2023 Louis Moreau Les Fourneaux Chablis 1er Cru, Burgundy

From the sun warmed slopes of Les Fourneaux on the right bank of the Serein, this Premier Cru sits close to Grand Cru territory and often shows a little more generosity while keeping that unmistakable Chablis line. Louis Moreau, continuing his family’s long connection to the region, focuses on clarity and balance, allowing site and vintage to take the lead.

The 2023 vintage brings both ripeness and freshness. Pale straw in the glass, the aromatics are layered and inviting, lemon, grapefruit and ripe apple unfolding alongside white flowers, a touch of honeyed nuance and that classic flinty edge.

The palate has a little more breadth than many Chablis, citrus and orchard fruits carried over a subtly rounded frame, yet it never loses its focus. A line of bright acidity keeps everything taut, while a mineral thread and gentle savoury note carry through a long, persistent finish.

This is a brilliant partner for seafood with a bit of richness. Think scallops with beurre noisette, lobster, or roast fish with herbs. It also handles poultry dishes beautifully, especially with a creamy or buttery element.

Drinking beautifully now, though it will evolve over the next eight to twelve years, gaining more complexity and depth.

There is a lovely balance here, a Premier Cru that brings both generosity and precision, offering a fuller expression of Chablis without losing its core identity.