oyster shell introduce the 2022 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered wine that's pure and taut, with racy acids and a long, saline finish.

The 2022 crop is the penultimate vintage of organic conversion for the 78-hectare Domaine William Fèvre, though it's actually the 16th year the estate has been practicing organic. It's a terrific success, exhibiting tension and precision that isn't universally to be taken for granted in this Chablis vintage. Beyond the quality of the wines themselves, the big news at this address, which has been managed with sagacity and competence by Didier Séguier since 1999, is its acquisition by Domaines des Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). I'm sure Fèvre couldn't have found a better steward for the future.

Decanter | D 94
Published: Oct 19, 2023
Drink: 2026-2036

Fèvre's Valmur plots lie over marly Kimmeridgian soils, with the emphasis here on freshness and a degree of austerity. Very dramatic, dense and concentrated on the palate, and which exudes purity and drive. A great success in 2022 and great ageing potential.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17.5
Published: Jan 17, 2024

Tank sample. A little spicier than the Preuses. Complex with a light cedary side to the citrus fruit. Deep and creamy on the palate, rich and caressing yet shot through with a backbone of acidity. So creamy that you barely notice that mouth-watering acidity.

Vivino | Vivino 4.2

It has elegant bouquet with fruity notes against a mineral backdrop. Powerful with great structure, the wine is smooth and delicate on the palate.

Lafite.com

The vintage
After a relatively mild and very dry winter, the vine began to bud in the last week of March. Fortunately, at the end of March, just before the first frosts, the vintage showed a few days' delay compared to the average of the past 20 years. Despite the frost and cold, we observe a good emergence of clusters. Flowering took place at the end of May under excellent conditions, with little shatter or millerandage. The vine caught up and now shows a 10-day advance. August 31 marks the beginning of the harvest with all the teams. The sanitary condition is perfect, the skins are thick, and the grapes are pulpy with a good juice yield.

Location
Appellation of 10,5 hectares in the midst of the Grands Crus. It forms a valley adjacent to that of Vaudésir, with its tip connecting to Les Clos. Its terroir is divided into two sections, on either side of the chemin de la fontaine Sainte Vaubourg. Its shape resembles that of a small valley, which is where the name Valmur comes from.

Terroir
The clay-limestone soils are deeper and brown at the bottom, whereas at the top they are lean and white. At the summit of Valmur, the marly vein outcrops. A plot of 1.15 hectares, representing 9% of the total appellation, is exposed to the south/southeast.

Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1.5 to 2 hours) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 18 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 40% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.

Grapes
100 % Chardonnay

Tasting
Charming bouquet with surprising fruitiness and a good mineral presence.
The powerful and robust palate is elegant and round.