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2021 Vincent Dauvissat Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons #900559063
93
John Gilman
Reviews 91-93 points Vinous "The 2021 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru was severely affected by the frost this year, so there are just seven barrels and five feuillettes this year. It has a beautifully defined bouquet with fine focus and energy, honeysuckle and light crushed stone aromas. The palate is very intense with a killer line of acidity, taut and fresh with a twist of sour lemon on the finish. Excellent. (NM)" 92 points Burghound "A vague suggestion of wood lurks in the background of the ripe and ultra-fresh aromas of citrus confit, petrol, iodine and just sliced pear. There is a bit more volume and richness to the delicious medium-weight flavors that are quite as energetic yet possess even better depth and persistence on the saline-suffused finale. This well-balanced effort should develop well over the next 7 to 10 years. (AM)"
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About Vincent Dauvissat
Vincent Dauvissat is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated domaines in the renowned Chablis region of Burgundy. Established in the 1920s, the estate came into its own in the 1970s when René joined his father, Robert, in the vineyards. Today, Vincent, the son of René, proudly continues the family legacy, meticulously farming 12 hectares of prime terroirs in Chablis.
The vineyard holdings of Vincent Dauvissat include some of the most prestigious sites in Chablis. They encompass premier cru vineyards such as Vaillons, La Forêt, Séchets, Montée de Tonnerre, and the grand cru vineyards of Les Preuses and Les Clos. These exceptional vineyards are situated on the prized Kimmeridgian limestone, which imparts a distinctive minerality and character to the wines.
Dauvissat's winemaking philosophy can be summarized as slow and steady wins the race. The vinification process begins with slow, natural fermentations in enamel cuves, where the wine rests for up to a year. It is then transferred to six-to-eight-year-old Nevers oak barrels for aging. While oak aging is rare in Chablis today, Vincent's judicious use of older barrels adds depth, structure, and age-worthiness to the wines without overshadowing their inherent character with oak flavors.
The wines of Dauvissat are renowned for their elegant texture, penetrating minerality, and depth of character. They possess a remarkable ability to age gracefully in the cellar while also delivering a captivating experience on the palate.
Among Dauvissat's portfolio, their grand crus, Les Clos and Les Preuses, stand as crown jewels. These extraordinary sites, along with the lesser-known premier cru vineyard of La Forêt, produce wines that rival the quality and complexity of the finest grand crus. La Forêt, in particular, displays a rounder, honeyed texture and deeper aromas and flavors, offering a weight and complexity that is typically found only in the best grand crus.
Vincent Dauvissat's commitment to preserving the integrity of the terroir is evident in his approach to winemaking. He practices natural farming with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyards to express themselves authentically. Hand-harvesting, spontaneous malolactic fermentation, and aging in older barrels further contribute to the wines' purity and sense of place.
While the wines of Domaine Vincent Dauvissat are highly sought-after and limited in availability, their unparalleled quality and unique expression of Chablis' terroir make them an exceptional choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.