2022 Domaine Jean Collet Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Organic, Burgundy

Just filtered. Pale in colour and the nose has been slightly stripped. Entirely white fruit, with concentration, perhaps a hint of lemon, the stones and the flesh, but a bit muted. The persistence is there, so this may just be unwilling to declare itself today. Drink from 2027-2032. 

89-92 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

The 2022 Domaine Jean Collet Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Organic is a beautifully expressive Chardonnay that captures both the finesse of the Vaillons premier cru and the domaine’s commitment to organic farming. Domaine Jean Collet, founded in 1952 and now run by the third generation with Romain Collet at the helm, has become a leading name in Chablis for producing wines that balance tradition with modern precision. Their conversion to organics underscores their pursuit of purity, terroir transparency and sustainability.

Vaillons is one of the most celebrated premiers crus of Chablis, located on the left bank of the Serein River. Its south and southeast-facing slopes of Kimmeridgian limestone and marl yield wines that are aromatic, vibrant and elegant, often with a floral lift compared to other crus. The 2022 vintage was generous and balanced, providing fruit of excellent ripeness while retaining freshness, which suits Vaillons’ expressive character. Fermentation and ageing in stainless steel, with a touch of older oak, bring both clarity and a subtle roundness.

In the glass it is pale gold with green highlights. The bouquet is bright and layered, with lemon zest, white peach and pear complemented by acacia blossom, flint and oyster shell. The palate is medium-bodied and precise, with citrus and orchard fruits supported by a fine mineral backbone and lively acidity. Lees contact adds texture and creaminess without losing definition, and the finish is long, saline and elegant.

Food pairings celebrate its vibrancy and complexity: oysters, grilled prawns, sole meunière, or vegetarian dishes such as asparagus risotto, zucchini flowers or a goat’s cheese tart. While already approachable, it has the structure to age 8 to 12 years, developing honey, hazelnut and truffle notes while retaining its mineral core.