2023 Dm de la Motte Chablis, Burgundy

Sliced pears, almonds and white peaches on the nose, followed by a creamy, lightly nutty and medium-bodied palate. Nicely balanced. Drink now.

90 points jamessuckling.com

Domaine de la Motte Chablis is a textbook example of the region’s purity and mineral finesse, delivering exceptional value and classic character. Based in the village of Beines, just west of the town of Chablis, Domaine de la Motte is a long-standing family estate now run by Sébastien Michaut, who brings modern precision to traditional, terroir-focused winemaking. The estate works sustainably, with careful vineyard management to maintain the health of their vines and the expression of their distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone soils.

This Chablis is made entirely from Chardonnay grown on south and southeast-facing slopes that offer excellent sunlight and drainage. The vineyard soils, rich in fossilised marine sediment, are key to the wine’s clean, chalky backbone and saline finish. The fruit is hand harvested at optimal ripeness and fermented in stainless steel using native yeasts. There is no oak influence here—the goal is to preserve the varietal clarity and mineral tension that Chablis is known for.

In the glass, Domaine de la Motte Chablis offers aromas of lemon zest, green apple, crushed oyster shell and white flowers. The palate is crisp, linear and precise, with flavours of grapefruit, pear skin and a subtle flinty edge. There’s excellent drive and freshness, finishing long with a chalky minerality that lingers beautifully.

This is the kind of wine that shines with seafood—think freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns with lemon, or sashimi. It’s also lovely with goat cheese, simple chicken dishes or creamy risotto with asparagus and herbs.

Domaine de la Motte’s village Chablis consistently overdelivers for the price, offering a true sense of place without the premium of a Premier Cru. It’s a benchmark for those seeking classic Chablis expression—vibrant, mineral, and effortlessly drinkable.