2023 Dom de la Motte Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy, Burgundy

This has attractive pie crust and hazelnut undertones as well as aromas of fresh stone fruit. It’s medium-bodied, chalky and fresh, with lightly bitter aniseed and citrus pith notes on the palate adding complexity. Drink now.

92 points James Suckling

Domaine de la Motte is one of Chablis' quietly impressive family estates, with generations of the Michaut family cultivating vineyards across the region's most prized sites. Based in the village of Beine, the domaine has built a reputation for producing classically styled Chablis that emphasises purity, minerality and vineyard expression. Their approach is refreshingly traditional, allowing the unique character of each site to shine through while preserving the freshness that makes Chablis one of the world's great white wine regions.

Premier Cru Beauroy lies on the left bank of the Serein River, where south and southeast facing slopes maximise sun exposure while the region's cool climate maintains tension and finesse. The vineyard's famous Kimmeridgian soils, rich in limestone and ancient marine fossils, impart the distinctive mineral character that has defined Chablis for centuries. Beauroy is often admired for combining the generosity of a warmer site with the precision and elegance expected of Premier Cru Chablis.

Pale gold with bright green highlights, the wine opens with aromas of lemon zest, green apple and white peach, layered with notes of oyster shell, white flowers and wet stone. The palate is beautifully balanced, offering concentrated citrus and orchard fruit flavours supported by a chalky mineral backbone. A subtle saline character adds complexity, while vibrant acidity brings energy and focus. The finish is long and refined, lingering with notes of crushed limestone, lemon peel and sea spray.

Outstanding with freshly shucked oysters, grilled scallops, blue swimmer crab, lobster with herb butter or a delicate asparagus and goat's cheese tart. While already showing impressive charm and accessibility, it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next eight to ten years. Beauroy's combination of richness, freshness and minerality makes it one of the most rewarding Premier Cru vineyards in Chablis.